What are the printing techniques utilized for webbing?

There are multiple options for adding logos to webbing, which depend on the material, budget, complexity of the logo, and the desired effect. The following are common production techniques and their characteristics:

1. Weaving techniques (direct weaving)

Jacquard weaving

The logo pattern is directly woven through the interlacing of longitude and latitude lines, and the color can be customized (usually 2-5 colors).

Advantages: Durable and sturdy, no risk of falling off, suitable for long-term use (such as luggage webbing, brand identification straps).

Disadvantages: Requires plate-making fees, high cost for small batches; complex patterns or gradient colors are difficult to achieve.

2. Printing Techniques

Screen Printing

The logo is printed on the surface of the woven tape with ink through a silk screen.

Advantages: Low cost, suitable for simple logos, single-color or a few multi-color designs.

Disadvantages: Prone to wear and tear, not resistant to water washing, and dark-colored webbing requires highly covering ink.

Digital direct printing

The logo is directly printed using inkjet technology, which is suitable for high-definition and complex patterns.

Advantages: No page charges, small batch production available, rich in colors.

Disadvantages: Some materials need pre-treatment and have average weather resistance.

3. Heat transfer woven tape

First, weave the white or light-colored webbing, and then use heat transfer technology to print the logo pattern on it.

Advantages: Suitable for complex patterns or multi-color gradients.

Disadvantages: Long-term friction may cause fading and it has poor washability.  

4. Hot Stamping

Gold Foil Stamping / Silver Foil Stamping

Transfer the metal foil onto the fabric tape with high temperature to form a shiny logo.

Advantages: High-end texture, suitable for brand logos.

Disadvantage: It may crack and fall off, and is not suitable for webbing that is frequently bent.

Heat transfer film

Sewing on fabric labels

Sew the pre-printed fabric labels onto the webbing.

Advantages: Flexible replacement, suitable for temporary events or small batches.

Disadvantages: High labor costs and may affect the appearance.

Selection Suggestions

Durability First: Jacquard weaving, embroidery, laser engraving.

Low-cost small-batch production: Screen printing, digital direct printing.

High-quality feel: gold foil stamping, embroidery.

Complex patterns: heat transfer, digital direct printing.

Further adjust the process selection based on the material of the webbing (cotton, polyester, nylon, etc.) and its application (such as clothing accessories, outdoor equipment, etc.).

The 3D stereoscopic printing process is sometimes adopted to highlight logos, patterns and other marks, giving them a three-dimensional effect.

1.Silicone 3D Pad Printing / Silicone Rubber Printing

Process Features:

Utilizing highly elastic silicone ink, multiple layers are superimposed through screen printing to create a raised 3D effect. It can produce soft, wear-resistant, and elastic silicone logos with a delicate touch, suitable for high-frequency friction webbing (such as backpack straps, sports equipment). The thickness can reach 0.3 to 2mm, providing a distinct 3D tactile experience.

Application Scenarios:

High-end brand webbing, outdoor gear, shoe and hat accessories, bag straps, etc.

2.Thick Plate Plastisol Printing (Plastisol 3D Printing / High-Density Printing)

Process Characteristics:

It uses PVC or polyurethane (PU) plastisol and forms hard raised patterns through multiple screen printing layers. The surface can be treated with matte, glossy or special textures, but it feels slightly harder than silicone. It is suitable for logos that require strong three-dimensional effects and durability (such as workwear webbing and reflective signs).

3. Foam Printing

Process Characteristics:

Foaming agents are added to the glue, and after high-temperature heating, the ink expands to form a slight three-dimensional effect (about 0.5 to 1mm in thickness).

It has a lower cost, but the three-dimensional effect and durability are not as good as those of silicone/thick plate glue.

Professional Terminology Differentiation

Silicone 3D Print: Soft and elastic, the top choice for high-end applications.

Plastisol High-Density Print: Hard and raised, with strong durability.

Foam Print: Slightly three-dimensional, an economical option.

How to choose?

For a soft touch → Select silicone gel three-dimensional printing.

For a hard and high-relief effect → Select thick plate glue printing.

For a low-cost three-dimensional effect → Select foam printing.

It is recommended to provide the material and application of the webbing to the supplier to determine the best process (for example, nylon webbing needs pre-treatment to improve adhesion).