Learning the Ins and Outs of Digital Textile Printing

The Center for Excellence in Surface Imaging's state-of-the-art digital printing center is packed with technologies from multiple manufacturers. | Credit: The Center for Excellence in Surface Imaging, School of Design and Engineering, Kanbar College of Design, Engineering and Commerce at Thomas Jefferson University

The Center for Excellence in Surface Imaging, School of Design and Engineering, Kanbar College of Design, Engineering and Commerce at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, is looking to enhance education and certification around print and decoration. Its goal, notes the director, Hitoshi Ujiie, is to enhance and improve the professional imaging industry, educating future leaders, and conducting applied research in improvements to the technologies and techniques.

To that end, Ujiie is launching a new program aimed at surface decoration, of which digital textile printing is considered a major component. It is a for-credit series of short courses open to students, and imaging professionals and designers looking to enhance their skill and ability in surface decoration.

There are six courses, each a combination of experiential and theoretical learning, which will be offered as three-day weekend events, or over several evenings during weekdays. The courses include:

• Surface Imaging Design: Pattern development for decorative print
• Digital Textile Printing (wet and dry processes)
• Hard Surface Digital Printing (2.5 D printing)
• Digital Printing for Flexible Substrates (wallpaper, cling, print/cut)
• Digital Color Management (theory and hands-on)
• Printing Technology (Online lecture)

In addition, future course offerings include a section on 3D printing basics, and one on direct-to-garment printing, notes Ujiie. The courses will launch in September, with plans to offer one per month, with each offered twice per year. Each course will be worth 1.5 credits with the University, and after completing all nine, the course will award a certificate for Advanced Practice Certification in Surface Imaging. 

“We’re hoping to connect the links of design, engineering, and business — that is the mission of our center,” says Ujiie. He believes the new program will “make the industry far more holistic and democratized for the technologies,” with a focus on not just learning about how technologies work, but how to take them to the next level and use them to produce new and innovative products.

To learn more about the upcoming courses, or to get involved, visit Jefferson.edu/SIcenter.