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Journal of Textile and Fashion Technology (JTFT) Vol. 1, Issue 1, Jun 2015, 21-32 © TJPRC Pvt. Ltd.
RHINESTONE PRINTING
CHETNA LODHI
Sardar Vallabhbhbai Patel International School of Textiles and Management,
Avinashi Road, Peelamedu, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu India
ABSTRACT
The rhinestone studded nudie suit was invented by nudie Cohn in the 1940’s.advancement by Daniel Swarovski in
the technique of cutting crystals to mimic the facets of gemstones. Swarovski Crystals. These crystals give extra sparkle to
your design. Rhinestone printed products are used for corporate events, school events, parties. The transfer paper for
fabrics allows creating colors rhinestone printing using inkjet or laser. Cams automatic rhinestone machine are the quick
and easy way of rhinestone printing. Hot fix rhinestone or dtg(direct to garment printer)-they add to the selling price of
garments rhinestone design can be created with Brush-N-Bake rhinestone Design Kit,hotfix automatic transfer machines or
manually. It gives a trendy lifestyle with variety of sizes and shapes. The temperature, time and total number of stones a
designer want can be set in the hot fix rhinestone machines. Various template designs are available in the market to make
an easy choice for the clients.
KEYWORDS: Swarovski,Hotfix,Brush,Bake,Cams,I-Designr™,Glamorous,Embroidery,Transfer Paper,Templates,Dtg
Printer
INTRODUCTION
In the process of rhinestone printing different color rhinestones are used instead of ink or vinyl to create custom
design or logo. The designs are created using high quality rhinestones or Swarovski Crystals. These crystals give extra
sparkle to your design. Rhinestone printed products are used for corporate events, school events, parties and many more.T-
shirt design can also be printed using these specialized technique. Turnaround time for rhinestone printing is 7 -14 days the
glistening effect of Rhinestone can also be reproduce by keeping it in the sun.
Figure 1
http://www.3vprinting.com/images/rhinestone_printing.gif
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ORIGIN
Rhinestones were rock crystals gathered from the river rhine.Rhinestones were greatly available in 18th century.
Alsatian jeweler Georg Friedrich Strass has imitate diamond by coating the lower side of glass with metal powder hence
,rhinestones are also called strass in European languages. In 1955 vacuum-sputtered metallic was applied to crystal stoneto
produce iridescent effect called the Aurora Borealis. This method was introduced by Swarovski.
The rhinestone studded nudie suit was invented by nudie Cohn in the 1940’s The use of rhinestone was associated
with country’s music singers like Elvis Presley and pianist librace.A French jeweler called George Frederic sras gave the
idea of metal coating the back of clear crystals to get reflection from the stone. Later rhinestone got a huge popularity and
was produced in large amount when advancement was done by Daniel Swarovski in the technique of cutting crystals to
mimic the facets of gemstones.
Figure 2
ADVANTAGES
• Colored rhinestone printing using inkjet or laser.
• Low cost
• Easy to learn
• Unique design can be created by hot fix rhinestone
• Permanent application of rhinestone on apparel and accessory
• Multiple design possibilities with different shapes, color, sizes
• Inexpensive
• Long-lasting durability on clothing.
• 3d look
• High quality
DISADVANTAGES
• Time consuming when done manually
• Requires steady hand
• Multiple printing of the same image not exceeds more than 50
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• Cumbersome
MATERIAL USED
TYPES OF RHINESTONES
• Machine Cut Lead Crystal: These are composed of lead crystals and are typically produced in Austria or the
Czech Republic. These rhinestones are consistent in shape and have high reflective property. They are expensive
costing more than 10 times of Korean molded glass rhinestone. They are not suitable for children’s apparel due to
high concentration of lead. The popular brand is Swarovski and precosia.
• Swarovski Rhinestones: These rhinestones were created by the Swarovski Company. They are made from lead
crystals and produce high degree of shine. They feature between 8 -14 facets. These rhinestones have good
brilliance and reflective property. These are also called Austrian crystals.
• Molded Glass: They are used for apparel heat transfers. They are manufactured mostly in Korea and china. The
Korean quality manufactured stones have high reflective property hence, it is cost effective to Swarovski and
other machine cut lead crystal stones. There is a huge difference in quality of Korean rhinestones and “economy
grade Korean or Chinese rhinestones. Korean rhinestones have highest “green back” adhesive. Rhinestones sold
by digital art solutions work the best with a stone stencil system due to their consistent size and shape.
• Molded Acrylic Rhinestone: They are inexpensive .these are plastic rhinestones that are found in retail craft
store they have lowest reflective quality. Hot fix rhinestones-There is huge variance in quality of hot fix
adhesives.”Green Back “adhesive is the benchmark for adhesive as it is the color of adhesive used by Swarovski
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/
• Czech Rhinestones: They are made from pure glass or lead crystals. They have 8 facets with one central large
facets surrounded by smaller facets. They have less sparkling gem as they have less lead in the glass.
Figure 3
Figure 4
https://www.rhinestoneshop.com/catalog/ www.rhinestoneshop.com
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SIZES OF RHINESTONE
PP (pearl plate)-This sizing method is originally used for pearls by placing them on plate or surface with holes.PP
is used for smaller stones. Pearl plate has a variance of 1/10 of a millimeter. It is used for jewelry
SS (stone size)-is the current method of sizing rhinestone. Some stones have both PP and SS size on package
level. It is used for apparel
Figure 5
http://www.rhinestonesu.com/images/site/rhinestone-size-chart.jpg
COLORS
The color of rhinestone printing varies according to the quality of rhinestone
Figure 6
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FAMOUS RHINESTONES
• Roses-round rhinestones with a flat back that can be set with tiffany or rim set methods. They can also be sewn.
• Lochrosen-Round with a hole in centre that can be sewn or glued.
• Edge hole rhinestone-comes in variety of shape like round, heart shape, teardrop. They have 2 holes at the edge
for stronger attachment.
• Chatons-Round with peacked back. They require a rhinestone setter.
• Rhinestone banding-a chain of stone mounted in cup made of metal or plastic. They come in single, double and
triple rows. They can be connected with thread or elastic thread.
• Navette-shaped like a cat eye.
• Cabochons-a stone that is shapes and polished. There are no facets.
Figure 7
www.dhgate.com
NAVETTE SOFTWARE USED
Graphtec's recently released design software, i-DesignR™ for the Craft ROBO Pro, and the i-DesignR™ Lite for
the Silhouette / Craft ROBO, completes the GEM System. Gem master software-the gem master rhinestone software gives
you the creative control to make any design with rhinestone
Figure 8
MACHINES USED
• Cams-The cams automatic rhinestone machine are the quick and easy way of rhinestone printing. With this
machine rhinestone embellishment can be done in budget.
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• Cams 1v-2p is the newest edition for 2 color rhinestone machine which is good in size, speed and price.
• Cams 1v-6p-it is a 6r software- color rhinestone machine which is money making process.
• Cams 4h-3p-the cams 4h-3p four head six color rhinestone machine is the largest automatic machine. It can
produce 120 rhinestones designs in an hour. It gives a huge amount of profit.
• Hot fix rhinestone or dtg (direct to garment printer)-they add to the selling price of garments. The brilliant hot fix
rhinestones can be attached with the help of heat press. The heat and pressure of the heat press activates the glue
on the back of hot fix rhinestone and sets the crystal on fabric. Adding rhinestones to direct to garment printer
designs with your heat press is easy
Figure 9
http://www.drawstitch.com
Figure 10
http://colmanandcompany.com
PROCESS
Step 1: Create Your Rhinestone Design
Make the design of the image or text by freehand drawing on a piece of translucent drawing paper. It or take help
of coral draw or Brush and Bake kit or adobe illustrator to convert images into polka dots form. The pattern is then cut into
template media with the Graphtec Craft RoboPro Desktop Plotter/Cutter.
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Step 2- Place Rhinestones on a Transfer
Turn the drawing paper to get the reverse image of your drawing. Cut the transfer paper larger than the size of the
image. It has one film side and one sticky side. Separate the transfer paper sheet. Lay the clear sheet on top of the design
such that the sticky sided faces you.
Brush and bake system brush the rhinestones to the transfer paper. Put the white part of transfer paper on top of rhinestone
this will seal the rhinestones in place on the clear, sticky part of the transfer paper.
Step 3:-Position Rhinestones on the Garment
Remove the white sheet. Take the garment and place it on the lower platen of heat press lay the clear sheet with
the rhinestone on the garment.
Step 4- Attach the Rhinestones
Heat press or hot iron is used to fix rhinestones to the garment. Activate the temperature of hot fix rhinestone
between 120 degree c and 170 degree c for 25-30 seconds. Pretreat the garment by pressing it on a heat press. It will give
constant and even dyeing
Step 5-Cooling
Remove garment and allow the transfer to cool for 1-2 minutes peel off the clear part of the transfer paper to get excellent
polished rhinestone design
Figure 11
Figure 12
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Figure 13
PROCESS 2
• Automatic transfer rhinestone machine
• Create your design with sierra hotfiix era rhinestone design software.
• Get the cams rhinestone machine ready to pour color and sizes and lay your transfer paper on the platen.
• Send your design
• Take your complete transfer off the platen. Speed is 150 stones per minute.
Figure 14
www.rhinestonecamsmachine.com
DEMAND
Brilliant designs with initials, names, sport designs, custom logo to life can be printed on t-shirts, shirts and
apparels.
It gives a trendy lifestyle
A rhinestone looks like precious jewels and make an ordinary t-shirt look glamorous.
Customers will enjoy the combinations used in creating a one-of-a-kind custom rhinestone piece by using
rhinestones
For a designer it offers great creativity.
The apparels created can be worn in weddings, sport events, cultural events.
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It is a 3d printing that will transfer manufacturing and will allow more people to make things.
It will allow a great deal of customization.
It will speed up time and position of a designer in market
It will reduce development cost
Improve the communication
Will increase innovation
Figure 15
ohmyrhinestones.com www.country outfitter.com www.zazzle.com
Figure 16
www.cheapdreesable.com http://www.ambromanufacturing.com
CLUSTER (Fine Print, Delhi)
In the year 2008 Mr.Mukesh Pal and Mr. Rave e started garment and apparel industry where rhinestone printing is
done in large scale. The stickers and labels are carved in variety of designs. Targeted client include men, women and kids,
they keep up with the latest market scenario. A large range and variety is available here .some of the great professional and
designers to work with them. The features they provide in the rhinestone stickers are:
• Lead free
• Safe to use
• Resistant to detergents
• The designs, color are specified by their clients and the printing is done by experts who are famous in various
industries.
30 Chetna Lodhi
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Registered Address-63/13A, Rarna Road Industrial Area, Delhi-110015, New Delhi
Year of establishment-2008
Figure 17
www.globalsources.com www.shopiconics.com
SWOT
Strength
• Automatic rhinestone printing machines are available.
• Low investment
• Big advantage
• Ability to sell products online
• Limited start up risk
• New trend-combination of process
Weakness
• Less knowledge
• High transportation cost
• Limited flexibility in pricing
• Competitors can offer similar products quickly
Opportunities
• Development of creative and priority products
• Great opportunity for printers to participate in award ceremonies
• Use of non paper substrate reducing cost
• Growing trend
• Ability to develop additional stores
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Threat
• Products are already sold by major competitors.
• Insurance cost increasing
• Sometimes use of poor quality stones
CONCLUSIONS
• Rhinestone printing can make a name of you with textured, innovative, dimensional and digitizing effects.
• You can combine technologies like printing and embroidery.
• It gives bright and beautiful embellishment.
• Various machines are discovered to make rhinestone printing quick and fast.
• Color templates and stone templates with sizes are available in the market to make work easier and faster.
• Sometimes over used of the stones can give tawdry look.
• Hot-melt glue such as used in glue guns is not suitable for setting rhinestones.
• Specialized cutting and designing software are introduced to create patterns and vector art.
REFERENCES
1. http://www.rhinestoneguy.com/HowToMakeHeatTransfers.html, page 4
2. http://wanjungift.en.alibaba.com/product/996375414200124422/2013_newest_fashion_rhinestone_key_chain.htm
l
3. http://smallbusiness.chron.com/advantages-disadvantages-types-printers-55503.html,page 3
4. http://www.stahls.com/transfer-paper-foils-rhinestones,page 2
5. http://www.appareldecoratinginfo.com/,page 7, December 16 2011
6. http://www.rhinestonesu.com/rhinestone-size-chart.aspx,page 4
7. http://www.rhinestonesu.com/about-us.aspx,page 9
8. http://www.wisegeek.com/what-are-rhinestones.htm,,page 2
9. http://inlandempirescreenprinting.com/rhinestone-101-what-are-rhinestones-transfers/page 9
10. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhinestone,page 2
11. http://www.ioline.com/prod/cp.html,page 8
12. http://www.tshirts-designs.com/rhinestone-printing/,page 1
13. http://www.customtcouture.com/,page 3
14. http://www.rhinestonesystem.com/pdf/rhinestones_buyingGuide.pdf,page 2