Digital Softpress - Metallics

Digital Softpress – Metallics

// This project demonstrates a complete product development cycle, moving from raw material to commercial viability. Starting with an untested sample roll of metallic-coated FTG film, I led the technical R&D required to engineer a net-new print offering. By establishing production standards, conducting labor and cost analysis, and developing client-facing art guidelines, I transformed baseline supplier settings into a fully standardized, market-ready application.

[R&D] [Product Development] [Graphic Design] [Project Management]

Research and Development

Quick Specs

Role: R&D & Product Execution Lead
Process: Metallic Film-to-Garment (FTG)
Scope: Material Testing, Time & Cost Analysis, Process Standardization
Deliverables: Production SOPs, Customer Art Guidelines, Creative Proofs

The Opportunity

Film-to-Garment (FTG) is a digital production method where designs are printed onto specialized film, backed with an adhesive powder, and heat-pressed directly onto fabric. When leadership sourced a raw sample roll of metallic-coated film, I took the initiative to engineer those baseline settings into a fully tested, costed, and standardized product offering for our catalog.

Execution Flow

Sourcing & Initial Viability.

1. Initiation & Baseline:

Taking the raw material and baseline settings from the COO to establish a starting point for the equipment.

Iterative Equipment & Durability Testing.

2. R&D & Stress Testing:

Running baseline prints through wash tests and tweaking equipment settings to optimize for longevity and finish.

Time Studies & Cost Analysis.

3. Operational & Financial Validation:

Conducting time studies on the approved settings to compare labor against standard FTG, establishing the final cost and profit margins.

Art Limitations & Client Guides.

4.Commercialization & Enablement:

Running adhesion tests to find the breaking point of line weights, resulting in an Art Guide and standardized metallic color palettes for clients.

Creative Enablement

// To demonstrate the versatility of the product, I designed a diverse range of graphics across multiple styles and use cases. This allowed me to test how the special film behaved under different artistic demands while standardizing a predictable color palette for the gold and silver bases. Ultimately, these assets served a dual purpose: validating production limits on the floor and providing tangible inspiration for our clients.