Preparing Materials

Proper preparation of materials is critical for achieving high-quality scans with the DMIx SamplR. Good preparation not only ensures an accurate digital representation but also simplifies the tiling and post-processing steps. Follow these detailed guidelines to prepare your materials effectively.

 

Supported Materials

The DMIx SamplR can scan a variety of flat materials, including:

• Fabrics: All kind of weaves, textures, and finishes.
• Leather: Natural and synthetic types.
• Trims and Accessories: Buttons, fasteners, and small components.
• Other Materials: Non-liquid, flat items within the scanner’s height and size limitations.

General Material Preparation

1. Cleanliness:

• Remove all dust, lint, or debris using a lint roller or soft, clean cloth.

• Ensure the material surface is clean and dry before scanning.

  2. Wrinkle-Free Surface:

• Smooth out any wrinkles or folds, as they can distort texture and color mapping in the scan.

3. Timeliness:

• Scan materials immediately after preparation to prevent dust or dirt from settling on the fabric.

Ironing Guidelines for Fabrics

Fabrics often require ironing to eliminate wrinkles and achieve a smooth, scan-ready surface. Proper ironing techniques prevent distortions and ensure the fabric retains its true characteristics.

1. Workspace Setup:

• Use an ironing board with a soft underlay (e.g., padded cover or cotton layer) to protect the fabric and maintain even pressure during ironing.

2. Ironing Instructions:

• Step 1: Place the fabric left (back) side up on the ironing board and cover it with a thin, clean cotton cloth.
• Step 2: Use an iron set to medium heat, without steam, and apply light pressure.
• Step 3: For stubborn wrinkles:
  • Remove the cotton cover and iron directly on the left side with slightly increased pressure.
  • If needed, use steam sparingly, ensuring the fabric can handle moisture.
• Step 4: For highly textured fabrics or stubborn creases:
  • Repeat the process on a hard, heat-resistant surface using moderate pressure and steam.

• Step 5: After ironing, allow the fabric to cool flat on a clean surface, ensuring no folds or unevenness are present.

3. Avoid Gloss Effects:

• Excessive heat, pressure, or steam can create a glossy finish on the fabric, altering its appearance and giving an inaccurate impression after scanning.
• Always adjust iron settings to suit the fabric type and test on a small sample if uncertain.

 

Cleaning and Handling

1. After Ironing:

• Use a lint roller to remove any particles introduced during preparation.

2. Avoid Recontamination:

• Place the prepared fabric directly in the scanner to prevent dust or dirt from settling back onto the surface.

Handling Special Fabrics

1. Delicate or Heat-Sensitive Fabrics:

• Avoid ironing crinkled or sensitive materials that may melt or lose their texture under heat.

• Smooth manually or weigh the fabric flat before scanning.

2. Non-ironable Materials:

• If ironing is not an option, ensure the material is flattened as much as possible before scanning.

   3. Special materials where crincles are part of the design, do not iron as well.

Securing Materials for Scanning

Use magnets to hold small or lightweight materials in place on the scanner’s surface. This ensures stability and prevents shifting during scanning. The magnets should be placed outside of the area that will be scanned.

 

Best Practices

• Key to High-Quality Scans: Good preparation ensures optimal scan results and simplifies post processing, especially tiling.
• Avoid Over-Handling: Limit contact with prepared materials to maintain cleanliness and prevent contamination.
• Minimize Gloss: Excessive ironing heat, pressure, or steam can alter the fabric’s appearance. Always iron with care and test settings when in doubt.