Edge prints for B2B merch programs in Armenia

Five structural blocks for the edge-print method

1. Edge geometry, screen width, and per-edge setup fee

Every edge-print order begins with edge-geometry confirmation — the supplier measures the available edge width on each garment type (sleeve cuff typically 4-6 cm, hem typically 3-5 cm, tote strap typically 2.5-4 cm, cap brim typically 4-6 cm). A narrow-width screen is then exposed at the measured width, typically 80-120 mesh count for fine text, 60-90 mesh count for solid-colour marks. Per-edge setup fee is approximately 3,500-6,500 AMD per colour — comparable to a standard screen setup fee because the exposure and mesh cost is similar. Setup screens are archived for re-use on recurring apparel programs.

2. Per-piece AMD cost premium over standard screen printing

The per-piece AMD cost premium for an edge print over a standard chest-position screen print is typically 5-15% — modest because the edge screen is the same chemistry and cure profile. A sleeve-hit edge print at 100 units on cotton tees adds roughly 400-800 AMD per piece to a standard chest-print base price of 2,500-4,000 AMD per piece. A hem-mark edge print adds roughly 300-600 AMD per piece. A tote-strap edge print adds roughly 200-500 AMD per piece (narrower screen). Cap-brim marks add roughly 300-700 AMD per piece. Multi-edge combinations (sleeve + hem + strap) compound the premium but typically remain under 25% above standard screen pricing.

3. Production routes across Yerevan, Istanbul, and Guangzhou

Yerevan edge-print shops handle 50-500 unit recurring runs with typical lead times of 7-12 working days from production release lock. Istanbul edge-print partners handle 500-2,000+ unit runs with lead times of 14-21 working days door-to-Yerevan. EAEU-routed edge-print partners handle 2,000+ unit retail-export recurring rolls with lead times of 21-28 working days door-to-Yerevan. Most Armenian B2B buyers route 50-500 unit corporate-apparel recurring runs through Yerevan shops, with the edge print added to a standard chest screen print in the same production run.

4. Pantone approximation, hand-feel, and edge-specific QC checks

Edge prints reproduce Pantone-approximation within a Delta-E tolerance band of roughly 1.5-3 against the Pantone reference on cotton substrates — comparable to standard screen printing. Hand-feel is identical to standard screen printing because the same ink chemistry and mesh counts apply. Edge-specific QC checks focus on edge registration (mark stays within the edge band, does not bleed onto the main body), edge-curl avoidance (mark does not distort the garment's natural drape), and stitch-line clearance (mark does not overlap stitching). The supplier's QC log documents each edge check.

5. Defect tolerance, overrun buffer, and lifetime expectation

Armenian B2B edge-print orders typically carry a 1-2% defect tolerance with full replacement at supplier cost for any unit that fails edge-registration QC. The supplier holds a 10% overrun buffer on the order quantity. Edge-print decorations on cotton withstand 50+ industrial laundry cycles with comparable durability to standard screen printing. The mark is positioned away from high-wear zones (chest, abdomen) and lives on a perimeter band that sees less abrasion, often extending the visible-lifecycle by 10-20%.

Technical specs, common pitfalls, and process workflow

Edge geometry specs, screen sizing, and ink chemistry

Edge-print specifications depend on garment type and edge position. Sleeve-hit geometry: typically 4-6 cm wide, 15-25 cm long along the upper-arm or lower-arm edge. Hem-mark geometry: typically 3-5 cm wide, 25-40 cm long along the bottom hem. Cuff-accent geometry: typically 2-4 cm wide, 8-15 cm long around the cuff band. Tote-strap geometry: typically 2.5-4 cm wide, runs the full strap length. Cap-brim under-mark: typically 1-3 cm tall, runs along the underside of the brim. Mesh counts typically 80-120, ink chemistry matches the primary chest print (water-based, plastisol, or discharge).

Common buyer pitfalls

Four pitfalls recur in Armenian B2B edge-print orders. First, omitting the edge width in the brief — the supplier defaults to a 5 cm width and the mark may exceed the available edge. Second, requesting photographic detail on an edge-print screen — edge screens are typically 80-120 mesh count and cannot resolve fine photographic detail. Third, specifying a colour that requires Pantone-accurate reproduction on a narrow-width screen — narrow-width screens have less ink-deposit area and Pantone Delta-E tolerance widens. Fourth, omitting edge-registration QC from the supplier's brief — registration defects are caught only with explicit QC checks.

Process workflow in a Yerevan edge-print run

A typical Yerevan edge-print workflow runs five stages. First, edge geometry measurement and brief confirmation (half-day). Second, garment receipt and pre-press preparation (half-day). Third, primary chest print, then edge-print run with per-position QC checks (2-4 days for 100-500 units). Fourth, cure in a conveyor dryer (1-2 hours per batch). Fifth, edge-registration QC, final QC, fold, and pack (half-day to one day). The full cycle takes 5-9 working days plus the 1-2 day buffer for delivery to named Yerevan addresses.

Anonymised case study: premium corporate hoodie program

An Armenian financial-services firm wanted to differentiate its premium corporate hoodie program from a competitor's generic hoodie. The buyer specified a primary chest mark plus a sleeve-hit edge print on the lower-arm of the left sleeve. The supplier measured the sleeve geometry, exposed a narrow-width screen at 100 mesh count, and ran 240 hoodies through a Yerevan edge-print shop in 8 working days. Per-piece cost was roughly 5,800 AMD including primary mark, edge print, and OEKO-TEX documentation. The buyer re-ordered 180 units the following season with a hem-mark edge print instead of sleeve-hit, varying the edge position to refresh the program.

Compliance: OEKO-TEX, GOTS, and edge-print-specific documentation

Edge-print orders carry the same compliance documentation as standard screen-print orders: OEKO-TEX Standard 100 on substrate, ink-system certificate, per-screen setup archive (now including the narrow-width edge screen), per-position print specification (now including edge-position spec), and per-run QC log with edge-registration checks. GOTS certification applies if organic cotton is claimed. The supplier's edge-registration QC log is the documentation layer that ties edge-print quality to the certification regime.

Edge print vs standard screen print: when to choose each

Edge prints and standard screen prints are complementary decoration methods, not substitutes. Edge prints are the right choice when the buyer wants a subtle secondary brand signature, when the apparel program recurs and edge-position variations differentiate successive editions, when the garment is structured (hoodies, totes, caps) where perimeter accents read clearly, or when the buyer markets a minimalist or premium apparel program. Standard screen prints are the right choice when the buyer wants a primary chest or centre-front mark as the dominant decoration, when the artwork is photographic or requires multi-colour detail, or when the per-piece cost is the dominant decision criterion. Most Armenian B2B buyers pair edge prints with primary chest screen prints on premium corporate apparel.

End-of-life and recycling routes

Edge-print apparel is recyclable through textile recycling centres in Yerevan and the marzes; cotton fibres are recovered and re-spun for lower-grade textile applications. Edge-print chemistry matches standard screen-print chemistry and does not introduce additional recycling constraints. Edge-position marks often remain visible at the recycling-sorting stage because they sit on perimeter bands that are easier to identify visually. Final collection transport is managed by the buyer through the recycling centre or textile processing partner.

Frequently asked questions