Mimaki entered the DtF market earlier this year with the launch of TxF150-75, which was designed to offer customers a stable, efficient platform that incorporates Mimaki’s ‘renowned’ quality standards. In line with the original machine, the new TxF300-75 meets these objectives, it is claimed, whilst catering to a diverse set of printing demands, including larger companies requiring higher volumes of high-quality output. As such, TxF300-75 has been designed to incorporate the stability and functionality of TxF150-75, while delivering new levels of productivity with print speeds that are three times higher.

In line with Mimaki’s sustainability goals, TxF300-75 utilises Mimaki’s PHT50 pigment inks that are Eco-Passport certified, so validating their lower environmental impact and meeting the requirements for OEKO-Tex certification.

Mimaki DtF printers feature a built-in ink circulation system that prevents white ink clogging and a degassed ink pack to reduce the risk of poor ink jetting. TxF printers also include core Mimaki features, including NCU (nozzle check unit) and NRS (nozzle recovery system) for stable, uninterrupted print production. The DtF process also enables customers to print on a wider range of fabric such as cotton, mixed fabric, polyester and dark coloured fabrics.

Arjen Evertse, general sales manager at Mimaki Europe, said, ‘We believe in giving customers choice and anticipating their needs, which is why we are expanding our DTF printer line-up hot on the heels of the inaugural system.

‘TxF300-75 has been designed to offer even greater productivity. The innovative 80cm width introduced with our first DtF printer remains a feature of this new system, enabling customers to print more efficiently.’

Mimaki DtF printers are distributed in the UK and Ireland by Hybrid Services. The company’s sales director Andrew Gregory commented, ‘Since its launch, TxF150-75 has been an overwhelming success, receiving a very positive response from the market. It’s exciting to be able to announce the higher production machine joining the range, and we look forward to seeing it later in the year.’

The new TxF300-75 will be commercially available in the UK and Ireland in the fourth quarter of 2023.

For more dedicated coverage of the digital textile printing market, see sister publication Digital Textile Printer

The post Mimaki ups speed of DtF textile printer appeared first on Digital Printer.

Several product developments will be shown in Europe for the first time in Munich. These will include a polyester direct-to-garment printer and a new digital textile printer, designed to achieve ‘highly vibrant colours for impactful designs’ in DtG and direct-to-film printing. The company will show a new roll-to-roll DtF production system as well. Ricoh says that all these offerings will enable designs to be printed and shipped for local, on-demand application onto garments.

These capabilities will be further demonstrated by Ricoh’s partnership with Fruit of the Loom and Russell Athletic. Ricoh will present a showcase where visitors can custom design their own T-shirt and see it produced on the stand.

Demonstrating how creative designs are brought to life will be Manga artist Shinnosuke Uchida. During the event visitors will be able to watch the artist work live as she shares her own take on the spirit of Japan.

ColorGate (part of Ricoh since its acquisition in late 2018) will demonstrate how its Productionserver Rip and workflow software can achieve high quality colour-accurate production across the various print devices, ink types and adhesion technologies.

Eef De Ridder, vice president, Graphic Communications Group, Ricoh Europe, commented, ‘Opportunities in the garment printing industry are developing very quickly. Innovations in direct-to-garment and direct-to-film technology are presenting textile printing businesses with compelling production capabilities that respond to leading market and environmental pressures. They are enabling them to reduce carbon emissions and water usage with local production, offer greater versioning capabilities with responsive short runs and drive creativity with easy-to-use solutions that deliver high quality results. Our systems and solutions on show have been developed and enhanced to responsively support operations in this highly demanding market. And our partnership with Fruit of the Loom will demonstrate how responsible and responsive end-to-end digital textile production is achievable.’

The post Ricoh teases European textiles firsts at Fespa appeared first on Digital Printer.

Sign & Digital UK was one of the first shows to resume its normal schedule after the interruptions of the pandemic years, with a respectable showing in March 2022, and is back this year with increasing confidence as the industry continues to recover from the lockdown periods of interrupted business.

Industry names already confirmed include Roland DG, EFI, eProductivity Software, Epson UK, Morgana, Premier, Hexis UK, Vivid Laminating Technologies and swissQprint. According to organisers Faversham House, there will also be a host of familiar – and maybe not so familiar – exhibitors ready and waiting to welcome visitors from across the sign and large-format digital printing world.

Event director Jenny Matthew says, ‘Last year we had a great show, even though the country was just getting used to the idea of getting out again. However, this year promises to be a no-holds-barred celebration of all that is good and great in the wonderful world of sign-making and large-format digital printing. I have spoken to many people who say that SDUK 2023 will be their first opportunity to see the latest technology and innovation for several years, and they can’t wait.’

In addition to the array of exhibitors on the show floor, there are other features at the show, designed to educate and inform sign-makers of all shapes, sizes and experience levels. One of these is the UK Wrap Battle 2023, hosted by Hexis, will run throughout the show, giving visitors a chance to see the very best practitioners of the vehicle wrapping trade as they demonstrate their skills in a battle of speed and accuracy to claim the title of Best UK Installer 2023.

Meanwhile, the Sign Studio aims to have something for everyone in vinyl signage, from novices to veterans. Running every day, this features live demonstrations and practical workshops hosted by experienced sign-maker Paul Hughes. These sessions will allow visitors to learn more about the basics of vinyl application, vehicle livery, wall coverings and other uses for the material.

‘I will give practical, hands-on demonstrations designed to inform people looking to take their first steps in vinyl application and those wanting to add to and develop their skills. There will even be something for more seasoned pros on the hunt for the latest tips and tricks,’ says Mr Hughes.

Explanations forthcoming

Complementing these are the SDUK Explains Lounge and a brand-new feature, the Sign Surgery, both hosted by the International Sign Association UK (ISA–UK). Throughout the show, there will be daily presentations and panel sessions covering the big issues affecting sign-makers and wide-format print providers. The topics covered in these will include sustainability, overcoming the skills shortage challenge and how to grow your business.

Building on last year’s outing, the Explains Lounge will host a comprehensive programme of presentations designed to engage, inform and inspire. All of the sessions are free to attend and there is no requirement to pre-register.

Event Director Jenny Matthew explains, ‘We have invited experienced experts in their field to explain how to make your sign business more successful. They will look at various important topics, such as when it’s right to outsource or take work in-house, how to win more tenders, and how sign-makers can work together to build their businesses.’

Panel beating

Daily panel sessions bring a range of industry experts together to discuss the big issues affecting the signage industry. On Tuesday 28 March, a group of experts from BPIF and POPAI will examine the danger of ‘sustainability satigue’. They will discuss how to reinvigorate the market to keep sustainability in focus and benefit themselves, their customers and the planet.

Wednesday’s panel session (29 March) will be hosted by Women in Sign-Making, focusing on the role of men in supporting women in sign-making. On Thursday 30 March, the panel will examine the skills shortage affecting sign-makers up and down the country. They will discuss the pain points for the sign industry, and highlight the key actions companies can take to overcome them.

Successful surgery

A new feature for 2023, the Sign Surgery will take place alongside the Explains Lounge and will be an informal environment where visitors can put questions to ISA-UK directors. Craig Brown, CEO of the ISA UK, says, ‘The Sign Surgery will be a vibrant and welcoming place where visitors come to discuss the issues and challenges most important to them. ISA members with decades of experience in all areas of sign-making will be available throughout the show to answer questions and discuss real business issues. We have seen and lived it all in signage as a group, and this is a rare opportunity to share this knowledge with fellow sign-makers.’

Ms Matthew concludes, ‘The Explains Lounge will be based in the heart of the show and we have put together a schedule that should have something of interest and value for everyone attending the show. Whether you are a small start-up looking to gain vital knowledge and advice from experienced industry experts, or a more seasoned professional wanting to keep up to speed with the latest developments, we have something for you on the Explains Lounge.’

Exhibitor highlights

Materials from Drytac for the large-format print and signage applications will appear on a variety of stand across Hall 2 at the NEC, where they will feature in product demonstrations from Epson, Roland DG, Soyang Europe and Mimaki distributor Hybrid Services. Experts from Drytac will also be in attendance to answer any questions.

Workflow and MIS specialist eProductivity Software (EPS) eProductivity Software is promising an exclusive first look at what it touts as ‘a revolutionary new mobile app that will change the way you approach installations, invoicing and delivery’. The rest of the company’s Productivity Suites and other modular solutions will be in action, with opportunities to speak with experts, about improving workflow, increasing efficiency, or expanding capabilities. Specific technology areas covered by EPS include web-to-print, imposition and print MIS/ERP solutions, backed by live demonstrations and hands-on experiences, plus expert consultations and advice.

Visitors to Mimaki distributor Hybrid Services’ stand will be able to view the new direct-to-film (DtF) TxF 150-75 printer that also made its debut appearance at Printwear & Promotion Live in late February. The Mimaki DTF works on cotton, polyester and polyester blended materials, and the print can be applied to both light and dark coloured fabrics. DtF offers a simpler workflow compared to other garment printing methods, and the inks are Oeko-Tex Eco Passport certified.

Also present on Hybrid’s stand will be the dye sublimation TS330-1600 and the other models in the 330 series of printers, the solvent print-only JV330-160 and its integrated solvent printer/cutter sibling, the CJV330. All three models share a common 1.6m platform, claiming high performance and productivity, coupled with ease of use. On the flatbed UV side, printers at opposite ends of the size spectrum will also be on show, with the A2/A3 format UJF Series displayed alongside the JFX200-2513EX 8 x 4-ft model. Both offer direct to substrate printing on a wide range of materials and items.

Morgana and Intec are partnering to exhibit a full range of die-cutting solutions. This includes the AeroDieCut, which uses existing wood and steel dies for cutting, creasing, perforating, embossing and debossing. For a full digital approach, the highly automated new ColorCut SC6000 is said to provide an ideal entry point. Flatbed die-cutting options from the Intec stable include the creasing and cutting dual-tooled flatbed ColorCut FB775 and ColorCut FB9000 Pro models, which deliver high performance and ‘unparalleled’ media control via creasing forces of up to 1.5kg and a cutting force of up to 1.2kg. Morgana’s top-of-the-range Valiani Integra is suitable for working with thicker substrates and targeted the world of signage and packaging.

The BN-20D desktop printer marks Roland DG’s entry into the direct-to-fabric sector

Premier will be showcasing products from its extensive range of display graphic media including key brands such as Contra Vision, Neschen, Ultraboard, Ritrama and Plexiglas. The company’s team of experts will be on hand to deliver product information, demonstrations and advice on how to transform spaces with memorable, innovative retail displays and graphics.  There will also be live competitions running throughout the course of each of the three days, with some prizes up for grabs and one or two special guest appearances.

PrintiQ will be returning to the show with an increased stand presence and more demonstrators following its success at last year’s event. The MIS developer will bring its latest software, which delivers business intelligence information and builds a managed workflow solution that allows users to see accurately where they are making or losing money and provides data to underpin actions. Among the various modules to be shown are Quote Intelligence, Payment Gateways, Shipping Manager, plus rich API interfaces that connect and drive online systems to create a complete automated ordering and tracking service from ‘quote to delivery’.

A range of wide-format print solutions will be shown by QPS, including a Colorjet Verve 2513 UV flatbed printer running throughout the three-day event, using Nazdar inks., which will also be featured in their own right. QPS will also be able to discuss how DuPont Artistri textile inks, for which is a distributor, will work with ‘almost any’ printer and are suitable for multiple textile applications including apparel, fashion accessories, interior design, exterior flags and signage, soft furnishings, active wear, garment decoration and direct-to-garment printing.

Roland DG will show the new TrueVis models announced in January 2023, including its first resin printer, the AP-640 and the MG & LG series of UV print-and-cut machines. Alongside these newest machines, the VG3-640 and SG3-540/300 printer/cutters will be displayed. Roland hasn’t confirmed but it seems highly likely that the company’s baby DtF printer, the BN-20D, which was shown at Printwear & Promotion Live, will also feature.

Soyang Europe and Josero will demonstrate hardware from manufacturing partners Fujifilm, Jetrix and Mimaki, as well as display an applications wall with products created using its own wide- and super-wide format digitally printable materials. The latter will include non-PVC banner materials, textiles, wallcovering and décor media, plus self-adhesive floor coverings.

Another returning exhibitor from 2022 is SwissQprint, which will be running live demonstrations of the high quality Nyala 4 flatbed UV printer, along with the roll-fed Karibu. Information about other models, including the Kudu, the most recently introduced high-end UV flatbed model capable of over 300sqm/hr output and with 10 configurable colour channels, will also be available. Specialist applications including neon inks, texture printing and 3D effects will be shown in addition.

Show stalwart Trotec will be back too, with a range of product demonstrations, including the biggest of its large-format laser cutters, the SP3000. With laser power options up to 400W, a 3210 x 2210mm working area and a host of productivity features, the PS3000 is designed for demanding production environments and enables an optimised workflow that complements the print process. In addition, Trotec will give live demonstrations of the Speedy 400 Flexx and Q500 laser engraver and cutter systems, which both offer high-quality laser finishing for printed products. The company’s range of sheet materials, including engravable laminates, wood and acrylic, will also be on display.

Vivid Laminating Technologies will be showcasing all its major product ranges: the VeloBlade Nexus range of wide-format digital die-cutters, the Matrix systems for lamination, foiling and special effects, and the Easymount systems for wide-format lamination. Vivid staff will also demonstrate the company’s Zip Core packaging software, which is has been designed to optimise packaging design from start to finish, and the VeloTaper fully-automated flatbed taping system, a patented innovation designed and developed in-house by Vivid in the UK.

The post Sign & Digital UK preview appeared first on Digital Printer.

The company continues to develop and market image transfer technologies which it promotes under four brands, TheMagicTouch, MagiCut, DyeSubMagic and DTFMagic, addressing different applications and printing technologies.

Managing director Jim Nicol commented, ‘The additional building and space will enable us to further expand our training and marketing facilities which continue to be popular with both existing and prospective customers. This has been highlighted by the increase in customers attending detailed training for white-toner printers, print & cut and more recently direct to film (DtF) transfer printing, prior to having their equipment installed and commissioned. Our other marketing support programmes for CRM and target sampling continue to be well-received.’

TheMagic Touch is exhibition at the the Print Show. You can read Digital Printer’s preview of the event here.

The post The Magic Touch expands appeared first on Digital Printer.

DTF ink systems can be used with most modified inkjet printers and only involve three simple components: powder, film, and ink.

Kodak added that potential benefits of the technology include the ability to print on a wide variety of fabrics (including natural fabrics, polyester, nylon, rayon, blends and cotton), being able to be up and running with only minimal investment in hardware and more flexibility to accept printing projects.

The company’s new system includes KodaColor powder, KodaColor film and ink specially designed for use in DTF applications. Customers with existing direct-to-garment (DTG) printers have the option to use DTG inks with KodaColor film and powder to add Kodak’s direct-to-film solution to their arsenal.

Kodak says that DTF is an ideal option for print shop owners wanting high-quality fabric prints without the expense of investing in a fully-fledged DTG fabric printing system, or for those wanting to offer additional print projects to their customers on fabrics other than cotton.

Grant French, Kodak’s DTG and DTF product manager, commented on the new system. ‘We are pleased to announce the entry of Kodak into this market, giving more customers access to a high-quality, lower cost business option to create amazing, printed fabric projects.’

The post Kodak launches DTF ink system   appeared first on Digital Printer.

The British textile industry remains the fifth largest in the world, worth more than £9 billion per year. The nation’s online retail sales are also going from strength to strength, now being valued at more than £76 billion per year, making the UK the world’s third-biggest e-commerce market, after the USA and China.

No wonder that Kornit thought the time had come to solidify its presence on these shores. ‘The UK market is the largest within the EMEA region,’ said Chris Govier, who became Kornit’s EMEA managing director in April 2019. ‘We expect further acceleration across the region and the time was right to set up a UK office that would bring us closer to our customers.’

This in particular is key for the company, as Mr Govier explains, ‘As a start-up company we had a partner network across the EMEA region which we utilised as we grew. This included a partnership with Adelco, who had represented us in the UK for 17 years, but our growth plans simply didn’t match any more. We are both customer- and market-driven and an integral part of our global growth strategy is getting closer to our customers.It should be noted that our other UK partner, Amaya remain a key part of our go-to-market strategy here in the UK to give us depth and reach across the market.

‘As part of the new UK operation we can now invoice and bill in Sterling and will be offering a British distribution hub for inks and consumables. This will be based in the middle of the country, near Coventry, allowing us to offer same-day delivery.’

Kornit’s 10-channel Presto textile printer, to which the company added a ‘dry digital softening process’ earlier this year

The pandemic

Of course no discussion of growth strategies can be complete without discussing that largest of elephants in the room, the Coronavirus pandemic. Mr Govier was understandably careful with the words he used to explain, ‘With the virus… globally it has accelerated and increased trends we were already addressing. Shopping malls and the high street, any retail in bricks and mortar, has gone through a meltdown. At the same time e-commerce has boomed and, correspondingly, investment has increased.

‘Companies that already have established e-commerce capabilities have been inundated with orders and I feel this has been a real inflection point, changing the way firms look at their offerings. In fact, in a three month period from March to June we saw a growth rate in the US and Europe equivalent to the previous 10 years of ‘normal’ trading.’ The managing director points out that this shouldn’t be too surprising as, unlike many aspects of commercial print, the demand for clothing won’t be affected by the pandemic or lockdowns.

One side effect of the pandemic which Mr Govier said has had an impact was the postponement of a slew of industry events. ‘Exhibitions were a crucial platform for us,’ he says. ‘It was always great to have attractive technology on a stand. Still, we’ve worked in a different, virtual way and are confident we can maintain that momentum.

‘There will be plenty of products to come, along with enhancements as we test systems in the actual marketplace so look out for new developments early next year. There will be further innovation with things like the Poly Pro platform, for printing onto polyester such as sportswear, where we are really pushing boundaries.’

Customers

So who exactly are these customers that Kornit is so keen to get closer to? Is there a large amount of overlap with other digital printing markets? ‘We generally look at this in two ways,’ Mr Govier continues. ‘First of all there is the direct to garment (DtG) sector, which comprises personalised shirts, hoodies and the like. Then there is direct to fabric (DtF), which is a market we are relatively new to, but where we are seeing big changes now being addressed by brands and designers.

‘In all the areas we work across, run lengths are dropping and we have the benefit of no minimum order quantities. At Kornit we are convinced that if we can capture this transitioning market, these customers will be ours for some time’

Mr Govier suggests that there is plenty of scope for Kornit to work with printers looking to move into the textiles world, as well as for people already involved in textiles to add digital capabilities. ;There are plenty of commercial printers that already have the online elements in place,’ he says. ‘Think of promotional printers, their client base is almost a captive audience, so all they have to do is add new DTG products to their offering.

‘Similarly digital printing offers huge potential for people working in textiles and they are becoming more and more aware of this. They know that customers are moving away from the high street, are now looking online and the short runs, personalisation and environmental advantages of digital are all huge selling points.’

Kornit Breeze is designed specifically for small to mid-sized digital T-shirt printing businesses, online and retail shops

The Zedders

Mr Govier, who built his reputation over a long and distinguished period with Xerox, explained how the shopping habits of young people in particular are driving change in textiles markets. ‘Gen Zedders are way, way ahead of the curve,’ he expounds. ‘They aren’t necessarily concerned with technology, they care about standards and credentials. Is the cotton ethically sourced? Are labour practices moral? We’ve seen from the growth of veganism and concerns about sustainability that young people are often prepared to pay up to 15% more to do the right thing.

‘Just look at platforms like Tik Tok and extrapolate where young people are headed. A twenty year-old designer with an interest in sustainable production can build their own following online. They need local, sustainable and ethical production and manufacturing to complete their value proposition and so our job is to connect the dots and help build the end-to-end eco-system. We are on the verge of a whole new way of doing things in this sector.

He also adds that younger customers, rather than valuing fashion trends in the manner of previous generations, prefer custom garments and designs that are unique to them. ‘Previously, retailers used to order products a year, 18 months, even two years in advance, but that sort of supply chain has collapsed – exacerbated by the pandemic. As part of this, companies are onshoring production, meaning products that used to be produced elsewhere in the world are being made in countries like Britain again, as this allows for such a fast turnaround and an ability to be dynamic and react to consumer demand.

‘Obviously, some clothing will still be made using traditional methods and practices, but it is the ability to personalise and customise and ultimately self expression that will be driving demand going forwards.’

Sustainability  

The environmental sphere is another area where Kornit believes it can offer customers unique value. ‘Digital can offer huge environmental benefits and we are very green in terms of our credentials,’ Mr Govier says. ‘We don’t use acids or add to water pollution. Our systems aren’t designed to make products and then to sell them so there are no wastage or landfill issues. Instead they allow our customers to sell applications and then to produce them.’

These are all key selling points for Kornit as its customers, and everyone in the textiles sector more broadly, are looking at being more responsible and are aware that the textiles/fashion industry is one of the biggest polluters in the world. ‘Water consumption and wastage is phenomenal in the textiles world,’ Mr Govier adds. ‘Chemical usage causes untold problems and when you think about the shipping and freight impact, it’s horrific.

‘Part of the reason clothing production is coming back to the West is the wastage from products that just aren’t needed. About 30% of clothing produced is never sold, often heading straight to landfill, and the 70% sold obviously retails for a higher price to make up the difference. Another reason is concerns over labour practices and I wouldn’t be surprised to see designers, printers, brands and manufacturers all move toward being more responsible and even offering open costings in the future.

‘Kornit is in the vanguard of a change to a greener, more ethical industry and giving consumers and that choice.’

The Kornit Avalanche Poly Pro, the company’s ‘game-changer’ for printing polyester

Excitement

Of course the interview couldn’t possibly have been called complete without finding out what aspect of the textile printing market Mr Govier is most enthusiastic about. ‘There are loads of exciting aspects to the market,’ he concluded. ‘There are a cluster of companies based around Lake Como pushing the boundaries of personalisation driven by our technology. As a result, high-end brands like Gucci and Louis Vuitton are looking seriously at digital and how it can add value to their brands and customers whilst moving to a more sustainable way of working. As this continues, others will follow.

‘I think DTF is creating a huge opportunity for us. Turning existing processes and methodologies on their head is a real game changer. Sustainability is here to stay, brands and fashion retailers need to address this growing concern for their customers and governments need to prioritise how they set standards and provide clarity for the consumer. We really can help to bridge the old world and the new. Brands know they need to change, and the advantages of digital will eventually lead to a tipping point where the floodgates will open and then we won’t look back.’ There are exciting times ahead.

The post Kornit coming to conquer UK appeared first on Digital Printer.