ImagesMagUK_November_2020

www.images-magazine.com NOVEMBER 2020 images 25 3. New solutions DTG printers historically have been used for 100% cotton and cotton/polyester blends. As the textile industry expands, so does the use of DTG equipment and the versatility of pretreatments and hardware. Using correct pretreatments can help a business expand into new markets and textiles. It’s now possible to do a DTG print on 100% polyester garments thanks to new pretreatments, offering decorators even more sales opportunities. Polyester is traditionally associated with sportswear and, while sports events might be few and far between at the moment, athleisure is still a big trend thanks in part to work from home. Not only that, but sports and events organisers are being inventive despite the restrictions: the 2020 Virgin Money London Marathon in October may have been only for elite athletes, but 45,000 runners took part in the virtual London Marathon on the same day by running 26.2 miles in their local area instead, raising vital funds for charities. By contacting these organisers now to discuss opportunities, when local events do restart you’ll be in a good position to arrange taking your printer on-site to print names and bib numbers directly onto polyester running T-shirts to commemorate the participants’ race day. Dye sublimation printers We see dye-sublimated textiles in all types of clothing, from athleisure apparel to simple dresses, tops and more. This technology has allowed fast-fashion trends to be achievable for small design houses, while reducing both textile waste and water consumption. In addition to fashion, dye sublimation printers are gaining popularity in the soft signage, photography, and customisable and promotional products markets. The following provides additional insight into how to leverage your dye sublimation printer in each of these markets to expand your service offerings. 1. Rigid metallic signage Metallic signage is a popular way to modernise traditional printed signage. It can be used in retail stores, outdoor venues, office spaces and more, making it an appealing prospect to the type of customers you probably already have on your books. Dye sublimation prints easily transfer to metal and other rigid signage material and so they can be used for flat interior and exterior retail signage, table tops and much more. 2. Photography With today’s technology, images can be touched up and printed onto metal. Dye sublimation allows the printing of brilliant photography; using specially designed transfer paper, photo output can be transferred onto metal panels to create vibrant images with minimal grain and magnificent focal points for use in commercial, retail and residential locations. 3. Tangible memories Whether for personal or business use, customised and personalised items are a thoughtful gift. People enjoy receiving products customised specifically for them, especially at the moment when meeting in person is not always possible, while companies can create promotional products and gifts for their employees and customers, such as mugs, mousepads or lanyards. Leveraging specific heat-transfer equipment, dye sublimation printers create transferable output for a wide variety of porcelain, glass and textile-based items that can be gifted to loved ones. Create customised interior items such as cutting boards, glassware and wine tote bags – all items that will never go out of style. www.epson.co.uk The original version of this article was first published in Impressions magazine. www.impressionsmagazine.com TIPS & TECHNIQUES Vastex light-, medium- and heavy-duty screen printing equipment lines include: presses in 1 to 10 stations/colours, athletic numbering systems, infrared conveyor dryers, flash cure units, LED exposing units, screen drying cabinets, screen registration systems, wash-out booths and utility equipment. Rockets ink temps up to 175°C in the first several centimetres and holds at-cure temps longer for the highest possible rates. Digital temp control of 3 height- adjustable heaters maximises efficiency for each ink type. Cure 1080 plastisol- printed garments/h, 555+ water-based or discharge-printed garments/h, and 185+ garments/h inkjet printed with white ink. 46-, 76-, 137- and 198-cm wide models. OF PLASTISOL, WATER-BASED, DISCHARGE AND DTG WHITE INK +1-610-625-2702 SALES@VASTEX.COM VASTEX.COM Mix & match chambers and conveyor extensions for limitless possibilities! Made in USA II-0808