Images_Digital_Edition_February_2020

www.images-magazine.com KB INDUSTRY EVENT FEBRUARY 2020 images 35 The new Epson SureColor F3070 industrial DTG printer H istorically called ISS Long Beach, the show was rebranded as Impressions Expo this January. Whatever you want to call it, I’d call it a success. Why? More exhibitors than any year previously. Incredible attendance from apparel decorators from all over the world. Classes full of people with hungry minds and the desire to improve. I personally taught four classes during the event, and the interaction and involvement with the attendees were fantastic. Everyone was upbeat and highly optimistic about this year. If this is the signal flare for this year’s business approach, I can’t wait to see how it ends in December. I’m betting record sales for a number of shops. Mindset and focus If there was one thing that I think the majority of shop owners were interested in, that would be the impact of digital printing on the industry. Many of the questions in my classes had a slant towards: “How do you get started, sell or remain profitable with digital printing?” The impact of online stores, faster production and limiting pre- printed inventory is pushing this idea. Is screen printing going away? Not on your life. I believe that the digital sector is expanding the offering much like a shop might add embroidery or using heat press applications. It’s a tool, and a profitable one, if the circumstances an d business situations are correct. Plenty of shops also were looking at improving their processes and operations. Any technique, gizmo, new material or consumable that could shave off a step or save them time was seriously considered. I met with, taught classes to, or had side interactions with probably between 300 and 400 shop owners during the Impressions Expo. During those conversations I consistently asked: “What are you most excited about seeing?” or “What did you see that thrilled you the most?” Below are the things that were mentioned in those chats with many people during the show. Most talked about exhibits Let’s face it, decorating headwear is a profitable part of many shops’ business. Beyond simply embroidering a cap or hat, many shops add a decorative element with a heat press. It’s a simple and effective way to handle this decoration task. However, there are challenges: the platens often leave a crease or mark on structured hats. It’s difficult to decorate all around the hat due to the limitations of the machine. Plus, it can be difficult sticking some thicker patches or emblems to the hat as the adhesive doesn’t properly melt during production because the elements are too thick. Hotronix 360 IQ Hat Heat Press All of those problems are resolved with the new Hotronix 360 IQ Hat Heat Press. Both upper and lower platens apply the heat with pressure. This reduces the time on the press, but gets the thicker elements to work correctly with the adhesive fusion. The universal platens adjust with the style of the hat, so there’s no need to switch them out. Also, there is more room to turn and m ove the hat around on the heat press. T his means you can get to any area Impressions Expo Long Beach 2020: review Marshall Atkinson takes a look at the multiple new launches unveiled at the first trade show of the new decade, the rebranded Impressions Expo in the US