Strategy April 11, 2025
Decorating Roundup: ColDesi Releases New Direct-To-Film Printer
Other releases include a new line of solvent-based inks from AutoTran and a series of UV printers from DPI Laboratory for materials like wood and metal.
Key Takeaways
• Direct-To-Film Launch: ColDesi (asi/18325) has introduced the 30H2 direct-to-film printer for large-scale custom apparel printing.
• New Ink: AutoTran (asi/12555) has launched POP Ink, a high-coverage solvent-based ink for pad and screen printing in the promotional products market.
• Accessible UV Printing: DPI Laboratory has released Catalyst Printers, offering accessible high-resolution UV printing for makers and small businesses.
• Flatbed Printer: Roland DGA unveiled the MO-180 benchtop UV flatbed printer, combining versatility, high print quality and compact design.
Tampa, FL-based ColDesi (asi/18325) has launched a direct-to-film (DTF) printer, the 30H2, designed for large-scale custom apparel printing.
The 30H2 direct-to-film printer from ColDesi (asi/18325)
The ColDesi 30H2 DTF printer delivers vibrant full-color prints and features advanced dual printheads, integrated fume extraction and ColDesi’s Print Optimizer software, allowing users to fine-tune color accuracy and streamline operations. Its OEKO-TEX Eco Passport-certified inks highlight the equipment supplier’s commitment to environmentally conscious printing.
The 30H2 is sold with ColDesi’s POW series of DTF shaker/dryers, which feature an integrated fume extractor that eliminates and filters oil fumes during the drying process. The feature ensures a cleaner, smoke-free working environment, helping with both operator safety and product quality. Plus, ColDesi notes, it removes the need for an external fume extractor, which simplifies system setup and maintenance.
AutoTran Launches Solvent-Based Ink Line
AutoTran (asi/12555) has launched POP Ink, its own line of solvent-based ink.
AutoTran (asi/12555), a global manufacturer of decorating equipment, has launched its own line of solvent-based ink, POP Ink, to the promotional products market.
“Due to continuous price increases seen across the market and inconsistencies in the global supply chains, AutoTran capitalized on an opportunity to create and offer their own ink for pad printing and screen printing within the promotional products space,” the company said.
POP Ink is a highly pigmented monochromatic ink that’s cost-effective and offers high coverage, according to AutoTran.
DPI Laboratory Offers Catalyst UV Printers
DPI Laboratory, a digital print innovation company based in St. Petersburg, FL, has released Catalyst Printers, a new series of high-performance UV printers designed for modern makers, custom manufacturers and small businesses. Built for accessibility, Catalyst Printers produce durable high-resolution prints and support direct-to-object printing on materials such as wood, metal, acrylic, leather, textiles, glass and cylindrical products.
“Catalyst was created to bring industrial-quality UV printing into the hands of real creators,” said Lon Riley, founder and principal collaborator at DPI Laboratory. “We eliminated unnecessary add-ons and inflated costs to offer something powerful, accessible and truly flexible. Whether it’s handcrafted merchandise or small-batch product runs, Catalyst gives makers and small businesses the freedom to build more – without breaking the bank.”
DPI Laboratory offers two models. Catalyst Nanos is a compact UV printer ideal for short runs, personalization and rapid prototyping. The Catalyst Aventra is a larger higher-speed printer designed for scalable production and larger-format applications. Each printer comes standard with an advanced rotary system for cylindrical printing, including a wide-format flatbed designed to accommodate larger cylindrical objects, an electronically driven rotary system for precise step control, the ability to execute full-wrap prints on items such as tumblers and compatibility with UV-DTF workflows for printing on more complex shapes.
Roland DGA Introduces New UV Flatbed Printer
Roland DGA has released the MO-180 benchtop UV flatbed printer.
Roland DGA, a provider of wide-format inkjet printers and printer/cutters, now offers the MO-180 benchtop UV flatbed printer, part of its VersaOBJECT series. The MO-180 incorporates technologies that optimize image quality, productivity and ease of use when direct printing on a wide range of materials, including paper, glass and three-dimensional objects up to 8 inches thick, according to the company.
“The new MO-180 perfectly complements the larger MO-240 benchtop flatbed we introduced late last year, offering customers a more compact option for producing a variety of high value-added items in small to medium lots,” said Philip Chu, Roland DGA’s UV printer product manager. “Combining outstanding versatility and productivity with high print quality and low operating costs, the MO-180 is ideal for any business that wants to customize a vast array of substrates and objects with vibrant, detailed graphics. Plus, like all Roland DG printers, it’s easy to use, ultra-reliable and comes with the best service and support in the industry.”
Compact enough to fit easily in offices, schools, backroom storage areas and other print environments with limited space, the MO-180 offers two printheads in a staggered layout, a powerful UV-LED lamp and dot control technology that gives it a maximum print speed of 20.48 square feet per hour in standard mode.