International Coatings Co., a maker of textile screen-printing inks, has launched Unicorn White, a plastisol ink designed specifically for polyester and problematic synthetic fabrics.

International Coatings has launched Unicorn White, a plastisol ink for polyester.

Engineered with ultra-low bleed and fast-flash technology, the ink combats dye migration issues commonly faced by screen printers and provides crisp and vibrant prints on a variety of polyester-based garments, according to the company. International Coatings is also touting the “creamy viscosity” and ease of printability of Unicorn White, noting that unlike traditional poly whites that require a lot of squeegee pressure to clear the screen, Unicorn White allows for smoother printing. The reduced pressure improves print consistency, enhances production efficiency and, for manual printers, minimizes printer fatigue.

“Screen printers have long struggled with the challenges of polyester printing and dye migration,” said Mark Brouillard, product manager of International Coatings. “With Unicorn White, we’re delivering a solution that enhances efficiency and ease of use. It’s a game-changer for any print shop working with polyester fabrics.”

Unicorn White is part of the company’s FlexCure line, meaning it can be cured across a range of temperatures. For Unicorn White, the range is 275 degrees F to 325 degrees F.

Vastex Offers New Equipment To Exhaust Glycol Vapor

Vastex has released a rear-mounted exhaust hood for its D-100 infrared conveyor dryers.

Equipment supplier Vastex now offers a new rear-mounted exhaust hood for Vastex D-100 infrared conveyor dryers. The hood exhausts fumes from curing direct-to-film (DTF) adhesives and collects glycol residue.

“The rear exhaust removes harmful DTF fumes from the shop environment while collecting glycol condensate, protecting the operating staff as well as the dryer’s heating elements, making it a must-have for safety-conscious DTF printers,” said Mark Vasilantone, Vastex president.

Independently powered, the exhaust hood snaps onto the rear of any D-100 dryer and is offered as an option on new units, or separately to retrofit existing units. Variable controls for both heat intensity and conveyor speed allow fine-tuning of the curing process and rate at which items are being coated with DTF adhesives.

Tru Art Advertising Calendars Invests in Production Inkjet Technology

Tru Art Advertising Calendars (asi/92255), an Iowa City, IA-based supplier of custom promotional calendars, has invested in a new production inkjet digital press. The technology delivers exceptional print quality, greater creative freedom and expanded personalization options, according to the company.

“We’re always looking for ways to help our customers stand out,” said Mary Brown, account executive with Tru Art. “We can now produce more calendars, more efficiently – without sacrificing quality.”

The new equipment offers 1,200 by 1,200 dpi high-resolution printing with LED UV technology to ensure crisp details and bold colors. With variable data-printing capabilities, the supplier can offer personalized designs, tailored messaging and unique branding. Other benefits include reduced waste and cost savings, and more eco-friendly printing, since the LED UV ink technology uses less energy than traditional methods.

Tru Art Advertising Calendars has been producing promotional calendars for 129 years.

Arcus Printers To Showcase New UV Flatbed Printer at ISA Expo

Arcus Printers is showcasing its Monarch FB2436 Vision UV flatbed printer.

Arcus Printers, part of Axiom America, will be showing its new Monarch FB2436 Vision UV flatbed printer at the International Sign Association (ISA) Expo from April 23 to 25 in Las Vegas, after debuting the model at Impressions Expo Atlantic City earlier this month.

The Monarch FB2436 is engineered for direct-to-substrate and ultraviolet DTF sheet printing, and it eliminates the need for jigs and manual registration, providing seamless high-speed precision printing on irregularly placed objects, according to the company.

“The Monarch FB2436 Vision represents a major step forward in UV printing technology for printing professionals,” said Brian Belk, managing director at Axiom America. “By eliminating the need for jigs and introducing an advanced camera vision system, we’re empowering decorators with a faster, more accurate and more versatile printing solution.”

Key features of the printer include high-speed, high-resolution output and the ability to create 3-D effects and premium finishes through advanced UV layering. The equipment prints on glass, acrylic, metal, wood, ceramic tiles, leather, PVC, flexible films and other substrates.