Strategy September 06, 2024
Decorating Roundup: Epson Introduces UV Flatbed Desktop Printer
Also, Roland DGA technology is allowing for onsite apparel personalization at the US Open, and Counselor Top 40 supplier PCNA now offers a full-color wrap print for drinkware.
Epson has released its first UV desktop printer, a compact solution that the equipment maker says is perfect for promotional products distributors, e-commerce businesses, sign shops, retail kiosks and at-home users.
The SureColor V1070 is designed to bring the power of UV printing to small businesses, with a space-saving design that lets it fit just about anywhere, even when pushed against the wall, according to the company. It prints on materials such as wood and acrylic and directly onto a range of promotional materials, such as keychains, golf balls, pens and signage. It also has the ability to create UV direct-to-film (DTF) transfers.
“Epson is dedicated to making cutting-edge UV printing technology accessible to everyone and simplifying the process for customers starting their own business or just beginning to explore the possibilities of UV printing,” said David Lopez, product manager for professional imaging at Epson. “This powerful, yet affordable desktop UV printer brings all the incredible technology of Epson’s large format UV printer into a compact design that can fit into most places, allowing for high-quality printing on almost anything from virtually anywhere.”
The printer features six-color UltraChrome UV ink, which includes white ink to deliver opacity on clear or dark substrates, as well as a varnish ink, which allows for a gloss or matte finish and can create raised textures and other embellishments. The printer has a user-friendly design with simple operation and easy maintenance, according to Epson. It will be available for just under $8,500 through authorized resellers.
Roland Partners With YR for Onsite Apparel Personalization at US Open
Wide-format digital imaging provider Roland DGA partnered with YR, a product customization software provider, to deploy on-demand personalized apparel technology at the US Open Tennis Championships in Flushing, NY.
As part of this year’s event, Roland DGA and YR are collaborating to deliver a seamless, premium onsite printing experience using Roland DG VersaSTUDIO BY-20 printers and YR’s latest software platform. Combining the printers and software, fans have been able to create personalized merchandise instantly. This year, the installation by YR is expected to produce over 10,000 items for attendees.
“Our VersaSTUDIO BY-20 printers are compact, powerful machines that offer unsurpassed precision and efficiency for apparel decoration,” said Roland DGA President Amado Lara. “Together with YR’s innovative software, they form a system that is giving US Open visitors the opportunity to design and print personalized apparel and accessories in real time.”
Tim Williams, CEO of YR, expressed excitement about partnering with Roland DGA: “Our omnichannel software, combined with the capabilities of the VersaSTUDIO BY-20 printers, allows us to offer a truly unique and personalized experience for fans, reflecting our commitment to innovation in the custom printing industry.”
Visitors can create designs in multiple locations around the US Open venue using YR software on large touchscreens or their own devices. All orders are then routed to a central print facility, built by YR, onsite at the US Open. The YR software platform controls order management and routing, automatically managing the printing process in real time.
Roland also recently announced the addition of new features to its Roland DG Connect app that helps users gain a detailed understanding of their print operations. Updates include the ability to remotely control important functions of inkjet printers to further improve operational efficiency, plus display-screen customization options for increased ease of use and convenience.
PCNA Launches New Drinkware Decoration
Counselor Top 40 supplier PCNA (asi/66887) now offers seamless full-color wraps using digital color print for drinkware. The decoration method offers a vibrant full-coverage print directly onto drinkware products, according to the supplier.
In addition to being able to create a wraparound design on a tumbler or other drinkware product, the technique enables step and repeats, allowing for uninterrupted repetition of a continuous pattern.
Arcus Printers To Debut Upgraded DTF Printer
Arcus Printers has upgraded its Arcus Pioneer 24 four-head DTF printer and will be debuting the new device at the upcoming Printing United Expo, held Sept. 10 to 12 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
The upgraded printer includes the addition of eight color channels, allowing for a broader color gamut and enabling decorators to achieve more precise and vibrant colors, including challenging hues like deep cardinal reds, rich navy blues and royal blues. This advancement is particularly beneficial for those producing licensed sportswear or university apparel, where color accuracy is make-or-break. Printers can also produce designs with popular fluorescent color elements in neon yellow, pink and orange.
“Our new eight-color Pioneer 24 printer represents a significant leap forward for decorators who demand the best in both performance and color precision,” said Brian Belk, managing director at Axiom America, parent company of Arcus Printers.
Stahls’ Now Offers Inktra Screen-Printed Transfers
Stahls’ (asi/88984), the St. Clair Shores, MI-based supplier of heat-printing technology and heat transfers, has launched Inktra screen-printed transfers, a clear carrier plastisol ink transfer that provides the look and feel of traditional screen printing with only a heat press.
The transfers’ see-through carrier ensures designs are positioned accurately for a simple heat application on any item. Inktra streamlines production, with no need to invest in additional equipment, hire skilled labor or increase overhead, according to Stahls’.
Inktra transfers – ideal for one-color, single-image prints – also feature a low-temperature application that’s safe for sensitive fabrics.