Looking for an equipment upgrade for your decorated-apparel shop? Manufacturers are releasing new direct-to-garment, direct-to-film and automatic screen-printing machines. Plus, consider specialized heat transfers for a money-saving alternative to traditional embroidery.

Vastex Offers DTF Powder-to-Film System

Vastex International has a handy solution for decorators creating direct-to-film prints: The new DTF Powder-to-Film system is able to coat films uniformly with adhesive powder, improving printing performance and operator safety, according to the Bethlehem, PA-based company.

“Until recently, most shops doing DTF have been hand-coating the films using open plastic containers that expose shop personnel to adhesive dust and require operator time and attention to obtain reliable results,” said Mark Vasilantone, president of Vastex. “The Vastex system provides uniform coverage without dusting and spillage, reducing waste and freeing staff to optimize production time.”

The PTF-100 consists of a steel case on a stand, with a clear polycarbonate door set at an angle. It has two identical cartridges, which can each hold around 3 pounds of adhesive powder. To operate, a filled cartridge is inserted at the top of the unit, and an empty cartridge at the bottom. An operator positions the wet DTF printed film on the application tray, print side up. Once the polycarbonate door is closed tightly, the operator can adjust the angle of the powder deflector and the amount of powder to be released.

With each cycle, the user pulls a lever to release the desired amount of powder, then pushes it to start the timer/vibration. The top cartridge releases adhesive powder which rains down on the film, ensuring complete and even coverage.

Made in the USA, the machine is purpose-built for DTF printing, and the company says it pairs well with Vastex D-100 or D-1000 tabletop conveyor dryers. Vastex also offers heat presses that can be used for DTF printing.

Epson’s Newest SureLab Printer Now Available

Epson’s SureLab D1070DE Minilab Photo Printer, designed to help businesses expand offerings with automated double-sided printing, is now available. The printer is ideal for on-site printing of photo books, promotional materials, invitations and other products.

“Pictures and graphics have become synonymous with big events, memories and milestone achievements,” said Aaron Brill, associate product manager of professional imaging at Epson America. “The SureLab D1070DE supports a variety of businesses, including on-site photographers, photography labs and graphic artists with fast, outstanding single- and double-sided photo applications for creating tangible mementos.”

Among the features of the printer are high-capacity ink packs, a front-facing LCD panel for easy operation, improved connectivity, simplified software and a compact footprint.

Stickers International Brings New Vinyl Lettering & Logos

Stickers International, a division of Top 40 supplier World Emblem (asi/98264) recently added premium-grade sign-making vinyl, a great option for creating eye-catching, single-color signs, vehicle branding, window applications and outdoor stickers for application on flat or slightly curved surfaces.

Offered in five colors – black gloss, white gloss, silver, gold and holographic – the plotter-cut letters and logos are backed with a high-grade permanent, solvent-based adhesive for easy application. They’re durable and designed for long-term outdoor use. Because the cut letters and logos come on a transparent application tape, they can be lifted off in one piece.

The black and white colors are rated for five-year durability; the metallics and holographic are rated for three years. Stickers International notes that for window applications, designs should be mirrored – cut in reverse so they can be read from the outside. Distributors and decorators should designate this when ordering.

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