Custom decoration increases the perceived value – and the profit margin – of any promo product. Consider the brand-boosting potential of electric luminous film that can be added to apparel, heat transfer vinyl that resembles glossy, iridescent twill fabric, and a versatile direct-to-garment (DTG) printer that doubles as a direct-to-film printer.

Light Up Branding With Electric Luminous Film

INURU, a German company that exhibited at CES earlier this year, makes electric luminous film (ELF) that can be incorporated into apparel, packaging and other products. Powered by a postage-stamp-size battery, the electronic circuitry is paper-thin, waterproof and shockproof.

“The technology is a complete game-changer for many industries,” said Patrick Barkowski, chief technology officer at INURU. “Not only does it enhance branding to entice new customers, but the ELFs are super-robust and can be integrated using today’s production equipment and recycled after use.”

INURU says its film can be printed into almost anything. One application is incorporating it into packaging and labels to enhance branding, such as bottles that beat to the pulse of music, packages that turn on by motion detection when someone comes within 6 feet, or labels that light up when touched.

Rechargeable OLEDs can be merged with fabrics as a way to add safety – increasing visibility during night runs, for example.

Add Some Texture & Gloss to Apparel

Stahls’ (asi/88984) recently released CAD-CUT Chroma-TWILL, a heat transfer vinyl that offers a glossy, iridescent shine with the feel of woven fabric. It combines the look and texture of traditional twill but adds a shimmering effect to update it. Available in a variety of colors, including neon shades, this specialty material works for a variety of markets, including fashion, spiritwear, athleisure and children’s clothing.

Chroma-TWILL is applied with a heat press and doesn’t require embroidery equipment like traditional appliqué. Distributors and decorators can order it in rolls to cut with their own vinyl cutter or upload their artwork to www.stahls.com/custom-chroma-twill for ready-to-apply transfers.

New DTG Printer Also Has DTF Capability

DTG Connection recently unveiled the X2 DTG printer, the latest addition to its family of direct-to-garment printers. The X2 is built on years of customer feedback and analysis of previous models, according to the company.

“At DTG Connection, our goal is to provide the most reliable and easy-to-use printers on the market,” said Karl Tipre, DTG Connection founder. “The X2 embodies this mission with the addition of many improvements, such as wireless connectivity, a huge 7-inch touchscreen interface, and updates to simplify and reduce required maintenance. It simply works when you need it.”

The printer offers retail-ready prints, a range of platen sizes, a push-of-button switch to direct-to-film printing and a user-friendly interface.

Printer/Cutters Approved for 3M MCS Warranty

Roland DGA, a provider of wide-format inkjet printers, vinyl cutters and other digital imaging technology, notes that its TrueVIS VG3 and SG3 wide-format eco-solvent inkjet printer/cutters with TR2 ink have been approved for the 3M MCS warranty.

The warranty provides full, non-prorated protection for the intended life of each graphic, including fading, cracking, peeling and other performance aspects.

“TrueVIS wide-format printer/cutters and our specially formulated TR2 inks have a well-earned reputation for consistently producing stunning, long-lasting prints with vibrant color and excellent detail,” said Daniel Valade, Roland DGA’s product manager of digital print. “The support of the 3M MCS warranty provides additional assurance to end-buyers that the output created by these devices and inks will satisfy their most demanding customers.”

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