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The 2004 Specialty Graphic Imaging Association (SGIA) show sent a clear message: The industry may be gradually evolving into a digital one, but in the meantime, the traditional world of screen printing remains healthy and vibrant.
In fact, of the approximately 11,000 attendees who came from around the world to Minneapolis this year, 67% were digital, while 71% were screen printers (graphics and/or textile), SGIA reports. (Some companies use both technologies, which is why these numbers don't add up to 100%.)
While digital technology has made its biggest inroads on the graphics side, for the first time in SGIA history, three exhibitors displayed equipment that prints digitally direct to T-shirts. Despite such limitations as being restricted to light-colored shirts and slow production when compared to an automatic press, some industry players feel direct-to-garment printing has a growing place in the industry and are willing to test it in the market.
Other evolving technologies at this annual event included direct-to-screen imaging, new looks via special effects inks, equipment to automate jobs such as ink and emulsion removal from screens, and flocking.
With more than 470 exhibitors at the event, we can't cover every new or improved product; however, we're pleased to present this snapshot of some of the notable and new things from the show.
DIRECT-TO-GARMENT DIGITAL PRINTERS
The technology to print images digitally direct to T-shirts has been around for more than 10 years, but this year, attendees could compare samples from three equipment brands offered at a number of price points.
The U.S. Screen Printing Institute offered two digital inkjet printers that print directly on T-shirts or any other apparel that fits inside a special pressurefit holding device.
The Fast T-Jet ($10,995) is a small tabletop unit that uses seven-color technology and comes with a bulk continuous-flow ink system. It can print baseball caps in 30 seconds, and works with towels, panties, shorts, mouse pads, bibs and bandannas. The unit takes about two minutes to print a 12" x 14" image. The system uses Fastlnk textile inks, which must be cured by either a heat press or conveyor dryer.
The Fast T-Jet Jumbo ($24,995] is a larger version of the Fast T-Jet. This full-size, floor-standing model has a 24inch bed that can hold everything...