68 www.signlink.co.uk Issue 251 - February / March 2024 Need for Speed Next, Epson is also active across both areas, working with companies around the world to support them with textile and garment print projects. Phil McMullin, head of sales for commercial and industrial at Epson UK, says that for 2024, the manufacturer is expecting continuing growth in quick return, on-demand orders, and operations responding in a more agile way to meet client needs. “Highly automated, quick to set up and easy to run systems support this, particularly in multi-disciplined operations or where there is a skills shortage,” McMullin explains, adding: “Also, an increasing priority is media recyclability including the inks and the substrates – with an eye on ensuring high-quality print, scratch, and fade resistance.” Wasting no time, McMullin delves straight into the Epson technology that he says can help companies with textile and garment work. First up is the Epson SC-S80600, which McMullin describes as the “workhorse” of the Epson portfolio. ▲ Kornit’s XDi capabilities offer a layering effect for 3D applications emulating screen, dye-sublimation, vinyl, embroidery textures, and other techniques to thrive and grow regardless of market dynamics.” From this, Oakley goes on to offer advice as to what sort of work and markets companies should be looking to target in 2024 and beyond. He comments that “versatility breeds success”, so being prepared to answer new and unforeseen opportunities underlies any wise fulfilment strategy. “Providing decorated fabrics for do-ityourself (DIY) creatives will likely remain a reliable source of business,” Oakley explains, adding: “Fashion and apparel are reliable because everyone needs garments, and on-demand digital decoration services increasingly provide an inexpensive point of entry for aspiring designers to build their online stores and grow their labels. “Home décor is another. We have customers using digital direct-tofabric decoration to produce durable, graphically uncompromising applications for the hospitality and automotive industries, as well.” So, how can Kornit help? Oakley says the manufacturer’s core systems for sustainable, on-demand digital decoration are Kornit Atlas MAX and Kornit Atlas MAX POLY direct-togarment (DTG) print systems. The latter of these specialises in polyester and polyblend materials critical to team sportswear, fan gear, and athleisure apparel markets. Compatible with a range of natural, synthetic, and blended materials, both use a single-step end-to-end process with integrated pre-treatment and energy-efficient curing, as well as pigment-based inks certified by GOTS, ECO Passport, and BlueSign to reduce water and energy consumption, as well as GhG emissions. “They incorporate higher degrees of process automation, such as automated garment loading, for a streamlined routine minimising human error, and now include a Rapid Size Shifter pallet empowering users to switch applications such as standard front-of-shirt graphics, sleeves, leggings, baby apparel, and others in a fraction of the time,” Oakley says. “Our proprietary XDi capabilities offer a layering effect for 3D applications emulating screen, dye-sublimation, vinyl, embroidery, textures, and other decoration techniques, all with one machine and ink set – ideal for consolidating operations and scaling the business. Finished pieces are ready to ship or wear in minutes and meet the quality and durability standards of some of the most demanding apparel brands in the world.” ◄The Kornit Atlas MAX and Kornit Atlas MAX POLY are both DTG print systems TEXTILE AND GARMENT PRINT Upcycling is the skill of taking used or disfavoured materials and transforming or repurposing them into new applications Factoid
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