NEW PROFIT CENTRE

The wide format division of printer manufacturer Mimaki has collaborated with creative professional Anabella Bergero to produce a striking window installation, printed on Drytac ViziPrint Impress Clear film.

Produced for the ‘Constructing Identities’ MUSA exhibition in Miami, Florida, the window mural – which was installed in Spring 2022 – was designed to recreate a Latinx visual universe, exploring gender identity, religious iconography and Latin American pop art. Latinx is a gender neutral term for people of Latin American cultural or ethnic identity in the US.

The project was the culmination of a three year process, with research having been carried out in Argentina, Mexico and the Latin American community in New York. As merits such a project, Bergero and printing partner Mimaki USA sought a high quality printable material that would do justice to the design.

Mimaki USA, a long term user of Drytac materials, selected Drytac ViziPrint Impress Clear for the project. Ernest Contreras, Print Solution Supervisor at Mimaki USA, said the use of this film meant the piece was able to take advantage of lighting from both inside and outside the venue.

He explains: “During the day, it created a striking wall art piece with the outdoor light shining in, and during the evening, it transformed the area with a backlit effect from the indoor lighting.

“The ease of installation and removal of the graphics were very important aspects of the decision to use Drytac ViziPrint as the windows needed to be left clean after removal. Drytac has become a great partner for us as they offer such a wide variety of film solutions.”

The graphics were printed on a Mimaki UCJV300-160 UV LED roll to roll printer. Such was the impact of the installation that the project was awarded the SUNY PACC Prize and showcased at the Argentine Consulate in New York, as well as the Art and Design Gallery at the Fashion Institute of Technology.

Anabella Bergero adds: “The piece was a public art display that generated an intriguing conversation between the inside and outside of the building, visible to those indoor viewers and pedestrians circulating the area. The mural caught the public’s attention for its colours, composition, and digital print technology.” For further information, please visit www.drytac.com

TAKING DIRECT ACTION

By Phil McMullin, Pro Graphics Head of Sales, Epson (UK) Ltd

One of the fastest growing sectors in the apparel industry is the Direct to Film (DTF) market. Agile operations are embracing the easy to adopt technology to access additional revenue streams.

For many their existing Direct to Garment (DTG) hardware can be made DTF ready with just a simple software update that allows the system to quickly, efficiently, and affordably, print directly onto film.

There is no need to invest in a separate printer to enter the DTF market. Free of charge upgrades unlock DTF functions for customers with DTG machines.

As a result, operations can add DTF to their service delivery in a responsive and cost effective way. It is not complicated and there is no requirement to switch out the ink.

This plug in and play DTF technology can be a quick and easy addition to any portfolio of services. Its ability to smoothly integrate into any existing DTG workflow ensures it can begin making an immediate contribution to the bottom line.

It supports an operation’s ability to say yes to everything. All services can be delivered without the need for additional investment. Just one, rather than two machines, is required – perfect for operations where space is at a premium.

The simple step by process achieves high quality results on a wide range of applications and textiles, including those that DTG or screen printing cannot manage.

Following the installation of the software and drivers production can begin immediately. It starts with the placement of the transfer film at top centre of the T-shirt platen with the matt side facing up. Marking the centre of the platen can help ensure greater accuracy.

The chosen artwork is then opened and the size and print quality is set. The layering method for DTF should be selected to automatically set the layers in the correct orientation for white and colour. Once printed the design should be dusted with print adhesive powder while checking every part of the design is covered (this process should be completed in a well ventilated space). The transfer film should then be placed under a heat press or in a heat oven until the texture of the powder looks smoother.

The design can then be applied with the appropriate heat press using the correct settings or stored for later use. When applying, peel the film away gently after it feels cool to touch. Do not stop once the peel has started as this can damage the print.

With DTF, multiple designs can be placed on one sheet of film. This decreases the time spent going through the printing process for multiple items as they only need to be printed once.

Is it time to see how the flexible process could enable your operation to expand its portfolio of applications and enjoy greater production creativity smoothly and affordably? More about Epson’s portfolio can be found here www.epson.co.uk/ verticals/business-solutions-for-professional-graphics/textile

Do you believe in print magic? We sure do! The changing of the seasons makes us all the more aware of the magic that is all around us, when what was once a magnificent green, turns into glowing yellows, fantastic oranges and gentle browns.

Likewise, magic is in the serendipitous moments of creation. The right paper, the right laser, the right design coming together at the right time to create something remarkable.

Seeing is believing, Watch the text revealing magic video at the QPP demonstration suite www.quickPrintPro.co.uk

Print design that makes the cut: Graphische Revue

This exceptional magazine cover from Graphische Revue takes Pergraphica Mysterious Blue to a new level. The cover design showcases the unique colour transformation that occurs when laser engraving Pergraphica Colours. The special marriage between CO₂ laser finishing and this stunning paper surface leaves a lasting and outstanding impression that is truly unique.

Watch as the deep Pergraphica Mysterious Blue takes on a beautiful turquoise shade in the behind the scenes video expose. No ink, just stunning, and somewhat magical results on the paper surface. Watch the magic happen.

16 REASONS TO CELEBRATE CATCHING FEELS

The Pergraphica campaign Catching Feels won two prestigious awards, making that 16 awards won to date! The Mondi marketeers couldn’t be prouder that the beautiful look book that is the centrepiece of this campaign has received (and continues to receive) so much love from the outside world.

Looking for more inspiring design paper projects? Check out some of our favourite Pergraphica Mondi moments here www.mymondi.net

SCODIX EMBELLISHMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Scodix, the provider of digital enhancement solutions for the graphic arts industry, will be focused on economic, productive and sustainable embellishment at this year’s PRINTING United, including the debut of SHD — Smart High Definition — to its technology portfolio.

“The economics of embellishment are more important than ever,” says Mark Nixon, Scodix VP Global Sales & Marketing. “Which is why Scodix has developed its range of enhancement presses to deliver fast ROI by being extremely productive and economic when producing complex and compelling enhancements. Sustainability is even more paramount and visitors to PRINTING United learnt that Scodix digital enhancement solutions, including our breakthrough SHD technology, use clean, eco-friendly processes – with no metals, no acid etch and low energy use.”

At PRINTING United, Scodix debuted SHD on the Scodix Ultra 6000 press. The updated digital enhancement system offers high definition imaging which delivers an accurate, economic, and sustainable alternative to traditional foiling for sheets up to B1 size. Smart High Definition also affords the users fine delicate details and micro fonts, giving clarity and definition to foiling. PRINTING United attendees had the opportunity to explore the cost effective, high quality solution for enhancement, reducing waste, boosting uptime, and shortening time to market.

Digital enhancement allows print and packaging service providers to offer customers increased flexibility and faster turnaround times when compared with traditional analogue metal foiling. As sustainable processes become increasingly essential to the industry, the environmental benefits are significant, including eliminating VOC emissions, removing the need for metal based stamps/clichés, chemicals, and solvents, and thus reducing energy consumption.

“This was a golden opportunity for brands to forge strong connections with customers through engaging, premium packaging with high quality enhancement,” comments Nixon. “Many companies already understand that, and now see how valuable the Scodix Ultra 6000 in particular is as a replacement press for traditional embellishment. We’ve clearly got the quality and economics in enhancing and enjoyed demonstrating that to visitors at the show.” www.scodix.com

WATER BASE PAVEMENT SIGN

Adding a pavement sign outside your business is a simple yet cost effective way of increasing your footfall. ✔ Unlike other pavement signs, the Water Base Pavement Sign has a hollow base which can be filled with water or sand to provide strength and stability for your outdoor signage. ✔ The display sign has a snap frame mechanism for easy poster updates. ✔ Built in wheels (except A2) and pull along handle provide easy movement. www.ukpos.com 0161 516 3685

TOP UP YOUR CHRISTMAS PHOTO FRAMES!

Perfect for grottos and personalised gifts. Offer your customers personalised snow frame photo blocks, a huge choice for your insert sizes. Get personal with baubles, seasonal frames and snow globes. Visit Santa’s studio today to discover more! Free UK delivery on all orders over £100. Call the elf service line for assistance 0121 748 1784 or email: hello@my-accessories.co.uk www.my-accessories.co.uk