June 08, 2023
Decorating Roundup: Equipment That Saves Time & Energy
New equipment, software and materials help apparel decorators boost productivity.
Looking for time-saving solutions that also reduce waste and energy? Consider some of the latest offerings from equipment and material suppliers. Whether it’s a thread-coloring system being integrated into embroidery software or new models of low-wattage, high-efficiency dryers, there’s something interesting for all manner of apparel decorator.
Tajima DG16 Integrates Coloreel Tools
Tajima Software Solutions, which offers embroidery design software DG16, has incorporated the Coloreel thread coloring system into its program. The integration makes it easy to assign any Coloreel color and effect directly into a decorator’s design creation workflow.
Coloreel is a Swedish textile innovation brand, which enables high-quality dyeing of textile thread on demand. The technology enables complicated designs, gradients, textures and other effects – using only a single thread and needle. The solution improves quality and efficiency, and Coloreel notes that it’s also sustainable, since by dyeing the thread directly on the embroidery machine, there’s no wastewater created. Plus, using a single reel of thread and needle also minimizes thread waste and microfiber pollution.
“We believe that it will help our customers create more innovative and high-quality designs,” Claude Vlandis, senior vice president of business development at Tajima, said of the Coloreel integration.
With the new integration of Coloreel features into DG16, users no longer need a separate program to colorize their embroidery designs for Coloreel. This means that everything can be done within one software program, allowing for faster design creation and easier modification of existing designs. Additionally, there’s reduced risk of mixing up stitching and coloring files. With all stitch and color data in one file, it’s also more convenient to create multithread embroideries by combining Coloreel thread and traditional pre-colored embroidery threads, according to the companies.
The integrated Coloreel option is available for all Tajima DG16 users.
Vastex Adds to Lineup of Energy-Saving Dryers
Screen-printing equipment maker Vastex International has expanded its line of low-wattage, high-efficiency dryers for curing direct-to-garment inks and pretreatment, as well as water-based screen-printed inks and discharge, at high rates using 20% less energy than comparable dryers.
Its new Lo-E-1D model, with an 18-inch-long heating chamber and 2,850 watts of power, draws 12.5 amps at 230V, curing up to 23 garments per hour printed with digital white ink at three minutes dwell time or 64 garments per hour with DTG pretreatment only or water-based inks at one minute dwell time.
The Lo-E-3D model, with a 52-inch-long heating chamber and 6,350 watts of power, draws 38 amps at 230V, or just 10 amps at 400V, three phase. It cures up to 64 garments per hour with digital white ink at three minutes of dwell time or 180 garments per hour with DTG pretreatment or water-based inks at one minute of dwell time.
“We engineered the new models for energy-conscious printers having lower or higher capacity requirements than satisfied by our first Lo-E-2D dryer, which gained immediate acceptance following its 2022 introduction,” said Mark Vasilantone, president of Vastex.
Roland DGA Expands Its Offerings
Roland DGA, a provider of wide-format inkjet printers, vinyl cutters and other digital imaging technology, has added two new media offerings – SoftSign Fabric Banner and HeatSoft GLAM heat transfer material – to the wide selection of substrates it currently offers print professionals.
The SoftSign Fabric Banner is a heavyweight, 15-mil, 100% polyester fabric with an Oxford weave that works for a variety of banner and décor applications. Compatible with eco-solvent, UV and resin inks, this 10-ounce fabric allows for a higher-end look and feel than a standard glossy scrim vinyl banner. It’s also easy to work with and doesn’t curl in retractable banner stands.
HeatSoft GLAM is a 7.5-mil heat transfer vinyl that’s made of white polyurethane film with silver sparkle flecks encapsulated in the film for a smooth, printable surface. It features a heat-activated adhesive that allows for application to a variety of fabrics, including cotton, polyester and poly-cotton blends. Because of its thickness, the vinyl is best applied to heavier-weight fabrics and garments, including sweatshirts, denim, aprons, caps, hats and totes. It can be used on T-shirts, but Roland recommends that it be limited to small sections or as an accent piece.
“In the case of SoftSign Fabric Banner, customers asked for it and we listened,” said Lily Hunter, Roland DGA’s senior product manager. “We now have an environmentally friendly fabric banner to satisfy a wide range of Roland DG printer users – from owners of VersaSTUDIO desktop devices to TrueVIS large-format customers. We’re equally excited about adding HeatSoft GLAM to our popular HeatSoft heat transfer family. It’s a truly unique media that’s sure to add a little bling to your life.”
Stahls’ Expands UltraWeed Line
Heat printing material supplier Stahls’ (asi/88984) recently announced the expansion of its CAD-CUT UltraWeed heat transfer vinyl. Now available in a 20-inch roll width, UltraWeed offers greater flexibility for apparel decorators with vinyl cutters. Additionally, three new colors – purple, dark crimson and maroon – join the existing range of more than 50 color options.
According to Stahls’, CAD-CUT UltraWeed provides smooth cutting on a vinyl cutter, is easy to weed and heat applies at a low temperature. With a soft hand, matte finish and layering capabilities, it works well for most everyday heat printing projects.
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