Looking for an equipment upgrade for your decorated-apparel shop? Manufacturers are releasing new direct-to-garment, direct-to-film and automatic screen-printing machines. Plus, consider specialized heat transfers for a money-saving alternative to traditional embroidery.

Ricoh Offers New DTG Printers

The Ricoh Ri 4000 DTG printer creates vivid prints on polyester fabrics.

Ricoh has released a new direct-to-garment printer, the Ricoh Ri 4000 DTG, which is able to print easily on 100% polyester and high polyester fabric blends for both light- and dark-colored garments.

The Ricoh Ri 4000 includes built-in enhancer technology that eliminates the need to add additional manual pretreatment to garments, improving efficiency, print consistency and quality. The printer’s ink technology penetrates fabric fibers to create vivid, long-lasting prints with a soft hand feel. In addition, the new printer allows users to create direct-to-film graphics that can be printed on a wide variety of substrates.

“We are thrilled to introduce this game-changing technology to the industry, and we can’t wait to see the impact it will have in the industry,” said Josep Domingot, general manager USA and Canada at Ricoh DTG.

The equipment manufacturer also recently debuted the Ricoh Ri 1000X DTG, which has the ability to print on cotton, blends, canvas, totes and wood. It also has a newly added media type setting, allowing users to switch between white and dark garment settings, with a single input to print better on dark garments.

“With its unmatched print quality and speed, it’s a game-changer for the industry, empowering businesses to unleash their creativity and meet customer demands like never before,” Domingot said.

M&R Releases QUATRO Direct to Film

The Quatro DTF transfer printing system is M&R’s response to changing market conditions in the decorated-apparel space.

M&R has introduced the new Quatro DTF transfer printing system, allowing decorators to apply vibrant, high-quality durable images on a variety of garments and fabric types.

The 24-inch, high-resolution inkjet printer allows for on-the-fly artwork changes and push-button printing. Unlike traditional decoration methods like screen printing, direct-to-film (DTF) printing allows for unlimited colors, including complex designs with gradients and shadows.

M&R noted that it developed the new DTF system to meet changing market conditions, including the rise of e-commerce, print-on-demand and increasing consumer demand for sustainable and eco-friendly products.

Stahls’ Launches Sport-Stitch Embroidery Alternative

Sport-Stitch transfers from Stahls’ are a cost-effective alternative to traditional embroidery.

Stahls’ (asi/88984) has an alternative to traditional embroidery. Its Sport-Stitch heat-applied transfers offer a stitched appearance without the need for sewing, which the company said provides a hassle-free, time-saving and cost-effective alternative for achieving high-quality embroidered finishes.

The transfers are ideal for jerseys, fleece, jackets and headwear. Sport-Stitch requires less of an investment than embroidery. “There’s no need for materials, expensive equipment or time-consuming production,” Stahls’ noted, adding that decorators can “increase their output of high-quality apparel faster, easier and with a higher profit margin.”

ROQ Intros Self-Contained Automatic Press

The ROQ E is a self-contained automatic screen-printing press.

ROQ now offers the ROQ E, a self-contained automatic screen-printing press that doesn’t require an external air supply to operate, just an electric connection. The press features an ultra-quiet built-in air compressor and low-profile platen arms for easy sleeve printing. It’s available in both eight- and 10-station configurations for printing up to six or eight colors and can decorate up to 900 garments an hour.

Other features include a fully electric central lifting system and an easy-to-use human-machine interface. A latching system allows the operator to lift away a print head, remove the screen, clean the print head or insert a flash unit. With a diameter of around 12 feet, the ROQ E is also ideal for decorated-apparel shops with limited workspace.

Product Hub
Find the latest in quality products, must-know trends and fresh ideas for upcoming end-buyer campaigns.