Among other major industry players, Kornit has been working to position itself to thrive amid increasing demand for a new paradigm in decorated apparel. Rather mass production overseas is the focus is on more sustainable, near-shore production of customizable, low-quantity ecommerce orders, all facilitated by advances in digital print. One recent example is the company’s new collaboration with Adobe on new RIP technology that improves color management for DTG.

Notable features of HP’s Latex 630 include automatic white-ink recirculation to prevent nozzle clogging during periods of activity. By pairing the unit with a separate cutter, the company demonstrates a complete workflow that doesn’t bog down the machine for print-only jobs.

Roland DGA announced its first acquisition: Dimense, a specialist in creating textures and embossing effects during the printing process rather than after the fact.

This micro-perf film from Ultraflex features 1-mm holes rather than standard sizes to lend the appearance of more coverage over the same surface area.

Epson unveiled desktop UV and DTG machines, the latter of which is depicted here. This equipment is meant to be accessible to virtually anyone interested in sustainable, on-demand production of quantities as low as one.

Agfa’s Flex Roller Roll system reduces downtime by enabling hybrid printers like this Jeti Tauro H3300 UHS LED to change from roll-to-roll to flatbed applications without uncoupling the rolls.

The workflow around the printer was also a key focus at Durst’s booth. Even seemingly simple features, such as a clamping unit designed for running two rolls simultaneously in soft signage and other applications, can make a significant difference.

One of many Mimaki booth highlights was PICT, a data monitoring system designed to keep tabs on production – in this case, on the company’s own factory in Nagano, Japan.

One lesson from Mactac’s booth was to seek out materials based on the application rather than sticking with what’s familiar. For example, this high-tack adhesive is designed to stick securely to carpet, yet is also easy to remove. Other options on display were better suited for concrete, windows, and more.

Fujifilm’s Acuity Ultra Hybrid LED features a cradle system that enables dropping in 3.2- or 5-m rolls without pulling the table away. The result is faster changeovers between flatbed and roll-to-roll applications.

According to representatives of Canon USA, customers have been challenging the notion that UV ink doesn’t stretch well with the company’s special formulation and latest Colorado printers. With the right technique, the formulation of the company’s UVgel is well-suited for these applications.

Summa’s vinyl cutters leverage barcode-scanning technology to enable lining up jobs for long periods of unattended operation. Cool-cutting lasers, particularly useful for precision applications in which too much heat can be problematic, were also a highlight of this booth.

Braille and ADA-compliant signage are a particular specialty of Mutoh.

Three of this year’s Women in Screen Printing award winners — Nikki bowen, Deanna Smith, and Shyanne Hall – were on-hand for the awards presentation, hosted by former Screen Printing Editor-in-Chief Adrienne Palmer (now editor in chief of DTF.com). Read about all the winners.

Adrienne Palmer, editor-in-chief at DTF.com and former editor-in-chief of Big Picture, was on-hand to MC the annual Women in Wide Format Awards. Read about all the winners.