FabricsGraphicsMag.com | March 18, 2010

Now available at Tri Vantage is the new and improved Firesist, a fire retardant awning fabric specifically designed for the commercial awning, canopy and shade markets. Available in 12 colors, Firesist is lightweight, yet very durable.

Firesist is woven from high UV- and fade-resistant, solution-dyed fiber that provides superior resistance to weather, stains, mildew and flame. While lightweight, the strong and tear-resistant fabric is engineered for ease of fabrication. Firesist’s proprietary coating helps prolong the life of the fabric and preserves its appearance, and makes it easy to clean.

In addition to improved durability, Firesist fabric is now available in 12 popular colors, including new tweed patterns. These deep, rich colors not only deliver long lasting good looks, they are color transfer resistant.

Firesist is available in 12 colors, including new tweed patterns. These deep, rich colors are color transfer resistant.

Backed by a five-year warranty, Firesist is 8.75 ounces per square yard, 60 inches wide and meets California State Fire Marshal Title 19; NFPA 701-99, test method II; CPAI-84, Tent walls and roof; FMVSS 302; FAA 25.853 (Aviation); and UFAC Upholstered Furniture, Class 1.

FabricsGraphicsMag.com | March 11, 2010

Digital Designware and the International Sign Association (ISA) are hosting the American Wrap Star contest for the first time at ISA Expo in Orlando, Fla., April 8-April 10. The contest will award $250,000 worth of prizes.

3M is the platinum sponsor of the event, providing 3M product as prizes, on-site support and demonstration, along with 3M Controltac Wrap Film with Comply v3 Adhesive IJ180Cv3 and 3M Scotchcal Ultra-Matte Overlaminate 8915, which will be used in the competition.

The competition will consist of five rounds during the three show days. Wrappers will compete on speed and quality and will be judged by a panel of international wrap experts. A maximum of 128 wrappers can participate in the contest, and all participants, regardless of ranking, will receive a prize. Prizes awarded to the top winners will include a flatbed applicator, vinyl cutter with camera system and software, digital printer, 3M materials and laminator. Competitors that are eliminated after the first round will be awarded a package of vouchers for vinyl, overlaminate, software and wrap tools worth nearly $1,800.

Sponsors include 3M, Summa, Rollsroller, HP, Mutoh, Royal Sovereign, Corel, Pro Vehicle Outline, Cadlink, Digital Art Solutions, Yellotools, Image1Impact, and Wrap Experts.

Additional event details:

• Anyone with wrapping experience is eligible to participate in the contest.
• Participants are required to bring tools; electricity will be provided.
• All competitors who reach the morning rounds on Friday and Saturday will receive one night's hotel at 50-percent off at the event HQ hotel for the night prior to the morning round.
• Participants receive free admission to the show for all three show days.
• All participants and sponsors will be invited to the "Wrap Night" party on Thursday. Venue and time to be announced.

Download The American Wrap Star registration form. For information, e-mail Dirk Moebes.

Fabric Graphics | March 2010

By Tim Greene

One of my responsibilities at InfoTrends is to develop forecasts for digital printing technologies, and one of the key elements to forecasting is understanding what is happening among print service providers. 2009 was a bad year for those companies. Many are looking for new market opportunities, and digital textile printing presents one. Textiles bring unique and desirable characteristics to the soft signage applications these companies are used to producing.

Digital printing systems have enabled digital textile production. Options are more numerous and more cost-effective, enabling greater adoption of the process and greater innovation among the providers.

Two technologies that will make a big impact are Latex inkjet printing and UV-curable inkjet printing. By 2013, we forecast there to be nearly 3 billion square feet of textile production done using these technologies.

Two years ago Hewlett-Packard introduced Latex inkjet printing with the launch of the DesignJet L65500. Latex is a unique ink formulation that provides high-quality, durable images and lower running costs than other water-based ink formulations. HP has launched smaller and less-expensive versions of these printers, allowing Latex technology to be used by more users. Many leading textile media suppliers have been working with HP to develop media specifically for the Latex platform.

A few years ago, the idea of using UV-curable inkjet ink on flexible material was thought to be impossible. There are now a number of printers and textile media that are compatible with UV-curable inkjet printing. Development in the formulation of UV-curable inkjet inks has greatly improved and has enabled this digital production.

These two technologies have advantages over dye sublimation. The first advantage is speed, because there is no transfer process. The second is less waste due to the lack of the transfer medium. Because these are direct-to-textile printing devices, there is no need for additional equipment, such as a heat press.

Supporters of dye-sublimation technology rightly suggest that it offers better image durability and superior image quality. Furthermore, developments in single-step digital sublimation printers improve speeds and reduce the use of transfer papers with in-line ink fixing units.

The development of new technology enables print service providers to participate in a wider set of digital printing applications. The improvement in digital production technology should enable better economics and faster service when working with printing resources.

Tim Greene is director, wide format printing and jetting technologies opportunities, InfoTrends, Weymouth, Mass.

Fabric Graphics | March 2010

Blox-Lite from DaVinci Technologies is an opaque, grommetable banner and sign material that is printable on two sides. The FSC-certified product comes in 10-, 12- and 14-point media and is suitable for use to hang in windows and from ceilings. Applications for this product include digital, screen, offset and flatbed UV printing.

SOURCE DaVinci Technologies

Fabric Graphics | March 2010

3M Commercial Graphics and HP Large Format Division announced 3M Piezo Inkjet Ink Series 5400UV. Offered for sale directly through the 3M distribution channel, the 3M ink series 5400UV was designed for use with HP’s Designjet H Series Printers.

3M Ink series 5400UV features six-color inks, designed for use with a broad range of opaque, clear and translucent 3M media to facilitate most large-format needs. Applications include fleet and vehicle graphics, indoor and outdoor signs and flexible sign faces.

SOURCE 3M Commercial Graphics

SOURCE HP Large Format

Fabric Graphics | March 2010

GreenLight™ is an FSC-certified, bright white, latex-saturated moisture-resistant backlit poster paper. Even though it is non-recyclable, this translucent engineered paper remains a more sustainable option than traditional styrene or polyester film for backlit signage. GreenLight™ is currently printable using offset screen or flatbed UV technology.

SOURCE Converd

Fabric Graphics | March 2010

Fisher Textiles’ 480L Soft Poly Pad, an alternative to foam and core boards for retail signage applications, can be dye sublimated and UV-curable printed with roll-to-roll or flatbed printers. The three-layer material features a printable side laminated to a polyester fiber layer, a middle layer consisting of a polyester fiber made from recycled PET bottles and 480 poplin black on the back side.

According to the company, the flexibility of the fabric and printable surface make it unique. It also offers finished edges that can be cut, with no sewing necessary.

SOURCE Fisher Textiles

Fabric Graphics | March 2010

The Series 975 Carbon Fiber Cast film from Oracal USA has a textured surface specially developed for exterior automotive accent restyling and interior applications for fine detailing. Series 975 is recommended for many carbon fiber applications within the interior design, craft and hobby, and surface effects markets.

The cast film offers stability and conformability over uneven, arched or curved surfaces, as well as flat applications, and features a transparent, solvent-based, repositionable adhesive-backed 90-pound PE-coated silicone liner. It is available in black and anthracite in 60-inch-wide, 50-yard and 25-yard long rolls.

SOURCE Oracal USA

Fabric Graphics | March 2010

WeatherMax FR is now available in 10 colors: black, burgundy, captain navy, forest green, light charcoal, pacific blue, toast, true red, yellow and white. The solution-dyed, fire- and UV-resistant fabric from Safety Components is designed for awnings, tents and other outdoor applications. The fabric is guaranteed to retain its color for at least five years. It utilizes SaturaMax yarns for high stability, is water resistant and features a HydroMax finish, which helps to eliminate mold and mildew growth.

Weathermax FR meets California State Fire Marshal Title 19, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA-701), Canvas Products Association International (CPAI-84) standards and FMVSS 302 specifications.

SOURCE WeatherMax

Fabric Graphics | March 2010

The JV5-320DS printer, from Mimaki Engineering Co. Ltd., enables direct printing on polyester substrates up to a width of 3.2 meters. Based on the JV5-320S printer, the new model caters to the increased demand for outside signage on polyester textiles that are better suited for use with water-based dye-sublimation inks.

The direct and dye-sublimation printer offers high productivity, improved consistency and excellent image quality. It is equipped with an ink catcher that prevents inks from penetrating the fabric and staining the back during printing. A new drying fan dries inks directly after printing.

SOURCE Mimaki Engineering Co. Ltd.

Fabric Graphics | March 2010

Sawgrass Technologies Consumer Division announced the availability of the Cap Cleaning Kit for the Brother GT-541 direct-to-garment printer. The manufacturer recommends that the Wiper Cleaner be replaced with every black ink cartridge. The Cleaning Kit is individually packaged and contains the Wiper Cleaner, as well as cleaning solution, swabs and latex gloves to facilitate the replacement of the Wiper Cleaner.

NaturaLink B is color-matched with OEM Brother Inks, so one can change out one color at a time or all colors at once. The kit is included with the black ink cartridge at no extra cost for NaturaLink B customers.

SOURCE www.garmentink.com

Fabric Graphics | March 2010

Octi-Tech Ltd. released the Sublideck Surface Decoration System, a new range of specialty heat presses. The system combines infrared heat and vacuum pressure to mold images onto two- and three-dimensional substrates and surfaces. Sublideck 2D allows users to decorate simple shaped products, curves and dimensional items by using a special vacuum press bed, flexible top membrane and infrared heat. Sublideck 3D uses the same combination of vacuum pressure and heat in a larger top membrane to wrap transfer film completely around more complex objects. Both presses work best with images printed using standard sublimation inks onto Octi-Tech’s TotalRelease Film.

SOURCE Sublideck Surface Decoration System

Fabric Graphics | March 2010

The iQuote Xpress Quotation System helps businesses improve sales force productivity and information. The web-based SaaS application enables sales personnel to generate detailed, accurate sales proposals that include complete marketing information, images and “intelligent relationship” product-tree management. With iQuote, sales management is provided online access to securely stored client contact and proposal information, sales forecasting and analysis in a hybrid CRM halo environment. All information is protected, and only those with granted access can remove information.

SOURCE iQuote Xpress

Fabric Graphics | March 2010

The SteelTraK Vertical Cutter from Foster Keencut has new accessories. The Aluminum Twin Wheel cutting wheel cuts up to 080 aluminum and the V-Groove cutting tool allows PVC, corrugated plastic and aluminum composite material to be folded. The V-Groove cutting tools are available for thicknesses of 2, 3, 4 and 6 millimeter aluminum composite material.

Each of the four attached tools cuts on the same line. All cutting tools are permanently mounted on the cutting head. The SteelTraK is available in a 65-inch or 82-inch cut size and is backed by Foster Keencut’s five-year general warranty on all parts (except blades and cutting wheels) and a 20-year warranty on the bearings used in the cutting head.

The mountable Evolution precision cutter requires no additional floor space and is easy to use. Bar clamps keep materials secure, while adjustable levelers create accurate, straight cuts within .008 inches over the length of the material. The cutter features a fabric cutting wheel, and is available in five sizes ranging from 64 to 144 inches.

SOURCE Foster Keencut

Fabric Graphics | March 2010

By Abbie Yarger

The project. Provide printed banners to contribute to the ongoing revitalization of the Enrnest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans. The 1.1 million-square-foot center, the sixth largest convention facility in the United States, sustained damage from Hurricane Katrina and housed thousands of victims in the aftermath of the storm.

The companies. Flying Colors, Berkeley, Calif., developed the concept and design of the banners and managed the project from start to finish. The New Orleans branch of Freeman Decorating Services Inc., headquartered in Dallas, Texas, handled the production and installation of the banners, as the mission of the project was to support the local business community.

The task. The banners were to fill the 30-foot ceilings in the lobby to create a welcoming atmosphere. The banners would feature photographs of New Orleans citizens, festivities and architecture, capturing the strength and spirit of the community.

The challenge. Finding high-resolution photographs that would complement the interior design and color scheme of the space proved to be one of the main challenges of the project. Additionally, Flying Colors had to design a banner system that would not inhibit use of the lobby.

The solution. Flying Colors collaborated with convention center staff and the New Orleans Metropolitan Convention and Visitors Bureau to find photographs that would meet the requirements of the project. Photographs were arranged on a storyboard to illustrate the project in its entirety. After proper color correction, cropping and enhancement, the photographs were printed on Firesafe fabric from Fisher Textiles using an HP Scitex XL1500 printer with HP XP222 Scitex ink. The system was installed to be easily removed and reinstalled as needed.

The result. The 90 banners of varying size and color guide guests through the lobby and the rich history of New Orleans, continuing the facility’s reputation as the epicenter of the city. Visitors and show managers appreciate the vivid, vibrant imagery that embodies the places and people of this resilient city.

Abbie Yarger is a freelance writer and editor based in St. Louis Park, Minn.

Fabric Graphics | March 2010

By Janet Preus

A man goes into a store, buys a shirt and goes home. A woman goes into a store, tries on eight shirts, goes to the next store, tries on five more, then goes home and shops online. She might keep this up for days in order to find the right style, fit and fabric. This may be an overstatement, but it illustrates a point that is not missed by savvy apparel businesses. In fact, anyone who prints on fabric can capitalize on this point.

Peach Berserk is a buzzing “bricks and mortar” store and workshop in Toronto, Ontario, but it has a far more commanding reach via an interactive website. Owner Kingi Carpenter makes the entire shopping experience fun by offering customers “a website that allows people to goof around, try things and see what they look like.”

Shopping for clothes is vastly different than shopping for an awning, signage or exhibit. Still, each instance should allow customers to try things and figure out for themselves what they like.

On the Peach Berserk website, visitors choose the pieces of the dress, the pattern for the fabric and the color. The customer designs her own dress, submits her choices online and in a week the dress is done.

“We do it all in-house,” Carpenter says. “If someone needs it in two days, we can do it. Everything stays in downtown Toronto. The price is higher, but there’s such flexibility.”

Customers can even submit artwork for a custom pattern.

The shop also turns out pillow cases, curtains and duvet covers—even oven mitts are popular. “Our attitude is if you can print it, we can make it,” Carpenter says.

If a picture is worth a thousand words, then a picture your customer created that accurately represents the finished product they will be paying for adds value to your products and services. Some projects may be too complex for a customer to “design” their own, but why couldn’t they at least see their logo on several different fabric patterns or colors?

Any part of the project that can be designed interactively is a plus for you. The customer has a hand in the creative process and is likely to have a better understanding and acceptance of the final product. The commitment up front for businesses is critical, but the payoff can be substantial.

Janet Preus is editor of Specialty Fabrics Review, a publication of the Industrial Fabrics Association International, and contributing editor for Fabric Graphics.

Fabric Graphics | March 2010

By Jill C. Lafferty

The sister-brother team of Maureen and Rick Kelly credit their father’s advice for leading them into the flag and banner business.

“He never owned a company, but believed that the best way to run a business was to rely on your own decisions and not others,” says Maureen Kelly. “We saw an opportunity—much smaller at first, but it just kept growing from a one-floor loft with no heat to a 23,000-square-foot building with a production floor and office space.”

Maureen Kelly started The Design Loft of St. Louis, Mo., to design and fabricate site-specific metal and fabric structures. Rick joined her and launched The Flag Loft division in 1990. For 15 years, The Flag Loft specialized in appliqué and silkscreen, but in 2005 added digital printing to its capabilities.

“Since then we have been able to expand not only our flag and banner production to the digital print market, but we have also moved into the exhibit, museum and signage market on a much larger scale and with a product that has more fabric options and greater image detail,” Maureen Kelly says. She’s especially proud of the work The Flag Loft does for museums and theaters.

“Last year we did all the printing for the Katherine Dunham exhibit that included 30 large-format images of old and original photographs,” Kelly says. “The graphics were huge and extremely difficult to work with, but as it turned out it was considered one of the best exhibits that the Missouri History Museum had produced.”

The company manufactures flags with Artistri 200 denier nylon using eight colors of acid-dyed inks (CMYK plus orange, red, blue and gray). “On the banner side, customers are demanding more variety with their background materials so we focus on dye-sublimation inks,” she says. The company uses Mimaki printers for both processes.

Digital printing encompasses about 30 percent of The Flag Loft’s business, and Kelly says that while business was down overall in 2009, the digital portion of the business still experienced growth. She expects that to continue it 2010.

Among other survival strategies, The Flag Loft established an advisory board.

“We were able to set in place heavy hitters in manufacturing, marketing and finance to help lead the company for the past 18 months,” Kelly says. “None of our board is in our field, so each brings a unique insight into strategies for the company. I am sure that is a reason that we have had growth areas in the company.”

Jill C. Lafferty is the editor of InTents, a publication of the Industrial Fabrics Association International.

Fabric Graphics | March 2010

DaVinci Technologies donated Solvent Satin Canvas to the ABC reality television show, “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.” In the episode, which originally aired on Dec. 6, the community of Clarksville, Tenn., came together to help Trina Scott and her three daughters, who lost their father, David, in a sudden accident.

DaVinci Technologies manufactures and supplies a variety of inkjet media for both solvent and aqueous digital printing, and a variety of cleaning supplies.

Fabric Graphics | March 2010

AW Specialty Papers launched three new videos demonstrating how to apply heat transfer paper onto dark-colored substrates using a commercial heat press. Available on YouTube, each video highlights one of three new products: Koncert T, Laser Dark and 3G Jet-Opaque. The IMAGE CLIP series is for use with laser printers or copiers, and the 3G Jet-Opaque is for inkjet printers.

The Koncert T’s video demonstrates transfering white letters and images to a variety of substrates, a process requiring only two steps. The Laser Dark video shows the two-step process of transferring high-resolution color images using color laser copiers or printers onto dark- and bright-colored substrates. The 3G Jet-Opaque heat transfer paper video demonstrates how to correctly transfer inkjet images to dark or colored garments and substrates for photo-quality transfers.

Fabric Graphics | March 2010

The final rule adopting the 2009 Manual on Uniform Traffic Devices was recently published in the Federal Register. Signs on the primary and interstate highways are subject to the MUTCD, which is effectively a national sign code. Governments are required to adopt the new MUTCD standards within two years.

Fabric Graphics | March 2010

Oracal USA received the 2009 Vendor of the Year Award from USCutter.com, a national distributor with headquarters in Woodinville, Wash. USCutter.com was able to increase sales by 210 percent thanks to Oracal’s full line of pressure sensitive adhesive products, as well as its sales and marketing support.

Fabric Graphics | March 2010

Arlon and Mutoh America joined to sponsor the Graphics of the Americas Vehicle wrap center. The wrap was featured at the GOA tradeshow in Miami, Fla., Feb. 25–27. Arlon featured the new DPF 6000XRP.

Free demonstrations educate end users on the proper techniques and tools needed to complete a profitable vehicle wrap.

Fabric Graphics | March 2010

The Exhibit Designers and Producers Association elected Jay Burkette to the executive board in the role of vice president, administration. In this two-year tenured position, Burkette will be responsible for monitoring and enforcing the association bylaws and meetings, assisting with administrative matters and coordinating the nomination activities and appointments for board and executive committee positions.

Burkette joins the EDPA executive board with 25 years of industry experience. He is currently vice president of sales at ExpoDisplays.

The EDPA is an internationally recognized trade association promoting education, leadership and networking for the advancement of the exhibition industry.

Fabric Graphics | March 2010

Mutoh America introduced the Carwraps Business Builder program, offered free of charge with the purchase of a ValueJet 1304 or 1614 printer.

The program is geared toward companies and individuals interested in entering the vehicle graphics industry, as well as experienced “wrappers.”

The program is comprised of three elements: training, support and marketing assistance, with the primary objectives being greater efficiency and effectiveness resulting in higher profits.

The program features streaming HD videos, live monthly webinars, one-on-one project management support, ready-to-print wrap designs, discounted artwork composition services and discounted hands-on installation training.

Fabric Graphics | March 2010

Pantone 15-5519 turquoise has been named the Pantone Color of the Year for 2010. While some might be leery, the color can have quite the impact when used judiciously. According to Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute, turquoise carries several cultural meanings. It has been believed to be a protective talisman, a color of deep compassion and healing and a color of faith and truth, inspired by water and sky.

Through years of color word-association studies, Pantone found that turquoise represents an escape to many, taking them to a tropical paradise that is pleasant and inviting.