PGI invests in nonwovens technology
January 11th, 2010
Polymer Group Inc. (PGI) is investing in nonwovens technology in both the U.S. and Asia to serve the hygiene and healthcare marketplace. PGI plans to install new custom-designed spunmelt machines in the U.S. and China. Construction associated with the projects is expected to begin early in the first quarter of 2010 and material is expected […]
Reviving vinyl: ads live on
January 1st, 2010
Target Corp. made its mark on New York City in an ad campaign featuring the artwork of four local artists on billboards at 7 Times Square. The artwork was displayed through October of last year, but its time in the spotlight doesn’t end there. Target is recycling the printed vinyl and restyling it into tote […]
Parry to market EarthSmart Technology
January 1st, 2010
EarthSmart Technology® focuses on post-consumer fiber recycling and product development, and Universal Fibers, Bristol, Va., hired Joseph Parry as national sales manager for branding development and marketing/brand management for the EarthSmart Technology initiative. With 20 years experience in the flooring industry, Parry wanted to work with Universal Fibers on its sustainability efforts. He most recently […]
Sawgrass expands business
January 1st, 2010
Sawgrass Technologies Inc. expanded into two new business units: Sawgrass Consumer and Sawgrass Industrial. The expansion is in response to increased demand and global synergies that have developed within the consumer and industrial markets. The Consumer Division will focus on solutions for digitally printing consumer products. The Industrial Division will focus on commercializing new technologies […]
The dye-sub debate: Transfer vs. direct
January 1st, 2010
Explore the two printing technologies that have taken the fabric graphics industry by storm. By Maura Keller In this day and age, our media-saturated environment is teeming with bigger, brighter and longer-lasting images. From theatrical backdrops to grand format advertising banners to tradeshow booths, many of today’s vibrant printed images are the result of dye […]
The right solution
January 1st, 2010
Ink manufacturers strive to improve capabilities for printing on textiles. By Janice Kleinschmidt Look up the history of printing on Wikipedia and you’ll find a timeline that begins circa 200 with woodblock printing on textiles in China, followed by screen printing (1907), dye sublimation (1957), inkjet printing (1976) and ends with digital printing in 1993. […]
Printed fabrics for home interiors
January 1st, 2010
Digitally printed fabrics provide a world of opportunities for home interior applications. By Holly O’Dell Mass production has become the hallmark of American retail and design, but some consumers are ditching what they deem as cookie-cutter products and using interior designers to help them create one-of-a-kind furnishings and accessories for their homes. In turn, these […]
Inking a plan
January 1st, 2010
By Ashley Scoville So, you’ve got this fantastic new idea for a fabric graphic and you are looking for the best ink to create vivid colors, subtle shades and sharp details. But with so many choices, where do you start? You decide to attend a trade show to see, feel and learn about new digital […]
The business benefits of fabric
January 1st, 2010
By Jeff Leagon When the average person hears the word fabric, their first thought is likely about apparel, upholstery or bedding. For almost as long as these products have existed, they have been decorated with images and patterns. Instead of printing fabrics for apparel or home furnishings, most of the new digital textile equipment is […]
Dye-sub equipment basics
January 1st, 2010
By Steve Urmano If you’re thinking about getting into dye-sublimation printing, consider that the type of equipment, inks, post-processing equipment and size of investment is greatly influenced by applications and end-user requirements. The sublimation printing process can be done in two ways. The most popular method uses sublimation transfer paper, in which printed paper is […]