Proper equipment positioning increases shop efficiency

July 1, 2007  |  Features, Graphics

Workflow demystified: From start to finish. By Vince Cahill Like other manufacturers, printers of textiles want to see jobs moving smoothly and quickly in a steady stream through their facilities, with only interruptions for scheduled preventive maintenance. When an operation can efficiently move ma…
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Fabrics enhance look and feel of retail environments

May 1, 2007  |  Features, Graphics

From simple banners to complex displays, printed fabrics change the appearance of retail environments. By Lou Dzierzak Despite the media buzz surrounding the tremendous increase in Internet shopping, the retail store is still king when it comes to consumer purchasing behavior. Retailers account for …
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Fantastic finishes keep fabrics looking fresh

May 1, 2007  |  Features, Graphics

A finishing touch keeps fabrics at their best. Compiled by Lou Dzierzak Colorful awnings invite customers to take a moment and stop into a new retail store. Large banners hanging on an exterior wall announce the grand opening of a local theater’s new play. Sidewalk cafés protect their p…
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Working with multiple vendors

May 1, 2007  |  Features, Graphics

Dealing with several printing supply vendors may seem complex, but it has its benefits. Compiled by Jamie Swedberg Telecommunications companies are always talking about bundled services: If you buy your cable, phone, and Internet from one vendor, they’ll cut you a deal. Even better, you’…
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Vehicle wraps present growth opportunity for sign shops

March 1, 2007  |  Features, Graphics

The owner of every car, boat, minivan, helicopter, semi-truck trailer, and fleet vehicle in your city is a potential new customer. By Lou Dzierzak Hey, look at that! Ten years ago, a car, truck, or van driving down the street covered in colorful vinyl graphics would have stopped pedestrians in their…
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Building wraps spur sales for print shops

March 1, 2007  |  Features, Graphics

Creating advertising and event banners large enough to cover the façade of a building is a market that can’t be ignored. By Lou Dzierzak At the 2000 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, more than a dozen buildings were decorated with super-sized banners celebrating the competition. Since …
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Fabric facts

March 1, 2007  |  Features, Graphics

There are no easy answers or “magic” fibers, yarns, finishes, and coatings to meet every application. By Phil Age and Jean K. Dilworth Selecting the best fabric for your final application or product depends on the manufacturer’s method of creating fabric from fibers and yarns. The …
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Printer pointers

March 1, 2007  |  Features, Graphics

Your guide to asking the right questions before you buy. By Phil Age and Jean K. Dilworth There are numerous factors to consider before making the decision to by a new printer. First, does your current printing operation have excess demands that can only be met by labor working overtime? If the answ…
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The right time for a bold move into the fabric graphics market

January 1, 2007  |  Features, Graphics

Better fabrics, inks, and equipment, as well as exciting new markets, have converged to create an explosion of graphics on fabric. By Jill C. Lafferty Patrick Hayes still remembers a comment from one of his company’s earliest customers, the proprietor of a screen print shop. “I recall th…
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Understanding RIP

January 1, 2007  |  Features, Graphics

Q&A with Roberto Santos You’ve purchased a printer that looked so good on the show floor. The price was right, and for good measure, the salesperson threw in some ink cartridges and a free RIP package. But is this particular RIP right for your shop? For your employees and workflow? For the…
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