The Long Beach Impressions Expo was another exciting tradeshow this year with numerous exciting technologies and innovations taking shape in apparel decoration and printing. We were lucky enough to walk around the show floor and see some of these developments firsthand, which you can check out in the video below.
Read on after the video for more information!
Automated DTF Solutions
We got to watch the ROQ Impress in action, an automated DTF (direct-to-film) system for high-volume production. This innovative setup includes a rotary heat press to speed up production, plus an automated system that grabs the DTF transfers and places them onto the shirts to save how many steps you need for production. Plus, there’s the ROQ Peel, which automatically peels the PET backer off the transfers.
Also on display was the ROQ NOW, an oval-shaped machine similar to an oval-shaped screen-printing press that industrializes DTF printing. It can print up to 250 pieces per hour and is optimized for high-volume production with prints that show color vibrancy, sharpness, and wash fastness. The ROQ NOW also has innovative features like an integrated humidifier, an integrated neck tag printer, and easy access for cleaning and maintaining printheads.
Manual Heat Press Innovations
The Manual Press Stampinator offers an exciting option for combining printing techniques like screen printing and DTF with a solution that gives you in-line capabilities for heat pressing and flashing garments. This is exciting stuff, especially for shops looking to maximize their space and utility.
More Entrants in the DTF World
While the buzz on DTF has been going strong for the last four years, many major players in the industry are continuing to refine the technology and upgrade existing machinery. A couple of big highlights we saw:
- Mimaki showcased their TxF-300, a high-speed DTF printer that prints up to 63” rolls—certainly a contender for indoor and outdoor prints.
- A major contender in the wide-format market, Roland introduced a series of DTF printers in various sizes, offering options for all business types, from small to industrial-level players.
- Eastsign had a unique take on shop setups with a micro-factory demonstration, which included a direct-to-fabric printing configuration.
Apparel is Still King
Alongside the innovative rollouts in equipment technology, Impressions Expo Long Beach reminded us that one of the core features of the show has always been apparel, particularly blanks manufacturers. Companies like AS Colour had an extensive display of their current lineup in their booth, while manufacturers like Gildan had several booths showcasing their lineup of brands, including their flagship styles, plus American Apparel and Comfort Colors.
Work Smarter
Across all categories, one thing we kept seeing was the push towards improving workflows and efficiency for shops, whether that was with print technology, software, or overall business management. Companies like M&R showcased their next-generation Quattro printer now comes in two configurations. It includes a new six-head, eight-color machine offering expanded color capabilities with CMYK plus white, red, green, orange, and violet. Plus, they also unveiled the Quattro Cutter, an automated cutting solution that streamlines production by reducing the need for manual cutting.
Meanwhile, STAHLs shared the new two-station heat press featuring the innovative Hotronix Pro Place IQ system. The system a grid and artwork directly onto the platen, improving the placement and accuracy of DTF transfers on a garment.
For screen-printing shops, Shur-Loc’s contribution to efficiency enhancement came in the form of a new screen-making solution. Their new solution offers pre-made mesh sheets with locking strips compatible with their frames and Newman roller frames. This system allows print shops to create high-tension screens in-house quickly, and reduce dependency on ordering from suppliers.
While DTF technology continues to dominate discussions, there were other refinements in print tech across the board. Inkcups demonstrated their pad printing system as a cost-effective alternative for large-scale operations. Their system is particularly efficient for inside neck tags, capable of processing hundreds of shirts per hour with instantly dry, wash-ready results.
Industry Perspectives
Overall, our big takeaway from Impressions Expo Long Beach was that education and proper equipment selection remain crucial in the industry. DTF continues to evolve and grow as a popular choice for businesses of all sizes, but screen printing also maintains its position as a go-to technique for large-scale jobs.
These developments suggest a future where automated, hybrid, and scalable solutions will become increasingly crucial in garment decoration, offering businesses more flexibility and efficiency.
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