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Author Recognition

The SGIA Journal, July 2008, Volume Twelve, Third Quarter

JDigital Technologies and the Apparel Decorator
In a traditional shop, a run length of one is asking for the impossible.
Johnny Shell, Vice President – Technical Services, SGIA

New Research Shows Influence of Digital Textile Printing
A recent survey establishes “textiles” as one of the hottest wide-format applications.
Tim Greene, Director of Wide Format and Jetting Technologies Research, InfoTrends

The Role of Voluntary Environmental Programs
Voluntary initiatives, in place of (or complementary to) regulations, have entered the mainstream.
Judy Zaczkowski, Senior Consultant, Envision Compliance

Variable-Dot Printing: Why Dots-Per-Inch is No Longer the Only Measure of Inkjet Print Quality
Imagers have seen advances in quality from technologies that use variable-drop technology.
Jeff Edwards, International Product Marketing Manager, Océ Display Graphics Systems

The Three Things You Need To Know About Doming
A doming system will generate only scrap if you don’t approach the process with attention.
Lance Ewert, National Sales Manager – Industrial Division, Chemque Inc.

Getting Online with Web 2.0
Embrace the Internet and get an online strategy, or take your chances. There, I’ve said it.
Peter Beenen, Vice President – Business Development, signsearch Inc.

Digitalization: How Digital Technology Influences Every Aspect of Our Industry
Using digital technologies, specialty imagers find higher accuracy and increased competitiveness.
Dan Marx, Vice President - Markets and Technologies, SGIA

Dots: The Building Blocks of Process Printing
Process color printing is made possible by repeating the halftone process for each subtractive color.
Rick Mandel, Owner & President, Mandel Co.


The SGIA Journal, April 2008, Volume Twelve, Second Quarter

Direction for Direct-to-Garment Digital Technology
When these machines hit the market, there was an initial yawn, and then, a firestorm.
By Marguerite Higgins, Writer/Editor, SGIA

Choosing Between Flatbed and Cylinder Screen Print Systems      Recent innovations in flatbed and cylinder screen printing systems suggest that it is time to revisit the choices.
By Reinhard Zimmermann, General Manager, Spartanics-Systec

Stencil Washout Techniques                                                                          
Like any other variable, it must be controlled and repeated to attain consistent reproduction and quality.
By Dawn M. Hohl, Screen Printing Consultant, Uncommon Enterprises LLC

Musings from the Lunatic Fringe                                                                     
The reason for faster growth in signage is because the application driving textile printing is soft signage.
By Patti Williams, Consulting Partner, I.T. Strategies

Business 2.0 — And Now for Something Completely Different                             
We face significant short-term issues – an uncertain global economy, weakness in the US dollar and real inflation.
By Chris Bernat, Vapor Apparel/Source Substrates

Corporate Social Responsibility: New Elements to Supply-Chain Management
Facilities should view corporate citizenship as a strategy to shape the value system driving a company’s mission.
By Marcia Y. Kinter, Vice President of Government & Business Information, SGIA

A -Primer on UV-Curable Inkjet Inks                                                                  
Digital applications have flourished because of the flexibility of inkjet and the adaptability of its chemistries.
By Jeff Burton, Digital Printing Analyst, SGIA

The Hiring Process                                                                                         
Interviewing and issuing offers are all part of hiring, and should be reviewed to ensure compliance.
By the SGIA Government and Business Information Department

The Wide, Wide World of … Fine Art! Superwide-Format Flatbeds Expand Artistic Potential
With knowledge of the history and traditions of printmaking, he categorized himself as using the tools of his time.
By Kevin Currier, Worldwide Applications Engineering Manager, EFI-VUTEk

A Look at the Costs of Digital Signage Networks and Content                         
After updating the digital signage budget again, it’s prudent to account for new industry developments.
By Bill Gerba, CEO, Wirespring Technologies


The SGIA Journal, February 2008, Volume Twelve, First Quarter

Analog versus Digital — Where Is It Going
Digital advances bring increased penetration into areas in which analog has been long dominant.
By Terry Amerine, Segment Manager for Wide-Format Graphics, FujiFilm Sericol

Contour Cutting Comes of Age
It is now possible to print sophisticated, color-accurate graphics at attractive prices.
By Steve Aranoff, Business Development Manager, MGE, Inc.

Lamination in Digital Imaging: An Update
On-going changes in technology bring new opportunities to companies offering lamination.
By Al Boese, Manager, SGIA Post Print Manufacturers Alliance (PPMA)

Polyester (UP) – Know Your Substrate
Polyester’s popularity comes from certain properties imparted during its manufacturing. 
By Dutch Drehle, Senior Technical Associate, SGIA

Workflow Efficiency Strategies in Production Screen Printing
Once controls are in place, don’t slip back into business-as-usual mode.
By Mel Hyman, Owner, Pinnacle Consulting

Single-Pass Digital Production Printing and Deposition
Considerations of the possibilities of inkjet as an industrial manufacturing method.
By Dr. Rich Baker, Director of Business Development, FUJIFILM Dimatix Inc. USA
and Ed Chrusciel, Marketing Director, FUJIFILM Dimatix Inc. USA

Bright Idea: UV-LED Inkjet Curing
Disruptive technology or a just a new way to cure? Time and technology will tell.
By Dan Marx, Vice President, Markets & Technologies, SGIA

Print Sales – A Changing Landscape
About 15 years ago, print sales reached a crossroad that changed the specialty imaging landscape.
By Peter Ebner, Sales Trainer, Peter Ebner Inc.

Core Qualifications for Operational Success 
Just by listening, you can show respect while strengthening the opportunity for cooperation.
By Jack W. Reidenbach, Industry Consultant, Screen Graphics of Florida Inc.

Who’s Behind the Lenticular Curtain?
Lenticular not only creates cool effects, but it also affects consumer behavior.
By Jeff Miller, Sales Director of the Americas, HumanEyes Technologies Ltd.


The SGIA Journal, December 2007, Volume Eleven, Fourth Quarter

Full Product Branding with Self-Adhesive Films
By promoting Full Product Branding concepts to their clients, imaging companies create opportunities for a wider range of profitable imaging output — from carpet graphics to shelf advertising and vehicle wraps.
By Roland Castonguay, New Business Development Manager — Outdoor Product Branding, FLEXcon
Michael Chevalier, New Business Development Manager — At-Retail Product Branding, FLEXcon

Ideas, Attitudes & Action 
Make new ideas and change a fixture of your company’s culture. Set small goals and pursue them.
By Tim Markley, President, Markley Enterprise

Computer-to-Screen & Film Technologies for Screen Printing
CTS technology is growing as screen printing continues to compete with alternative imaging technologies. 
By Johnny Shell, Vice President, Technical Services, SGIA

Getting Inkjet Ink and Print Heads to Work Together
Inkjet printer manufacturers must integrate complex and highly refined elements in order to produce the desired images or fluid deposition.
By Vince Cahill, President, VCE Solutions

What Today’s Print Buyers Really Want – and How You Can Deliver 
Buyers think every printer can print “well enough,” and they know competition drives down print costs.
By Margie Dana, Founder, Printer Buyers International

SGIA Interview — Today and Tomorrow: Considering Digital Imaging  
Specialty imaging is used to produce everything from signs to garments and surfboards to circuit boards.
By Dan Marx, Vice President, Markets & Technologies, SGIA

Solvent Printers and Air Quality Control   
Shop owners need to be educated on the effects of exposure to fumes and odors, and preventative measures needed to provide employees with a safe and healthy working environment. 
By Larry Miller, Vice President, Island Clean Air           

Choosing a Color Separation Program
A visit to each supplier’s Web site should give you access to downloadable demos; if not, give the supplier a call and ask for a demo CD.
By Dane Clement, Great Dane Graphics/SPSI

Smaller World — The Implications of GHS and REACH 
Developed in the international arena, both have influenced policy beyond their original borders.
By Marisabel Torres, Government Affairs Associate, SGIA

The Accounting Team and Print MIS in the Big Picture 
The goal of a print MIS system is to provide accurate, information that can be easily organized. 
By Gerald Walsh, Director of Product Marketing and Strategy, EFI Inc.


The SGIA Journal, July 2007, Volume Eleven, Third Quarter

State of the Industry: 2007 
Companies are optimistic about their future earnings, as 37.3 percent expect sales growth between 1 to 14 percent by the end of 2007, and another 32 percent estimating sales to increase 15 to 29 percent.
By Alaina Harris, Business Information Associate, SGIA

Projections on Wide Format UV-Curable Inkjet 
InfoTrends believes the demand for UV-curable inkjet printers will come not just from the sign and screen printing market, but other vertical segments within the wide-format printing market as well.
By Tim Greene, Director, InfoTrends

Direct-to-Garment Inkjet Devices: Technology Update
With average run lengths dropping, having the capability to print small quantity custom designs, at higher margins, is an attractive feature to the thousands who have adopted direct-to-garment inkjet technology in their shops.
By Johnny Shell, Vice President – Technical Services, SGIA

High-Production & Industrial Inkjet Printing Interview 
Digital’s growth and development has grown so much, in fact, the digital process has moved into initially unintended areas, which were surely expected by those working in inkjet research and development.
By Dan Marx, Vice President, Markets and Technology, SGIA

The Pivotal Point  
The salespeople and managers who embrace the benefits of developing new selling skills are still as scarce as ever.
By Peter Ebner, Sales Trainer, Peter Ebner Inc.

Single Pass Inkjet, Now With MEMS!   
The next disruptive technology hitting inkjet head technology, the Holy Grail for manufacturers: Single-pass inkjet for the masses.
By Jeff Burton, Digital Specialist, SGIA

The State of the U.S. PSA Vinyl Market
There is evidence that adhesives were used by our Neanderthal ancestors in the production of the cave paintings in Lascaux, France some 17,000 years ago.
By Michael Flippin, President, Web Consulting Inc.

Flying Colors: New Technologies Ease Color Management
Fears in Graphic Production 

Today’s color management systems and tools are evolving to address many past issues, and can change the way we think about the objectives and demands for controlling color from a project’s concept to delivery.
By Steve Werner, Adobe Trainer, Author and Consultant


The SGIA Journal, April 2007, Volume Eleven, Second Quarter

A Primer on the Practical Physics of Inkjet Print Heads
Not all print heads are created equal. It’s important to know what distinguishes one from another, because a lot of seemingly minor characteristics can add up to significant advantages.
By: Terry O’Keeffe & Ed Chrusciel, FUJIFILM Dimatix Inc.

Corporate Sustainability: Responsibility Meets Opportunity
Each company will need to determine the fit sustainable business practices will have with its overall corporate strategies.
By Marcia Y. Kinter, V.P., Government & Business Information, SGIA

Flash Curing Essentials
The goal of flashing is not to cure the ink. Flash curing is only used to bring the ink to the gel stage.
Dawn M. Hohl, Technical Training Manager, SPTF, Member Academy of Screen Printing Technology

The Rundown on Calendered Vinyl Films
Some calendered vinyl film manufacturers have come a long way in terms of product quality and breadth, by offering advertisers the conformability, durability and image pop that they require, regardless of the application.
By Rick Moore, Marketing Director, MACtac Graphic Products

Business Succession Planning: Prepare for Continued Success
With a business succession plan, you can help secure the future of your business, minimize estate taxes and maximize the wealth passed on to the next generation.
By David J. Sondheim, Cowan Financial Group

Imaging Technology Decision: Screen or Digital
While finding your facility’s own internal “breaking point” between screen and digital printing is important, it is also important to not make the decision between processes based on numbers alone, as there are many considerations you must also factor into your decision.
By Dan Marx, V.P. Markets & Technologies, SGIA

Screen Preparation: A Cornerstone for Successful Screen Printing
Proper preparation of the mesh is an inexpensive way to prevent fisheyes, pinholes, and premature
stencil breakdown.
By Denise Breard, Contract Associate, SGIA

Polycarbonate (PC): Know Your Substrate
The major market segments where polycarbonate has a broad range of applications include automotive, sheet glazing, electronics, business machines, lighting, appliances and health care.
By Dutch Drehle, Senior Technical Associate, SGIA

Three Approaches to Color Measurement
Color measurement involves determining the tristimulus values of X, Y and Z, while allowing for the characteristics of human color vision.
By Hermann Pitscheider, Durst Phototechnik AG


The SGIA Journal, February 2007, Volume Eleven, First Quarter

Wallpaper Basics
Keep in mind, the volume, size, design requirements and number of colors will affect the cost of the finished product.
By Dutch Drehle – Senior Technical Associate, SGIA

Ripping Good Times Ahead
The first key element of a RIP is the interpreter section that reads the printer language, known as Postscript.
By Jeff Burton, Digital Imaging Specialist, SGIA

SGIA Interview: Considerations for Flatbed Inkjet Printing
In the past few years, flatbed inkjet systems have bridged the gap between digital and traditional
screen printing processes.
By Dan Marx, V.P. Markets and Technology, SGIA

The Venerable Vector Graphic – Part V
Color Coded - Working with Color in the World of Vector Graphics
Regardless if you use raster or vector images as your basis, you still have to deal with the same issues — the need to produce an exact color match.
By Mike Daw, Product Specialist, Corel Corp.

Underbases — Why, When & How
Understanding underbases can dramatically improve your printing quality.
By Deborah Sexton, Owner, Saracen Communitcations

UV Inkjet Printers
Almost 80 percent of the respondents either already have a UV printer or plan to buy one in the next 12 months.
By Patti Williams, Consulting Partner, IT Strategies

Digital Printing Business Forecast: Market Movement 2.0
The Internet has affected the specialty graphics industry more than anything else in the past decade.
By Chris Bernat, Principal, Vapor Apparel/Source Substrates

Controlling the Variables with Motson Graphics
Most screen printers are familiar with establishing in-house systems to control the many variables in screen printing.
By Denise Breard, Contract Associate, SGIA

Color Management, Part II Proof How You Print
The methodology put in place to create the print management must be simplistic and repeatable.
By Rick Mandel, President, Mandel/Screentech

Strategic Framework for Financing Your Business
Your business’ assets must be purchased, or funded, somehow.
Special Excerpt from The Business Owner

Digitally Printed Carpet Shows Endless Opportunities
SGIA received rave reviews for its membership booth at SGIA ’06 (Las Vegas, September 26–29, 2006). One feature in particular that intrigued attendees was the digitally imaged booth carpet, featuring a range of floor textures that were anything but polyester carpet.
Product Case Study


The SGIA Journal, December 2006, Volume Ten, Fourth Quarter

No More Make-Ready!
Using Bearer Bars to Cut Set-Up Times on Clamshell Presses

Those who favor the clamshell-press style tend to agree that bearer bars, used properly, will eliminate make-ready on a quality clamshell press.
By Rob Weidhaas – President, Weidhaas LLC

Hybrid Curves©
In real-world color matching in process color, there normally will be one or more of the three color elements that will be out of our complete control.
By Mike Ruff, CTO, Nazdar Consulting

Success Means You Know What Used To Work
Change today is constant, sudden and significant.
By Joe Calloway, Motivational Speaker

What Do New, Aggressive Environmental Laws Mean for the Future of Business?
Where do old electronics go to die?
By Marisabel Torres, Government Affairs Associate, SGIA

Deliciously Lean – A Mouth-Watering Introduction to Lean Manufacturing for Printing Professionals and Sandwich Makers Alike
Applying lean tools and ingenuity is ultimately paramount to ensuring a successful transition to the new demands for businesses and maintaining profitability.
By Bill Hanover, CCO TPS – ThroughPut Solutions

The Venerable Vector Graphic – Part IV
Sign Language
There are many factors that lead to the success of a sign — including content, size and color.
By Mike Daw, Product Specialist at Corel Corp.

Update on Digital Printing Technologies
Magnetography and electron beam printing are used for large-volume narrow-format — i.e. less than 24 inches wide — variable information printing.
By Vince Cahill, President, VCE Solutions


The SGIA Journal, July 2006, Volume Ten, Third Quarter

Upcoming Developments in Industrial Inkjet for Display Graphics
Digital technologies have made possible the production of low-volume print jobs at prices that screen printing could not approach.
By Chris Lynn, VP Sales & Marketing, Xaar Americas

Choosing the Right Sublimation Transfer Paper
This article evolved from a diagram into a manual for choosing the right sublimation transfer paper, based upon the professionals’ collective experience.
By Arnold van Houtum, Texo Trade Services

Beyond Clamshell Presses – Decalcorama’s Story
Automated die cutting means employees do less physically exerting work than they did before. Since using the automated die cutting system, quality and speed have improved.
By Tom Kleeman, CEO, Spartanics

Growing a Business: Shifting Gears for the Changes Ahead
SGIA’s latest survey shows that screen and digital markets are roughly equal business segments for specialty imagers.
By Alaina Harris, Business Management Associate, SGIA

Where Thermal Transfer Technology Excels
Digital printing is increasingly becoming more prevalent for many narrow-web applications. It is the ideal solution for any short-run and variable-data jobs.
By Hagai Valach, Marketing Director, Matan Digital Printers

The Venerable Vector Graphic – Part III Supreme Sublimation
Professionals who want to enhance their work, add appeal to their products and ultimately bring in more business should have a solid understanding of the benefits vectors can offer.
By Mike Daw, Product Specialist for Corel Corporation

Challenges in Meeting Fire Codes
Fire standards and codes have increased with the development of new synthetic fibers and the ink applications to these fibers, create a liability risk for the specialty printer.
By Dr. Phil Age, Associate Professor, Digital Printing, Imaging, and Web Technology, Eastern Illinois University Professor Jean K Dilworth, Textile and Apparel Design, Eastern Illinois University

Heat Transfer Machines Are One Hot Topic
New digital transfer technologies have added a new dimension in heat transfer decoration.
By James Ortolani, Sales Rep, HIX Corp

Liquid Laminates, Varnishes or Polymeric Coatings
Ink type, coated or non-coated media and end use are the top three criteria that determine what type of liquid laminate will provide the best results.
By Greg MacLennan, Director of Operations, Lumina Coatings Canada

The Next Generation of Digital Inks for the Superwide Format
Most of the eco-solvent inks available on the market today, however, are neither derived from a renewable resource nor created through an ecologically sound process.
By Scott Schinlever , Vice President / General Manager of INKWARE a Division of EFI-VUTEk

Rendering Intents: The How and Why
Each device we encounter has its own color gamut, or range of reproducible color.
By Johnny Shell, Vice President, Technical Services, SGIA


The SGIA Journal, April 2006, Volume Ten, Second Quarter

Going in Circles With Curves?
Sometimes the process is the problem; but usually, it’s incompatible products.
By Joe Clarke, Business Development, Coates Screen

Digital Direct-To-Garment Is It Right For You?
Don’t take too long to check out the capabilities and advantages that digital direct-to-garment printers offer. Its time has come.
By Deborah Sexton, Owner, Saracen Communications

The Venerable Vector Graphic Part II Vectors for Engraving
The venerable vector graphic has an important place in the world of engraving.
By Mike Daw, Product Specialist , Corel Corp.

Mold Making for Pad and Screen Printing
The mold making process should take as little time as possible, require minimal skill and be cost effective.
By Dutch Drehle, Senior Technical Associate, SGIA.

Future Think – Preparing for Tomorrow’s Market Conditions Today
Distribution Channels Are Collapsing…. Are you prepared for that? Business is moving
so fast….
By Christopher Bernat, Principal, Source Substrates/Vapor Apparel

Process Control or Product Control
Is a process breakdown the cause of the problems, or is it a product control issue?
By Tony Quinn, Coates Screen

Seizing the Digital Die Cutting Advantage
The basic advantage of a laser cutting system is that it provides a tool-free method
for cutting.
By Bill Knotts, Vice President, Sales &, Marketing, Spartanics

Liquid Laminates – Inkjet Finishing Solutions
Water-based varnishes or liquid laminates are being used as topcoats for everything from the final finish on most luxury automobiles to photos and fine art prints of the same autos in the print world.
By Greg MacLennan, Director of Operations, Lumina Coatings Canada

Laminating and Mounting Can Help You Finish First
Lamination is all about bonding different types of materials together to create a new product you can’t obtain as a single component.
By Laurie Stahl, Writer, SGIA

SGIA Surveys & Statistics Report
Future of Wide Format: Pictures from the Digital Revolution.
By Dan Marx, Vice President, Markets and Technology, SGIA


The SGIA Journal, February 2006, Volume Ten, First Quarter

SGIA JournalInhouse Prepress: A Printer’s Perspective
You can make good quality prints, but if you just jump in and follow the hype, there could be bumps and bruises along the way.
By Peter Duff, Technician, Silkscreen Industries of Canada

Film Positive Road Test
The premise is simple ... using a common art file, send it out digitally to a bunch of different shops to see what type and quality of film they are producing every day on their equipment.
By Andy MacDougall, Owner, Squeegeeville/ TMI Screenprinting Equipment

Buying More than Just the Printer
Grabbing yourself the right digital “board” for your business will allow you to ride the wave, instead of getting swamped by it.
By Ted Nesbitt, National Training Manager, ND Graphics

A Breakout Year for Digital Signage in the US
New ideas are being narrowcast to department-store counters … airport departure gates … transit bus screens … even plasma screens at nightclubs...
By Bill Collins, Principal, WBC Narrowcasting Group

Versatile Vector Graphics  Part 1: A Stitch in Time –  Using Vector Graphics in Embroidery
Armed with good tools, thorough knowledge and a list of satisfied customers, you could be ready to
take your business to the next level. This is the first in a series of six articles on multi-purposing vector illustrations.
By Michel Daw, Senior Product Specialist, Corel Corporation

Overview of Digital Narrow Format Technologies
For a complete printing solution and widespread support for value-added services, look to digital narrow format printing.
By Jeff Burton, Digital Specialist, SGIA

Managing Four-Color Process and Screen Printing
This is the first in a three-part series addressing a different method of looking at four-color process.  The information presented will not be a “how to” instructional on color management and profiling software, but a discussion of when color management profiling can be used and why it’s the latest technique to improve color consistency.
By Rick Mandel, President, Mandel/Screentech

Profiles of a T-Shirt
Has color management simply been overlooked for the garment screen printing sector of our industry?
By Johnny Shell, Vice President, Technical Services, SGIA

When Wallpaper Goes Digital, It Covers New Markets
This home-decorating standby isn’t your great-great-grandmother’s gravure-produced wallpaper anymore.
By Kate Achelpohl, Editorial Manager, SGIA


The SGIA Journal, October 2005, Volume Nine, Fourth Quarter

Apparel Decorating Trends & Techniques for Digital and Sublimation Transfers
The micro run (less than eight decorated garments) is perhaps the fastest growing part of the digital decorating apparel industry.
By Christopher Bernat, Partner, SourceSubstrates, LLC

Rotary Screen Printing: The Productive Solution for HF/UHF RFID Labels
Rotary screen printing is a very productive way of producing high frequency and ultra-high frequency RFID labels. Here’s an overview of the production process and a simple introduction to RFID in general.
By John Costenoble, Sales Manager, Graphic Print Systems, Stork Prints America, Inc.

Critical Questions for Flatbed Purchases
The answers will help you enter the marketplace gracefully and achieve profitability quickly.
By Dan Marx, Vice President, Markets & Technologies, Digital Printing & Imaging Association

The Risks and Rewards of Preprints
Many have tried and few have succeeded in launching successful preprint lines. Make sure you know what you’re getting into before making the investment.
By Deborah Sexton, Owner, Saracen Communications

Plastisol Ink Modifiers
To avoid most ink modifications, order only what ink you need for the job and avoid storing it. If you have to modify, here are a few basic tips.
By Dutch Drehle, Senior Technical Associate, SGIA

UV Ink in the Wide-Format Market: Should Wide-Format Printers Take the Cure?
There are still a number of aspects of UV ink use that need careful consideration by wide-format printers before an investment commitment is made.
By Lilach Sapir, Vice President Product Marketing, Scitex Vision

The Film Lamination of Thermal Inkjet Media: Effects and Compatibilities
Lamination is key for specific display applications. The laminability should be an important design parameter when developing new inkjet media.
By Roman Barba i Mundó, Large Format Inkjet Media Research and Development Senior Engineer, Hewlett Packard

Energy Curing In Inkjet Digital Production Printing
Here’s a review of various curing technologies and their suitability for different inkjet applications.
By Nigel Caiger, Technical Manager, SunJet and Shaun Herlihy, Principal Scientist, St. Mary Cray Research.

Avoid Legal Snares: Employee Handbooks and Hiring
It is no wonder that many business owners get snared by legal landmines when dealing with potential or current employees.
By Danielle F. Waterfield, Esq., Government Affairs Associate, Specialty Graphic and Imaging Association


The SGIA Journal, July 2005, Volume Nine, Third Quarter

Ten Tips to Avoid Halftone Moiré in Garment Printing
Unpredictable and unwanted, moiré can devastate your halftone and process color work. Take action to reduce the occurrence.
By Mark A. Coudray, President, Coudray Graphic Technologies

Navigating the Digital Ink Jungle
It seems like everyday a new inkjet printer is launched along with a new type of ink, leaving many a print maker who is transitioning to digital in a state of confusion.
By Tony Martin, President, Lyson Inc.

Direct Digital Printing for Garments
In many ways digital printing may prove to be the most dramatic event to hit the imprinted garment industry in history.
By Paul J Borucki, Digital Products Manager, SPSI

Inkjet Printing for Corrugated & Paperboard Packaging
Today, full, vibrant color is now the norm. In years to come, those packaging companies that are not capable of providing color economically will be hard-pressed to stay profitable.
By Dan Marx, Director of Communication, Digital Printing & Imaging Association

Creating Four-Color Process Separations in Photoshop
Let an expert guide you through the process, step by step.
By Charlie Taublieb, Owner, Taublieb Consulting

Printed Electronics – Introduction
The printed electronics market is changing rapidly. See why the motivation to invest is very powerful.
By Mark Hanley, President, IT Strategies

Diversifying Your Shop for Greater Profitability
If you’re looking to boost sales, consider adding new decorating processes that will help expand your markets.
By Carl Baldwin, President/Owner, Falcon Graphics

Digital Printing of Textiles: A ‘How-To’ Discussion
Are you ready to digitally scan a customer’s exact measurements, have her dress style … material … pattern … and colors digitally printed, digitally cut, sewn and ready for pickup within a day? Mass customization is a reality.
By David Clark, Technical Sales Representative, Ciba Specialty Chemicals

Necessity or Luxury? Fade-Resistant Inkjet Prints
Producing an inkjet image that is truly permanent is a goal that is highly sought after, but is complicated and impractical for most purposes.
By Sensient Imaging Technologies, Inc.


The SGIA Journal, April 2005, Volume Nine, Second Quarter

Transfer Yield: A Key Success Factor for Inkjet Dye Sublimation
Transfer yield probably influences the costs of the whole printing operation more than anything else.
By Arnold van Houtum and Mark Eerlingen

It’s Time for a Change in Management
Today’s managers, as well as those of tomorrow, must keep up with a more complicated set of issues than their predecessors.
By Alan Anderson

How Sell-Print-Deliver Becomes Service-Produce-Fulfill
Competition is on the increase. Customer expectations are a moving target. As a result, your company’s role is changing, and yesterday’s “sell-print-deliver” business model won’t hold up.
By Michael Robertson

Speed up Your Production with a Registration System
Whether you’re screen printing one color or 16, the need for registration is a given.
By Deborah Sexton

The Commodity Trap — Differentiate or Die!
The most basic competitive question is this: “Why should I do business with you?”
By Joe Calloway

Debunking Common Federal Employment Law Myths
Those who know the law have the advantage over those who do not.
By Danielle F. Waterfield, Esq.

Top Secret Screen Angles
My objective is to document some basic truths about angles and give you the knowledge to set angles based on scientific data, actual line count and mesh metrics.
By Mike Ruff

Screen Manufacture: Base for Printing Quality and Reproducibility
Spending the necessary time and resources to construct a quality screen will have huge
returns later in the workflow.
By Monika Spirig


The SGIA Journal, January 2005 Volume Nine, First Quarter

The Growth of UV Curable Inkjet
UV-cure inks for inkjet applications are very different from UV-cure inks for analog applications.
By Vince Cahill , VCE Solutions

A Machine Does Not Make You a Printer
Owning a super-wide printing machine doesn’t make you an expert in grand format printing.
By Kelly Smith, President, Grand Format Consortium

GCR: Good Color Ruined?
While there are times when GCR is a useful color control tool, more often than not GCR adds confusion and inconsistency to an already complex print job.
By Joe Clarke, Coates Screen

Profiling RGB Printers
By properly profiling your RGB printer, you'll color that matches yourscreen and reproduce the full color gamut of your images.
By Richard Adams, Training & Support Agent, Graphic Intelligence AgencyCorp

A Reflection of the Future: RFID Today
RFID data is also easily managed by software used to control inventory and manage the supply chain.
By Richard Moscatiello, Founder and CEO, Mountain View Systems LLC

An Infrared Primer – The Science of It All
The application for curing inks on garments is one of the best and most successful applications for IR technology.
By Ron Vinyard, Black Body/BBC

Kick Your Marketing Up a Notch
You can separate marketing into two categories: One kind builds brand-name equity; the other kind commands direct response.
By Vince DiCecco, Owner, Your Personal Trainer, Inc.

The Future of Specialty Graphics in North America
Low cost labor and increasingly effective transportation options are expanding the geographic boundaries of the print provider market.
By Michael Robertson, President, CEO, SGIA

The Latent Image
Latent image prints reveal a secondary image when viewed from an angle (typically 45°).
By Johnny Shell, Vice President Technical Services, SGIA