Throughout the tradeshow floor, industry experts demonstrated the newest technology advancements in high-production digital and screen print devices as well as direct-to-garment, special effects and post-print finishing tools and equipment.

The Breakthrough Technology at SGIA ‘08

SGIA ’08 was home to some of the biggest (literally), most advanced and innovative North American product launches, making it the only show that represents the full range of technology for all production levels — from the smallest screen and digital devices, to the equipment capable of the highest print production.

From high production machines pushing the envelope on inkjet print speeds and digital white ink for garments, to introductions into UV/LED, here are some of the highlights of the Expo:

EFI’s VUTEk DS Series Touted as a “digital screen printer,” the VUTEk DS Series is helping to “redefine the price point in UV, while also giving small print shops a viable option,” said EFI’s Chet Pribonic. The printer is capable of generating speeds of up to 6,000 ft² (557 m²) per hour, with print resolutions of up to 1,200 dpi and up to 8 colors. The DS Series was shown printing for the first time at SGIA ’08.

HP Designjet L65500 Adding to HP’s expanding line of inkjet solutions — the Designjet L65500, using HP’s new latex inks, made its debut at SGIA ’08. Producing outdoor unlaminated prints with a three-year durability and outdoor laminated prints with a five-year durability, the printer is capable of creating applications up to 104 inches (2.64 m) with up to 1,200 dpi image resolution.

Roland DGA Corp. Versa UV LEC-300 At SGIA '08, Roland's launch of the Versa UV LEC-300, a printer complete with white and clear inks and the ability to print and cut all at once, signified Roland’s entrance into the UV market. Using an innovative UV/LED curing lamp, the unit runs on a standard household outlet and is ready to print almost immediately, with a lamp life of approximately 10,000 hours.

Gandinnovations Jeti 3324 Aquajet RTR
Gandinnovations’ SGIA ’08-launch of the Jeti Aquajet 3324 RTR once again showed their stake in the dye sublimation market. The three-meter wide printer uses Gandi water-base dye sub inks, allowing for direct printing on any polyester-base fabric. The unit comes complete with a built-in infrared heater for an all-in-one printing/curing solution.

Durst Rho320R
Using the same industrial-strength materials and magnetic drive mechanism familiar to Durst customers, the Rho 320R — a low-VOC, non-solvent printer for indoor applications — has provided another reliable system for unattended printing. “Durst shows again that the machine is for 24-hour, 7-day operation,” said Durst’s Christian Harder.

Agfa Anapurna Mv
Making their North American launch of the Anapurna Mv at SGIA ’08, Agfa’s newest system is capable of spot and flood coat varnish, as well as its true hybrid status as a flatbed or roll-to-roll UV system, with a print resolution of 720 x 1440 dpi and up to 158 cm (62 in) wide.

Brother GT-782 Making its “first public appearance” at SGIA ’08, Brother’s first foray into digital white ink, the GT-782, features two carriages — one with four white print-heads and one with CMYK — capable of printing at the same time, and switching when necessary, thereby upping production speeds and quality.

Summit UV’s Destiny 2500 UV LED
The Destiny 2500 UV LED’s introduction to the market at SGIA ’08 “has been a tremendous unveiling,” said Summit UV’s James Gingerich. “This technology is very new — for this industry it’s the first time many are hearing about it.” The system is capable of a low-energy cure on most substrates with little to no heat.

Fujifilm Sericol Inca Onset
Although not on the floor at SGIA ’08, Fujifilm Sericol’s new Inca Onset garnered much attention for being able to handle print sizes up to 3.2 x 1.5m (10.5x 5 ft) and achieving production throughput of 500 sq m/hr (5382 sq ft /hr), the automated Inca Onset delivers 100+ full-bed sheets an hour.

Océ Arizona 350 GT Improving on the 250, the Océ Arizona 350 GT with white ink option boasts production speeds of up to 239 square feet per hour. The printer allows instant switching between roll-to-roll and flatbed capabilities and can print on rigid media up to 98 inches wide x 49 inches long x 1.89 inches thick while the roll-to-roll module can print onto flexible media up to 87 inches wide.