Custom decoration increases the perceived value – and the profit margin – of any promo product. The brand-boosting potential for electric luminous film can be added to apparel. It can also be used as heat transfer vinyl, which resembles glossy, transparent twill fabric.
Elec Luminous Films Light up Brands
INURU, a German firm that exhibited at CES this year, produces electric luminous film (ELF), that can be incorporated in apparel, packaging, and other products. The electronic circuitry can be powered by a postage stamp-sized lithium battery. It is waterproof, shockproof, and paper thin.
“The technology is a complete game-changer for many industries,” said Patrick Barkowski, chief technology officer at INURU. “Not only does it enhance branding to entice new customers, but the ELFs are super-robust and can be integrated using today’s production equipment and recycled after use.”
It can be printed onto almost any item, according to INURU. You can use it in packaging and labels to increase branding.
Rechargeable OLEDs can be merged with fabrics as a way to add safety – increasing visibility during night runs, for example.
Add Some Texture & Gloss to Apparel
Stahls’ (asi/88984) recently released CAD-CUT Chroma-TWILL, a heat transfer vinyl that offers a glossy, iridescent shine with the feel of woven fabric. It has the texture and look of traditional twill with the added benefit of a shimmering effect. Available in a variety of colors, including neon shades, this specialty material works for a variety of markets, including fashion, spiritwear, athleisure and children’s clothing.
Chroma-TWILL is applied with a heat press and doesn’t require embroidery equipment like traditional appliqué. Distributors and decorators can order it in rolls to cut with their own vinyl cutter or upload their artwork to www.stahls.com/custom-chroma-twill for ready-to-apply transfers.
DTF Capability Available on New DTG Printer
DTG Connection has just unveiled the X2 DTG Printer, its latest addition to the family of direct-to garment printers. According to DTG Connection, the X2 was built from years of customer feedback as well as analysis of past models.
“At DTG Connection, our goal is to provide the most reliable and easy-to-use printers on the market,” said Karl Tipre, DTG Connection founder. “The X2 embodies this mission with the addition of many improvements, such as wireless connectivity, a huge 7-inch touchscreen interface, and updates to simplify and reduce required maintenance. It simply works when you need it.”
The printer can print retail-ready images, offers a variety of plate sizes, push-of-button switching to direct-to film printing, and has a user-friendly interface.
Printer/Cutters Accepted for 3M MSCS Warranty
Roland DGA is a manufacturer of vinyl cutters, inkjet printers, and other digital imaging technology. It notes that the TrueVIS VG3 inkjet printer/cutters, with TR2 ink, have been approved by 3M for their 3M MCS warranty.
The warranty covers all aspects of the graphic’s intended life, including cracking, fading, and peeling.
“TrueVIS wide-format printer/cutters and our specially formulated TR2 inks have a well-earned reputation for consistently producing stunning, long-lasting prints with vibrant color and excellent detail,” said Daniel Valade, Roland DGA’s product manager of digital print. “The support of the 3M MCS warranty provides additional assurance to end-buyers that the output created by these devices and inks will satisfy their most demanding customers.”