Wednesday, January 30, 2013

ISS Show with the Industry's Leading LED Transfer Printers for Garments and T-shirts

During the ISS Long Beach Show Graphics One exhibited the complete range of GO and OKI LED Transfer Printers for garments and t-shirts. Starting with the GO UNO LED Professional Transfer Printer, the first 11x17 CMYK printer developed specifically for transfers. Additionally, the OKI pro920WT and OKI 711WT LED Transfer Printers for dark and black garments and t-shirts was exhibited. For added information please go to www.graphicsone.com or for the OKI pro920WT please go to: OKI pro920WT.

Monday, January 28, 2013

GO Annnounces the New GO RIO 900X (Mutoh RJ-900X) Dye Sub Printer


One of the most successful printers we have launched in the history of Graphics One is about to be replaced with a new high speed GO RIO 900X printer. Based on Mutoh's RJ-900X, the new 44-inch printer offers blazing speed with the continued reliability found with the original GO RIO unit (of course the original unit was based on Mutoh's RJ-900). GO's pricing remains the same at $7,995 which includes the printer, take-up system, a starter set of GO NeoTack ink and GO's Bulk InkPack kit. For added information please go to: GO RIO 900X (Mutoh RJ-900X)

GO NeoTack--How Does Tack Work?

During the ISS show we had a number of possible users ask about how the patented tack works and what the implications are. The tack is comprised of an inert chemical that does not activate until the temperature reaches 140 C. At that point the tack activates and adheres to the fabric. This eliminates ghosting and issues associated with not using tack paper. 

Some have inquired as to whether the tack ink will completely replace tack dye sub paper and the answer is no. In some cases where the fabric density is limited, tack paper may be needed. In the case where tack paper is used with NeoTack ink, then the combined tack is the strongest tack available. At $125 per liter, GO NeoTack offers the best dye sublimation ink value in the market. 

Saturday, January 26, 2013

GO FlagMaster Offers Best Value for Direct-to-Fabric Imaging

At $34,995 the GO FlagMaster offers capabilities of systems costing far more. The 64-inch FlagMaster is fully integrated system and was developed for imaging soft signage and other applications needing dense direct-to-fabric printing. As with all direct systems, the printer is able to image to a wide variety of coated polyester fabrics. Many of our customers are using the FlagMaster to image tear drop or feather flags for outdoor signage. The FlagMaster comes complete with the printer, RIP, fixation system, fume buster, fabric and ink. For added information please go to: GO FlagMaster 64. 

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Sawgrass and Seiko EPSON Announcement--GO NeoTack Offers More Value

Sawgrass issued the following press release on January 18, 2013 regarding a licensing agreement between Seiko EPSON and Sawgrass. This press release was very interesting in that  Seiko EPSON made no comments in the release, but seemed to let their booth at ISS do the talking. 

Dye sublimation ink solutions provider Sawgrass Technologies, Inc., Charleston, S.C., and print technology company Seiko Epson Corporation of Japan announce that they have entered into a long term license agreement under which Epson, as an authorized Sawgrass licensee, will sell inks for sublimation imaging. The agreement is aimed at Epson printers and their patented piezo electric printheads to be used in the dye sublimation market.
Seiko Epson has extensively evaluated the Sawgrass global patent portfolio and signed a license agreement which allows them to legally enter the dye sublimation ink business with printers having a carriage width greater than 42 inches.
“We are very pleased to have a world class company like Seiko Epson enter into a license agreement,” says Nathan Hale, CEO of Sawgrass Technologies. “It is a validation of our hard work over the past 25 years and the innovation that is reflected in our growing intellectual property portfolio of more than 161 patents.”


During the ISS show there was much speculation about what this announcement really meant. From a Graphics One perspective the launch of our GO NeoTack patented ink offers capabilities that neither Sawgrass or EPSON offer, and our customers agree. Our NeoTack Dye Sub Ink offers tack with virtually unlimited colors, and at our standard GO value pricing. For added information about our NeoTack ink please click: GO NeoTack

Monday, January 21, 2013

Thanks for Great ISS Long Beach Show



Graphics One ended a very successful three day ISS Long Beach Show with dinner at our favorite "last night after-packing haunt, Rock Bottom Brewery." Shown from left to right is Kerby Bonilla, David Campos, Eddie Herrera, Eleni Barefoot, David Badaylan-Boof Captain, Miguel Turmero, Juan Carlos Clavijo and Christian Sam--a great team of people. 

During the show we showed our trio of industry leading LED transfer units the GO UNO LED Professional  t-shirt and garment transfer system, OKI pro920WT with white toner transfer system and OKI 711WT with white toner transfer system. In addition to our LED transfer systems, we launched our GO NeoTack Dye Sub ink, the first ink with tack and unlimited colors, our GO AquaMax dye sub printer, GO RIO Super Bundle, our GO Metalnox 8000AV PRO fully automatic industrial heat press and a variety of other ancillary products. 

The most important fact is if this show is any indication not only is the economy back, but our industry is going to have an outstanding year. 

Thursday, January 17, 2013

GO Metalnox Calandra Calendar 3-in-1 Announced

Graphics One has launched the Metalnox Calandra calendar in the Americas. Offering the capability to image cut sheets, dye sublimation roll-to-roll and direct transfer substrates makes this one of the most versatile calendars available. In fact it is one of the only calendars offering 3-in-1 capabilities. This unit is the leading calendar used throughout the Americas for heavy duty imaging by apparel factories. The unit comes with installation and one year onsite warranty (please ask for the details). An overview is:


• 71" 3-in-1 Calendar Heat Transfer 
• Cut Sheet, Roll-to-Roll and Direct-to-Transfer Calendar Transfer
• Heavy Duty Industrial Unit with Cut-off Continuation in Case of Losing Power
• Uniform Heat Distribution Using Thermal Oil Cylinder
• Patented Dual Felt Protection System

For added information please click: GO Metalnox Calandra 1800AD

GO to Launch Metalnox 8000AV PRO at ISS in Long Beach

During the ISS Long Beach show in several days, Graphics One will launch a number of new products. One of the new products will be the GO Metalnox 8000AV PRO industrial heat press. Sporting dual fully automatic pneumatic 33.5-x43-inch shuttles, the 8000AV PRO is perfect addition to garment producer's factories. Additionally, the 8000AV PRO offers a patented vacuum system which eliminates the need for tacky paper on full presses. For added information please click: GO Metalnox 8000AV PRO.

GO Metalnox 12000AV Heat Press Launched

Graphics One has launched the GO Metalnox 12000AV Heat Press in the Americas. This fully automatic dual shuttle heat press offers a patented paper vacuum system for use with no tack paper, a full size of 39-inches by 58-inches and is the most industrial heat press in the market at this price point. For added information please click on: GO Metalnox 12000AV PRO

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Graphics One to Announce New Products at ISS Long Beach

During the upcoming ISS show, Graphics One will show some major new product lines. As one of the most important ISS shows, GO has chosen the ISS Long Beach show to unveil several significant product additions. GO will launch its new GO NeoTack Dye Sub Ink, GO MiniMax 16 Contour Cutter, GO Metalnox 8000AV PRO industrial dual heat press along with other items as well. Additionally GO is featuring a variety of bundle packages including the GO RIO Super Bundle featuring the 44-inch GO RIO. For added information on the new products and the special offerings please click: ISS Long Beach Show 2012 

Transfer Paper for OKI pro920WT and OKI 711WT--GO FlipIt 2.0

With the launch of the OKI pro920Wt and OKI 711WT, users are constantly asking which paper should be used to obtain the best performance from these printers. GO's FlipIt 2.0 has quickly become the standard for use with the pro920WT and 711WT. The reason for this is the outstanding whites and colors which are able to be transferred to dark and black garments and t-shirts. FlipIt 2.0 offers no cut, no weed capability, which means you do not have to worry about cutting the paper for transfer. FlipIt 2.0 is available in both 11"x17" and 8.5"x11" sizes. For added information please click here:GO FlipIt 2.0.

One important note:  Can you imagine paying as much for a precoater or pretreament device as you would pay for our printers? Unlike Direct-to-Garment (DTG) or Direct Digital (D2) printers, our process does not require any precoating or pretreatment.

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

GO FlipIt 2.0 Transfer Paper for Dark and Black Garments or T-shirts

Users of the OKI pro920WT and OKI 711WT LED transfer printers with white toner have been enjoying tremendous sales using GO;s FlipIt 2.0 transfer paper. This high performance weedless, no cut,  transfer solution for transferring CMYK and white toner on to black and colored t-shirts and garments. FlipIt 2.0 is available in both 11"x17" and 8.5"x11" sizes and is a two step process. 

Many users ask us what is the main difference between using FlipIt 2.0 versus Direct-to-Garment (DTG) or Digital Direct (D2) printers? The main difference is our LED printers print a transfer sheet every two seconds and there is no need for Pretreatment or Precoating. None. Using FlipIt 2.0 provides far higher transfer speed and does not incur the extra costs of a Pretreating or Precoating Device. We say, "No Pretreating or Precoating Needed." 

For added information click on: GO FlipIt 2.0 Transfer Paper

One final comment. Can you imagine the pro920WT and 711WT are priced about the same as the  precoaters or pretrement devices. There is NO reason to purchase these units with the pro920WT or the 711WT. 

Saturday, January 12, 2013

The Best CMYK Solution for T-shirt or Garment Printing...$2,195!

GO's UNO LED Professional Transfer Printer has quickly become the most cost effective solution for imaging of garments and t-shirts. The reason? Check out these specifications:

 First Tabloid Color Printer Specifically Made for Transfers for T-shirts and Garments
• Very Easy to Use--Just Like Desktop Printer
• Prints An Image Every Two Seconds
• Virtually No Maintenance--Leave Unit for Several Months and It Works Right Away
• Denser Imaging than Traditional LED Printer - A Perfect Match for Transfers
• Engineered Specifically for Use with Neenah and GO UNO Transfer Paper
• Full Transfer and Tabloid Printing—GO Extended Edge Technology Allows for Three More Inches of Printing On Bottom
• GO eColor Transfer Technology; UNO Color Toners Enhanced for Transfer - Sharp Detail and Rich, Dramatic Color
• 1200 x 600 dpi Resolution for Crisp, Clear Output
• Media Handling from 3” x 5” to 11.6” x 52” Transfers and Banners—The Only Tabloid Printer to Handle Sheets of that Length
• Fast Print Speeds: Color Output at up to 30 ppm; Monochrome at up to 32 ppm
• 1 Year Limited Warranty on Printer; 5 Year Limited Warranty on LED Array

For added information on the GO UNO please click: GO UNO Info

Thursday, January 10, 2013

Thinking of Buying Direct-to-Garment? Read This First.

Key Questions Regarding How GO/OKI Transfer Solutions Compare to Direct-to-Garment (DTG /D2) are as Follows:

Q: Does the company offer both printers for printing light garments as well as dark or black garments?
GO/OKI: We offer a full range of printers starting with the GO UNO, a printer developed specifically for imaging up to 11”x17” light garments, the 711WT for imaging letter sized dark or black shirts with white and the pro920WT for imaging 11”x17” dark or black shirts.
DTG: Most providers offer both CMYK only and CMYK White printers, but in some cases only CMYK capable printers.

Q: What is the price of the GO/OKI printers and complete systems?
GO/OKI: Pricing for the UNO is $2,195, $3,395 for the 711WT and $7,495 for the 920WT. Complete t-shirt systems range from $2,995 up to $8,995. A user can get into the t-shirt business at a product cost of only $2,995.
DTG: Comparable DTG systems range from $20,000 to over $40,000…and yes the GO/OKI solution offers virtually the same capability at a much lower cost.


Q:Does the cotton garment need to be pre-coated for white to adhere?
GO/OKI: Unlike direct-to-garment printers the GO/OKI transfer solution does not require pre-coating of the garment to be able to use white.
DTG: At trade shows it is rare that DTG providers even tell potential customers that they recommend a precoating device costing between $3,500 and $7,000 for imaging white, and the precoating adds processing steps (in fact here is a dirty secret: at trade shows these vendors precoat their black shirts so a user does not see them coating…take your own jersey to the show and ask them to image it). By the way, adding the precoater adds to the the cost of the printing system of between $15,000 to $35,000. 

Q:How long does it take a DTG unit to image a garment?
GO/OKI: Imaging one transfer sheet using any of the GO/OKI is about two seconds a sheet.
DTG: printers average two to five minutes for just imaging the shirt not including precoating or any heat press steps.


Q:What other substrates other than cotton can a DTG printer print?
GO/OKI: LED printers with toner offer the ability to transfer to most fabrics.
DTG: DTG is limited to cotton.

Q: Does the DTG printer offer the capability to image on hard surface materials such as mugs, acrylic, metal, leather, wood and many other substrates?
GO/OKI: LED printers has the ability using transfer papers for imaging to the widest array of substrates in the industry.
DTG: DTG printers are generally limited to imaging cotton based substrates.

Q: What daily maintenance is required of the DTG unit?
GO/OKI: Our printers do not require any type of ongoing daily maintenance. Even if the printer is not used for an extended period of time, it will work without any issues.
DTG: DTG products have a daily morning and evening routine to ensure the printer does not clog. Additionally, if the printer is not going to be used for any period of time, there is a complete in-depth procedure which must be implemented to ensure the printer does not clog and ruin the ink delivery system and printheads.


Q: What is the cost for a new DTG printhead and the cost for the technician to come change it?
GO/OKI: The LED array is warranted for five years.
DTG: If a DTG printhead goes bad, the cost to replace it ranges from $2,000 to $3,500 depending upon the type of printhead. Additionally if the printhead is out of warranty, there is a service charge of between $400 to $1,000 to replace it.


Q:How much DTG ink is wasted on cleaning and flushing?
GO/OKI: With the LED printers is no toner wastage used for head cleanings or flushing.
DTG: It is estimated that between 5-10% of ink is used by DTG printers to clean, flush and keep the printhead moist so that it does not clog.


Q: What is the average cost for imaging a CMYK and CMYK plus White using DTG?
GO/OKI: CMYK images cost about $.50 for paper and toner and approximately $1.50 with white for letter sized images.
DTG: DTG costs an average of $.75 for CMYK and $1.75 for CMYK plus white for the same sized images.


Q: How long does it take to train on the DTG RIP software and how intuitive is it?
GO/OKI: The OKI/GO solution uses an onboard Adobe RIP which is just like using a normal desktop printer. There is very little training needed for its use.
DTG: Most DTG units use a complicated software RIP which must be used with a server and where the training to use the RIP is between one to three days.


Q: What type of warranty is offered?
GO/OKI: Our warranty includes a one year onsite warranty.
DTG: Most DTG providers offer a parts only warranty and in some cases, do not cover the ink delivery or printhead at all.

Q: Does your DTG provider offer you a complete system, including heat presses, mug presses, paper, toner and other accessories?
GO/OKI: Graphics One offers the most complete range of accessories for not only LED transfer systems but also dye sublimation and other printing systems for unique applications. As part of this offering GO has transfer papers and film, heat presses, color management, blanks and a variety of other products all supported by GO.
DTG: Generally DTG providers generally do not offer the complete system, only the printer and sometimes the pre-coating machine.

Tuesday, January 8, 2013

No Pretreatment or Coating Needed for Dark or Black T-shirts


Printwear Q&A--Printwear offer a very good Q&A section on their website and the following is an except from the website concerning D2 (digital direct) or DTG (direct to garment) printers printing white and colors on dark or black t-shirts. The fact is all of the D2 manufacturers including Anajet and Brother indicate the only way to properly image dark and black garments is by precoating, or pretreating the t-shirts. In fact, both companies say it is also good for even light or white t-shirts as well. Please see the Q&A below.





Q. What is the one thing that is most important to ensure consistent quality digital direct (D2) / direct to garment (DTG) prints on darks?

A: The pre-treatment process is key. Just like when building a house, a good foundation is very important. Consistent, even pre-treatment is the foundation on which the rest of the D2 process is built. When the pre-treatment process is not applied properly, the D2 prints will appear to be faded in certain areas and, in cases where insufficient pre-treatment fluid is applied, the print may even wash out of the shirt when laundered.

The best way to achieve a consistent print is to apply the fluid with an automatic pre-treating machine (additional purchase may be required). When properly maintained and used correctly, these machines offer the user the ability to consistently achieve a high quality product. Answered by Brother International Corporation

Note from Graphics One: With the GO / OKI LED transfer system for imaging both dark and black garments, no precoating is needed. What the answer above does not say is that adding a precoater costs between $3,500 and $8,000 above and beyond the printer. Additionally, the precoating must be heat pressed prior to and after the imaging,  adding many steps to the process. The question we have for users is, "why would you spend more than the price of the UNO, 711WT or pro920WT on pretreating or precoating devices? There is absolutely no need for this type of equipment with the GO / OKI solutions.

Monday, January 7, 2013

Direct-to-Garmet or LED Transfer Printer

In the first of our discussions of whether direct-to-garment / D2 printers and GO/OKI LED printers are competitive, below you will find an overview of what the GO / OKI LED transfer solutions offer:

  • Three Printers--UNO, 711WT and 920WT
  • Printers for Specific Applications--The UNO is perfect for CMYK light and white imaging, whereas the OKI 711WT is a letter size printer for imaging on dark and blacks and the pro920WT is the best 11"x17" transfer printer for imaging darks and blacks.  
  • Low Cost—The cost of entry starts at $2,195 and a full system can be had for as little as $2,995. Additionally the OKI 711WT lists for $3,395 and the pro920WT is $7,495. 
  • Full Color and White—Solution offers the ability to print on light, dark and black garments in full color including white
  •  Low Operating Costs—CMYK toner with paper averages $.50 and CMYW $1.50 for letter sized images
  • Easy-to-use—Just like using a desktop printer so little training needed
  • High Speed—Images at up to one transfer sheet every two seconds
  • Full Complement of Transfer Material—Transfer materials are available for so many applications beyond just garment decoration
  • No Complicated Maintenance—All that is needed is to flip the on-off switch
  • Onsite Warranty—One year onsite warranty on printers with second year optiona

Over the next few weeks we will discuss the specific differences between GO and OKI's solutions and how they compare to direct-to-garment printers from manufacturers such as Anajet and Brother.

Saturday, January 5, 2013

GO UNO Paper--No Cut, No Weed Paper for GO UNO Printer

GO UNO No Weed, No Cut Transfer Paper is a high performance one step weedless transfer paper for both the GO UNO and for OKI LED transfer printers. This new transfer paper allows a user to easily transfer images to a variety of white and light colored fabrics or dark fabric with metallic foil. The secret is only the toner transfers and nothing else. Users will find this process simple as well as the easiest way to make money in the garment transfer business--print it, transfer it, sell it. Pricing is $.50 per sheet. For added information please click on: GO UNO Transfer Paper

Thursday, January 3, 2013

OKI pro920WT Super Bundle

Start your t-shirt business with the GO 920WT Super Bundle. This super deal provides virtually all the products needed to start a successful t-shirt business. The solution includes:

TheOKI 920 WT Super Bundle includes the OKI 920 WT Printer, One FREE set of toner, GO uPress 1620HD Heat Press, GO uPress Mug Heat Press, GO FlipIt 2.0 DarkTransfer Paper (8.5” x 11”, 20 sheets), GO FlipIt 1.0 Dark Transfer Paper (8.5” x 11”, 100 sheets), GO FlipIt 1.0 Hard Surface Transfer Paper (8.5” x 11”, 100 sheets) and GO LogoIt

For more information about this system, click on: OKI Super Bundle

GO Metalnox Calandra 1800AD PRO

Graphics One has launched the Metalnox Calandra calendar in the Americas. Offering the capability to image cut sheets, dye sublimation roll-to-roll and direct transfer substrates makes this one of the most versatile calendars available. In fact it is one of the only calendars offering 3-in-1 capabilities. This unit is the leading calendar used throughout the Americas for heavy duty imaging by apparel factories. The unit comes with installation and one year onsite warranty (please ask for the details). An overview is:


• 71" 3-in-1 Calendar Heat Transfer 
• Cut Sheet, Roll-to-Roll and Direct-to-Transfer Calendar Transfer
• Heavy Duty Industrial Unit with Cut-off Continuation in Case of Losing Power
• Uniform Heat Distribution Using Thermal Oil Cylinder
• Patented Dual Felt Protection System

For added information please click on: GO Metalnox Calandra 1800AD


 


Wednesday, January 2, 2013

GO Announces New GO NeoTack Dye Sub Ink

Today Graphics One announced its new GO NeoTack dye sublimation ink, a new ink featuring a new patented ink tack tack technology along with having a color gamut of 30% to 40% greater than normal dye sub ink. Our new NeoTack ink redefines expectations for dye sublimation ink. For added information please click on: GO NeoTack Info.

GO Products Named to Digital Output Top 50

The November issue of Digital Output, which is due to hit the streets on Oct. 26, honors 50 companies in the industry as top innovators in 2012.

Graphics One was chosen by Digital Output readers to the Top 50, as well as three Graphics One products: EcoMax, FlagMaster and RIO products. All three of these products are only available through the Graphics One Distribution channel.
For added information please click on the following:

GO Metalnox 8000AV PRO Launched at ISS

During the ISS Long Beach show in several weeks, Graphics One will launch a number of new products. One of the new products will be the GO Metalnox 8000AV PRO industrial heat press. Sporting dual fully automatic pneumatic 33.5-x43-inch shuttles, the 8000AV is perfect addition to garment producer's factories. Additionally, the 8000AV PRO offers a patented vacuum system which eliminates the need for tacky paper on full presses. For added information please click:GO Metalnox 8000AV PRO