Metalnox QuickLook Book Catalog Now Available

Graphics One is pleased to release its latest QuickLook Book covering the Metalnox line of industrial heat presses, calendars and ancillary products. The catalog is 20 pages and contains information covering Metalnox and dye sub / transfer technology. The QuickLook Book can be accessed at: Metalnox QuickLook PDF (PDF version) or Metalnox QuickLook Catalog (for online catalog). 

Read More

Sawgrass's ChromaBlast-R Cotton Transfer System / Ink a Threat to DTG?

Several weeks ago Sawgrass announced the release of a new cotton transfer ink for Ricoh Printers called ChromaBlast-R. This announcement is a really interesting twist to the world of DTG and to the world of transfers. Of course Sawgrass had previously announced a solution for specific EPSON printers, but the inclusion of pigement ink for RICOH print engines gives them a strategic advantage. The reason for this is there are so many different brands of EPSON based DTG printers coming from Asia it is a challenge to understand which printers really work. Certainly from a channel perspective Sawgrass has a much better opportunity with the RICOH print engine, and we expect a more precise marketing message. 

The announcement offers some real advantages against DTG offerings and it will be interesting to follow Sawgrass as they migrate this product into their traditional sales channel.  Our overall impression is they should do well with the product and here's why (all based on reading, no actual usage):

Here are some product details on the ChromaBlast R printer, ink and paper. 

• RICOH Printer with one set of ChromaBlast R Ink $1,639 (from Sign Warehouse)
• 100 sheets of ChromaBlast Transfer Media $75
• 60 mil ChromaBlast Pigment Ink $90

An overview of how the ChromaBlast R product compares to other DTG products is as follows:

PROs

• Print engine costs substantially less than other DTG printers
• Only offering of desktop RICOH inkjet printers which makes for a better integrated solution
• Full solution including printer, ink and paper
• Ink costs seem to be less, although this metric is a bit misleading
• Speed is superior 
• Hand is good after garment is washed
• Longevity of transfer is good

CONs

• No white ink solution at this time
• Imaging is not direct; print to paper and then transfer
• Must factor both transfer paper and ink into cost per shirt calculations
• Must wash garment because paper transfer leaves a polymer coating

Sawgrass ChromaBlast R vs EPSON SureColor F2000
How does the new offering from Sawgrass compete with the "Big E's" new SureColor F2000? We think Sawgrass offers a better value.  Here's a quick rundown of the F2000 and a simple cost comparison:

• EPSON SureColor F2000 Printer-$19,995
• 600 ml Ink Cartridges $229.50
• EPSON Pre-treatment Solution (20 Liter Bottle) $679.95
• Printhead Cleaning Kit (Every 1000 Images) $94.95 

As you will note above, the cost of entry for the RICOH system from Sawgrass is much lower by a factor of ten times. Whereas the everyday running costs of the RICOH may be a bit higher than the EPSON system, when all is taken into consideration the daily costs seem to be similar. With both systems there is no mention of printhead replacement costs. 

Our overall impression of the new product from Sawgrass, as compared to DTG is positive. We will address how the product compares to transfer printers, such as the GO UNO and OKI 920WT in a later post. 

Read More

OKI Data Americas Announces Line of Transfer Media for Use with pro920WT and 711WT Digital Color Printers

Earlier this year OKI Data Americas announced the availability of a new and broader range of transfer media offerings approved for use with the OKIpro920WT and 711WT digital color printers – the GO FlipIt 2.0 line and the GO UNO line. These two lines of transfer papers were thoroughly vetted and selected based on their ease of use, exceptional print quality and ability to deliver bright white transfers, together with the elasticity, durability and soft hand of the finished product. All media is available through Graphics One – an authorized reseller and national distribution partner for both OKI printers (Press Release is located at: http://goo.gl/OVRR6c). 

For added information regarding this line of media please see: 

-GO UNO--http://goo.gl/lZgXOh
-GO FlipIt 2.0--http://goo.gl/dBlMDh

Read More

GO Metalnox EL 600 Swingaway Heat Press: The Movie

GO's Metalnox EL 600 Swingaway Heat Press has quickly become a standard for garment decorating with the OKI and GO UNO LED transfer printers for t-shirt and garment printing applications. In the video below you will see a very good overview of why a user should choose a swingaway heat press over a clam heat press. 

Read More

GO's F-24 Small Format UV Printer: Go Wide. Go Deep. Go Fast. See the Movie.

GO's new F-24 UV LED Small Format Printer was on full display during the recent SGIA Show in Orlando Florida as you will see in this video. As we say Go Wide, Go Deep, Go Fast for the best value in small format UV industrial printing. An overview is:

• Go Wide: 24"x18"
• Go Deep: 10" deep gantry 
• Go Fast: Up to 100 square per hour

More information is available at: goo.gl/PJHo21. 

Read More

EPSON SureColor SC F2000 Ink and Other Consumable Pricing

Seems that EPSON has now published North American list pricing for the EPSON SureColor F2000 Ink and other consumables. The initial indication is the 600 ml ink cartridges are priced $229.50 each (CMYKW). The EPSON Pre-treatment solution has a list price of $679.95 and comes in a 20 liter bottle (mixed 1-1) for a total of 40 liters. A white ink cleaning cartridge is $19.95 and the special Print Head Cleaning Kit is $94.95 and must be used every 1000 images.

List pricing for the toner cartridges for the GO UNO, OKI 711WT and OKI pro920WT are as follows:

• GO UNO--Black $150 CMY $195
• OKI 711WT--White $559 CMY $263
• OKI 920WT--White $455 CMY $153

We hope to have cost per copy information for the EPSON F2000 shortly. 

Read More

How Does the EPSON SureColor F2000 Compare to OKI Transfer Printers?

Oki Epsonf2000 Ci (1) by dantoots

Read More

GO's Business Goes to the Dog (s)

Graphics One announces a new mascot and part time guard dog, Bugsy Badalyan. Bugsy whose owner is David Badlayan, GO's West Coast Sales Manager, has been coming to GO's office since he was a baby. During that time we have started using Bugsy in our product reviews and have also used him as a part time guard dog, when he's not sleeping. According to David Badalyan," Bugsy is an English Bull Dog who has been training everyone at GO on how to best work with dogs and we are now saying for sure the business has gone to the dog (s)."

Bugsy came on board full time as of November 1, 2013. 

Read More

Wider, Deeper and Faster: GO F-24 Small Format UV Flatbed Printer

We will show the GO F-24 and have already enhanced the overall capabilities of this unit. An overview is:

Wider

-The F-24 bed size is actually 24-inches x 17.77-inches which means you can print up to the edge of 18-inches.

Deeper

-The gantry depth is 10-inches which means our gantry is the deepest of any UV flatbed under 24-inches in width.

Faster

-The F-24 images at over 100 sq feet per hour.

Applications--Promo and Signage

-Our focus at SGIA will be on the promotional market where we will show jigs holding golf balls, bottle openers and triangular highlighter with three different colors of highlighters. Our manufacturing partner is providing us with customizable jigs (which you will be able to order) for the promotional markets. When these jigs are combined with the rapid printing speed of the F-24, the unit offers the strongest value proposition of any UV printers under 24-inches in width.

-The other market which we will focus is the yardage sign market. The standard sizes in the US are: 12”x18”, 12”x24”, 18”x24”, 24”x24” and 24”x36”. Most of the market in the US is focused on 18”x24” which of course we can do with the F-24.

-For added information please review the competitive information on other flatbeds at: http://goo.gl/dzLYT7. The F-24 offers:

• Faster speed
• Wider size
• Deeper gantry
• Customizable  jigs
• Standard sign size (only one that can print 24”x18”)
• Best ink price

Read More

GO to Exhibit Wide Array of New Products at SGIA

One week from tomorrow, SGIA opens in Orlando, Florida. Specialty printers from around the world will convene at the Orange County International Exhibition Center and Graphics One will be there in full force with a full complement of new products.

During SGIA GO will exhibit the following products in booth 2482:

• GO e-UV System--Turn an eco printer into a UV roll-to-roll printer for only $4,995
• GO F-24 UV Printer--GO Fast, GO Wide. New 24-inch by 16-inch UV printer
• GO UNO and OKI 920WT--Professional high speed transfer printers
• Metalnox u-Show Press--Shoe transfer heat press
• Metalnox EL 600--16-inch by 20-inch swing-away heat press
• Metalnox EL 800--20-inch by 28-inch heavy duty manual heat press
• Metalnox PTA 8000--Fully automatic dual shuttle vacuum 33.5-inch by 43-inch heat press
• Metalnox PTS 900--Semi automatic 25-inch by 40-inch semi automatic pull out drawer heat press
• Metalnox PTS 950 Basic--28-inch by 39-innch semi-automatic pneumatic heat press
• GO RIO RJ-900X--44-inch dye sub printer with NeoTack dye sub ink and NeoPro 70 gsm dye sub paper
• Mutoh 1638--64-inch high speed dye sub printer with eight NeoTack dye sub ink colors and 100 gsm NeoTack dye sub paper

GO will also have products in the DAPZ Zone exhibiting new and innovative products. Please stop by and say hello and also give us a chance to introduce our new products to you.

Read More

Twelve Reasons You Should be Interested in GO's New e-UV Ink

Convert an eco printer to UV for $4,995?

Really? Here's twelve reasons: 

• Convert virtually any eco-solvent roll-to-roll printer to UV roll-to-roll for only $4,995
• Compatible with standard eco-solvent printers with EPSON print heads
• Lower carbon footprint than eco-solvent or latex
• Incredible image quality and elongation for image flexibility
• Superior UV stability and ultra strong adhesion
• Ink consumption up to 30% less
• UV curing lamp last for the life of the printer (up to 10,000 hours)
• Low power consumption
• Image usable immediately after printing
• Enhances print head life
• Outstanding outdoor and indoor longevity
• Value pricing at much less than OEM eco-solvent ink

For more information click: http://goo.gl/FVUcsh

Read More

GO to Launch F-24 UV LED High Speed Flatbed at SGIA in October

Orlando, Florida will be the site of the launch of GO's new 24-inch high speed UV flatbed launch. This is an exciting launch with our first foray into the promotional and industrial UV market space. With the ability to print on many surfaces at the highest speed for any UV printer under 24-inches, the F-24 is a valuable addition to anyone needing on-demand printing on virtually any 24-inch by 16-inch substrate. The F-24 offers many capabilities only available on far larger and far more expensive units. An overview is:

• Up to 1440 dpi
• Print speeds of over 100 sq ft/hour CMYK
• 24” x 18” print area 
• 10” Gantry thickness for printing thick objects
• Eight color channel piezo drop-on-demand printheads
• White Ink Ready (WIR) provides ink circulation and pressurized pumps to reduce head clogging and maintenance downtime making sure your white ink is ready when you are.
• One Pass (OP) is a patent-pending process allowing white base and colors to be printed in one pass.
• InterWave Dot Technology (IWDT) developed for UV imaging significantly reduces banding in your prints. 
• Laser Printhead Protection (LPP) drastically reduces printhead strikes by using light sensors to detect any print path obstructions and while maintaining your prints
• C,M,Y,K, White and Clear UV inks (available in 250ml, 500ml or 1 liter bottles)
• GO’s F-24 RIP

For added information on this outstanding new printer please go to: http://goo.gl/rGpPLK. 

Read More

The "Big E" (Epson) Enters the Direct-To-Garment T-Shirt Printing Market--Welcome SureColor SC-F2000

The Big E--Epson--seem to be entering all segments of digital imaging and now have a new product called the SureColor SC-F2000 Direct-to-Garment printer. Additionally the pricing of the new SureColor SC-F2000 starts at around $20,000 and for dark and black does not include the pre-coater which costs an added $6,000.

Shipping in October of this year, the SureColor SC-F2000, offers either dual CMYK or CMYK plus White imaging for t-shirt and garment production. The t-shirt printing speed is approximately 27 seconds for light and white and 111 seconds for dark and black. The SureColor SC-F2000 still does not measure up to the speed offered by OKI LED transfer products, such as the GO UNO, pro920WT or 711WT. Of course OKI based transfer units offer speed of about 2 seconds per transfer. When pricing is considered with the speed there is no doubt the OKI based products offer the best value. Watch for more comparison information on the EPSON SureColor SC-F2000 verses the GO UNO, OKI 920WT and OKI 711WT in future blogs.

For further information about OKI's transfer products, please click: OKI Transfer Products.

Read More

New GO Metalnox Calandra CMD 1800 Calendar--$44,995

With the announcement of the newly shipping Metalnox Calandra CMD 1800, one would think the price is higher. In fact the pricing has been lowered to $44,995 from their previous unit which had a list of $54,995. Following are ten capabilities featured on the CMD 1800:

• No break system in case of power failure. The machine continues to operate to protect the machine and the pieces being imaged. 
• Fabric tensioning system keeps fabric in right place for solid color imaging. 
• Production speed control system can be altered for the right production speed.
• Easily accessible emergency stop button for worker safety. 
• Automatic felt alignment keeps images in place to avoid imaging issues.
• Digital temperature control keeps imaging accurate.
• Cylinder drive system accurately controls the rotation and feeding of fabrics and transfer materials. 
• Reversal system for rewinding the fabric and paper for easy correction if there is a mistake.
• Paper recovery system allows the reuse of kraft paper and transfer paper even after its first use.
• No air compressor needed.  

Read More

Metalnox Announces New 28"x39" Dual Shuttle Heat Press--Only $8,495

Metalnox is at it again with the launch of their new PTS 950 Basic.  The Metalnox PTS 950 Basic is a semi automatic dual platen press with each platen measuring 28"x39" at a list price of $8,495. Further the pressing is actually accomplished using a pneumatically controlled press for consistent all over pressing. Manufactured in the Americas, the PTS 950 Basic starts shipping this month. 

An overview of the GO Metalnox PTS 950 Basic is as follows:

• 28” x 39” Semi-Automatic Manual Dual Shuttle Pneumatic Heat Press
• Manual Dual Shuttles for Increased Production Runs
• Adjustable Digital Heat Temperature and Time Control
• Consistent Heat Distribution and High Pressure Over Entire Platen
• Double Teflon Covered Plates
• Perfect for Large Format Dye Sub and Heat Transfer Applications
• Manufactured in the Americas

Read More

New GO Metalnox EL 800 Heat Press Now Shipping

Graphics One recently announced the availability of the GO Metalnox EL 800 20"x28" pull-out drawer manual heat press. Manufactured in the Americas, the EL 800 price at $2,795 offers one of the best values in large format heat presses. 

The GO Metalnox EL 800 is a cost effective manual drawer type heat press that maintains a high level of quality and is an ideal press for production. The heat press frame, cast in aluminum, is lightweight, durable, and low maintenance. High pressure can be achieved without having to hold down the top of the press.

Read More

SEPIAX "Direct;to-Anything" Water Based Resin Inks--Ten Facts

Graphics One has been offering SEPIAX Ink for a number of years now. In the next month we will have some exciting news regarding a new print-and-cut device which will feature the use of SEPIAX. We believe this will be a major new capability, for those who are doing garment transfers, especially for those who are concerned about using eco-solvent inks for doing garment transfers.

A recent article on solvent inks in Digital Output magazines stated, "one of the more intriguing terms used is eco-solvent ink. To most people, "eco" means ecological. But these inks generally contain glycol esters or glycol ether esters – both derived from mineral oil – hardly a renewable resource or an ecologically sound process." An overview of the Facts about SEPIAX ink is as follows:

Ten Facts about SEPIAX Ink:
1. Prints on virtually any substrate*
2. No substrate coating needed
3. Water based resin with exceptional pigment properties
4. Eco-friendly , non-toxic, non-flammable, odorless
5. Ink 30% -50% less for same coverage
6. Adhesion and durability rivaling eco-solvent
7. Outdoor durability up to three years
8. Clog reduced formula
9. Compatible with all EPSON piezo printheads
10. Not ordinary latex—It’s better.
*Substrate surface must be between 45C~55C

Read More

New Pro Starter Large Format Dye Sub System--$11,995

With the launch of the GO Metalnox EL 800 Swing Away Heat Press, we now have a new entry level large format dye sub system at an amazing price of $11,995 for the complete system. When combined with the GO RIO 900X four color printer from Mutoh, the system offers an unbeatable value.

The GO RIO 900X “Pro” Starter Bundle includes:

• Complete Professional Starter Dye Sub System at Great Price Point
• 44-inch 4-Color High Performance GO RIO 900X Dye Sub Printer with Media Handling Take-Up System
• 20-inch x 28-inch Heavy Duty GO Metalnox EL 800 Pull-Out Drawer Heat Press
• GO Edition of Wasatch SoftRIP for GO RIO 900X
• Four Liters of GO NeoTack CMYK Dye Sub Ink in InkPack Packaging
• GO InkPack Refillable Bulk Ink System (4-Color)
• One Roll of 44” x 394’ GO Neo HR (High Release) Dye Sub Transfer Paper
• GO ZippyCut Electric Scissor
• GO HotSlice Fabric Heating Knife
• Perfect for Medium Format Dye Sub Applications such as Floormats, Bags, Boys and Girls Sized Apparel and More

For more information about this incredible bundle, please go to: http://goo.gl/NEFG8. 

Read More

GO Metalnox u-Shoe Heat Press for Shoe Transfers

The GO Metalnox line expands with a unique new addition not available from other heat press  manufacturers. The u-Shoe Heat Press for shoes is the first heat press developed specifically for imaging to shoes. The main application for this new shoe press is for shoe personalization. Just imagine being able to print whatever name, number, image you would like to transfer to shoes using the GO UNO or OKI pro920WT printer and then transferring the image to the shoe using the new GO Metalnox u-Shoe Heat Press. The cost for the toner and paper is less than $0.25 per transfer. Shoe personalization pricing starts at about $10 per set of shoes, so the margins are extremely healthy. The u-Shoe Heat Price List is $895, including the base.

All GO Metalnox heat presses are manufactured in the Americas. For added information please click: http://goo.gl/krV6a.

Read More

GO at NBM Long Beach 2013 Booth 119

Long Beach California will be the site of NBM Long Beach from July 18-20. During the show GO will exhibit some very interesting new products and ideas at Booth 119, including:

• New u-Shoe Personalization System
• New Starter Dye Sub System
• New EL 800 and Shoe Heat Presses
• New Media Which Acts Like a Magnet for Virtually Any Substrate
• Mutoh 1638W with Eight Color NeoTack Inks
• PC 36 Print-and-Cut Unit
• 2 for 1 920 Printer Bundle
• And...Much More

Read More