As the country reopens and business picks up, software and equipment makers are hard at work releasing new models, enhanced features and useful add-ons for harried apparel decorators and distributors. Here’s a roundup of some recent offerings.

Epson Introduces Desktop Dye-Sub Printer

Epson recently announced the 24-inch SureColor F570 Professional Edition desktop dye-sublimation printer. The new model includes features to streamline workflow, including specialized transfer paper for both rigid and soft media, a 50-sheet auto-feed tray and built-in cutter and two full sets of inks. It also has a compact, space-saving design.

The printer, which will be available in fall 2021 for less than $3,000 from authorized Epson resellers, is ideal for professionals creating both promotional products – like mugs and mouse pads – and decorated apparel, according to the company.

“We’re seeing professional users looking to enter the textile printer business with an easy-to-use dye-sublimation printer that still offers powerful print software allowing them to create personalized promotional products, fashion apparel and home décor and furnishings,” said Tim Check, product manager.

Other features include high-capacity ink bottles with auto-stop to allow for easy, mess-free filling, a 4.3-inch LCD color touchscreen, flexible connectivity via USB, ethernet or integrated wireless and professional software with advanced color controls. The printheads offer precision droplet control, improving print clarity. In addition, the printer accommodates rolls and sheets up to 24 inches wide.

Vastex Offers Slim Koozie Pallet

Vastex International has introduced a new Slim Koozie Pallet for screen printing on coolers made for 12-ounce bottles and slim cans measuring approximately 2.25 inches in diameter. The new pallet includes eight can cooler holders.

The pallet fits any Vastex manual screen-printing press and is available with or without a pallet arm. A universal model is available for other presses. The pallet features never-warp, high-strength steel construction and bolts into place quickly using corner clamping knobs. Slim cans are becoming increasingly popular with consumers, making the specialized can cooler pallet a perfect summer addition to screen-printing shops, according to Mark Vasilantone, Vastex president.

Vastex offers more than 100 specialty pallets for standard-size can coolers, shirts, sleeves, pant legs, zippered hoodies, oversized garments, face masks, caps, umbrellas, golf towels, flat signage and more.

WebJaguar Releases Online Embroidery Software

WebJaguar, an e-commerce and marketing automation platform, has chosen Wilcom International’s embroidery technology to give its customers new options for easily and quickly configuring products that are decorated with embroidery.

The turnkey technology, designed for the complexities of the apparel and promotional products industry, will help to increase online apparel sales with simple use and accurate configurations, according to WebJaguar.

Wilcom’s embroidery digitizing technology lets customers design apparel or uniforms online in just a few steps: art files are selected or uploaded, a stitch-out design is generated for approval, estimated stitch count is calculated based on decoration location/size, the embroidered image is displayed on selected products, a proof is generated for customer approval and the DST production file is available for a small additional fee.

“This new embroidery offering opens up a world of possibilities for our clients,” said Scott Johnson, sales director at WebJaguar. “Most online store platforms can’t provide embroidery, one of the most popular decoration methods, to be applied to merchandise at the checkout phase. But now, our clients can preset costs for setup and run charges based on stitch count.”