SGIA '08 Serves as Platform for Latest Ink Developments

Oct 24, 2008

The 2008 SGIA Expo, held in Atlanta Oct. 15-18, showcased several new products and ink developments for the screen printing and graphics industry.

Rutland Plastic Technologies Inc., Pineville, N.C., debuted its Claira High Opacity Non-Phthalate Mixing System and Non-Phthalate Concentrate Mixing System. The first system is a non-phthalate, non-lead, non-formaldehyde finished ink similar to Rutland's M2 Mixing System. It can be blended into environmentally friendly, non-phthalate inks using M2000 or M2007 ink mixing software. The Concentrate Mixing System also is non-phthalate, non-lead and non-formaldehyde, and is a single-pigmented color system with built-in binders. These concentrates can be used with Claira Non-Phthalate Specialty bases at up to 50%.

Sawgrass Technologies, Charleston, S.C., showcased its NaturaLink white ink solution for the DirectAdvantage direct-to-garment inkjet printer. The white ink solution produces superior color vibrancy for CMYK reproduction on dark garments at a fast speed, says the company. "We are proud to introduce a white ink solution that meets the quality standards that our customers have come to expect Sawgrass to deliver," says Darcy Mauro, vice president of sales and marketing. "They have waited patiently and now have a means to create full-color, customized images on dark garments."

QCM, Kent, Wash., alerted attendees to six of its major screen printing ink lines that do not contain orthophthalates. Orthophthalates are used as the main plasticizers in PVC compounds for their cure speed, permanence and viscosity, according to the company. However, some orthophthalates are considered carcinogenic, and a past study on their effects showed that rats exposed to orthophthalates developed liver and kidney tumors. QCM's WOW, LFP, QMX, AP, HS and OPC ink lines instead contain a proprietary type of plasticizer that is easily metabolized and does not accumulate in the kidneys or liver, according to the company. In addition, this plasticizer has biodegradable properties. — S.M.

Independent Trading Points to Bright Colors as a Top New Trend
Independent Trading Co., San Clemente, Calif., is seeing bright colors pop out in the wholesale apparel market. "Bright colors are the latest trend and we are now offering them in our AFX brand," says Brett Runge, marketing director.
January 06, 2009

Jantex Offers Burnout Inks in Six Color Options
Pico Rivera, Calif.-based Jantex Inks & Beyond, has manufactured burnout inks for decades.
January 05, 2009

InkCups Now Introduces Tagless Garment Printer
Danvers, Mass.-based InkCups Now Corp. recently introduced ICN-B100, a one-color tabletop pad printer that can print on both flat and three-dimensional items up to 4.25 inches in height.
January 05, 2009

Bella Rolls Out Fresh Looks for 2009
Los Angeles-based Bella is ringing in 2009 with a slew of fresh apparel ideas.
January 05, 2009

S&S Activewear Releases 2009 Catalog
S&S Activewear, Bolingbrook, Ill., recently released its 2009 catalog.
January 02, 2009