As Printwear & Promotion 2023 prepares to open on 26 February, the floor plan continues to grow, welcoming more than 15 new exhibitors who will be displaying a variety of differing products and services, including bespoke clothing, socks, trophies and engraving, digitising services and direct to film (DtF) print equipment.
The exhibition floor at Printwear & Promotion is a fertile ground when it comes to new garment decoration equipment launches, knowledge and ideas. Everything from advances in embroidery machines to the latest developments in direct-to-film printing will be demonstrated live, while experts from across the industry will also be on hand to answer any burning questions.
Visitors can also expand and develop their know-how in The Decoration Advice Suite and The Knowledge Centre. Topics covered in The Decoration Advice Suite include direct to film printing, sustainable embroidery and productivity hacks, while in The Knowledge Centre, attendees can take away practical business tips, social media advice and marketing pointers.
Pick up tips at The Decoration Advice Suite and The Knowledge Centre
Equipment receiving its UK debut during the three-day exhibition ranges from direct to film printers to screen print carousels to multi-head embroidery machines. There will also be some exclusive product launches, yet to be announced.
One of the first-time exhibitors is Cre8iveSkill, a creative service agency for companies engaged in embroidery and print in the US and Europe. Debashish Ghosh explained why the company decided to exhibit: ‘Printwear & Promotion Live! is our first trade show and we will gain an altogether new experience. Until now we have been meeting clients digitally via emails, but this will be our first one-to-one meeting with our prospective customers.’
Likewise, Inkfuse DTF is a business start-up looking forward to sharing its expertise in DtF printing with visitors. Other new exhibitors include TWT – Transworld Trophies, Trade Embroidery, Sock Monkeyz and BeSmart Pro.
At last year’s exhibition in April 2022, direct to film printing was arguably the main attraction. This year, organisers say to expect to see new developments from exhibitors such as Resolute DTF and TheMagicTouch. AJS Embroidery Services, although typically known for being a distributor of Tajima embroidery machines, will be bringing along the Polytech Pro DTF printer.
AJS will also be exhibiting a Bofa Oracle pure air unit, which is the only dedicated fume extraction system for the DtF printing process in the UK. The large filter capacity and high airflow ensure the air pressure remains constant, giving a better feel and handle to the transfers. The Oracle uses a four-stage method of removing the contaminants from the air before venting to the outside with the aid of particulate HEPA gas filters with an automatic fluid drain.
If you head over to Yes Group’s stand you will find the DTF-24H2 direct to film transfer printer from DigitalHeat FX. The DTF-24H2 produces digital transfer sheets, handling everything from single colour shirt labels and left chest logos to full-size prints. The DtF printer uses PET transfer film which is translucent so you can see the design underneath the film when you heat-press it onto the garment. The roll-fed films used with the DTF-24H2 are designed for a cold peel.
On the Amaya Sales UK stand, the Texjet NG range of direct-to-garment printers from Polyprint will be on display. The heavy-duty printers have a choice of three models; the NG 120, NG 130 and NG 140. Also on stand will be the Uninet IColor 540 white toner printer, which will be shown for the first time at the exhibition. This A4 printer gives users an economical way of printing full colour prints and dark or light coloured textiles and hard substrates.
Visitors will also be able to view the Kornit Atlas Max industrial DtG printer with built in pre-treatment. The GTX600 DtG printer from Brother, launched in January 2022, will return to the MHM Direct GB stand for a live demonstration.
If you want to see a new screen machine in action then head over to the Screen Print World stand, where you will be able to see M&R’s Copperhead Rival. Also on stand will be the Copperhead Charge, an electric conveyor dryer said to be ideal for business start-ups or medium-sized print shops. More screen printing options will be on MHM Direct GB, HG Kippax & Sons and Exile Technologies’ stands.
Many exhibitors plan on keeping the announcement of new products under wraps until the doors of the exhibition open on Sunday 16 February, but we will post anything further we learn about in advance of that here.
Tony Gardner, event director, summarised, ‘In a challenging economic climate, it is vital that the show continues to inspire its visitors. With the help of our regular exhibitors, together with the significant number of returning and new exhibitors joining us this year, we are confident that the show will provide the vibrant and dynamic environment to do exactly that.’
Printer and Promotion Live! 2023 is in Hall 20 at the NEC, Birmingham from 26 to 28 February 2023.
