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STS Inks, an ink manufacturer based in Florida, has unveiled what it is calling ‘the world’s first-ever fluorescent inks for direct-to-film (DTF) garment printing.’
The company, which was founded in 1999, specialises in the wide-format, industrial, and household inkjet ink markets. The announcement of its latest product comes hot on the heels of STS’ launch back in June of a compact modular DTF system. The Boca Raton-based business says that this eight channel system is unique in allowing for the installation of both fluorescent yellow and fluorescent magenta, plus two white inks, without necessitating the removal of the yellow and magenta cartridges from the CMYK ink palette.
In a statement published on the company’s website, STS founder Shahar Turgeman explained, ‘We saw the excitement surrounding the black light room at a recent European Printing Event and knew now was the right time to get into the fluorescent game. We have a head start as the first ink manufacturer that can offer the marketplace a simple new way to make customised garments literally glow.’
The centrepiece of the wider system, which was developed in concert with Mutoh, is a 24in printer designed to fit onto a table-top. STS says that fluorescent inks are a better fit with DTF as opposed to DTG because the fabric does not need labour-intensive pre-treatment and the DTF process requires much less ink.
The fluorescent inks are visible in black light and ultra-violet lighting, both of which are commonly found at events including concerts and sports matches.
