“There will be real workflow examples in the Digital Apparel Production Zone this year, which is new for 2010,” said Zone participant Christopher Bernat of Vapor Apparel. “Several new products will be making their North American debut, and the direct-to-garment platforms will be printing a `shoot out’ graphic so people can judge the different options apples-to-apples.”

At this popular Zone, you’ll identify solutions to fit your needs, get answers about profit models and pricing, and learn tricks to prevent errors and enhance accuracy. It’s the perfect opportunity to connect with industry experts and experience live demonstrations of various technologies, including: Dye sublimation, direct-to-garment inkjet, heat-applied vinyl and print and cut vinyl.

See these companies currently scheduled to participate in the Zone:
-All American Manufacturing and Supply Co.
-AnaJet Inc
-Axiom America
-Belquette, Inc.
-Brother International Corporation
-Coldenhove Papier BV
-Condé Systems, Inc.
-Delta Apparel
-Gans Ink and Supply Co.
-Geo Knight & Co
-Graphics One
-HIX Corporation
-Insta Graphic Systems
-Lawson Screen & Digital Products, Inc.
-The M&R Companies
-MESA Distributors Inc
-Next Wave Media Solutions
-Roland DGA Corporation
-Stahls’ ID Direct
-Vapor Apparel

In addition to the Digital Apparel Production Zone, SGIA will offer other sales-free Expert Advice Zones at the Expo, tailored to each of the diverse specialty imaging communities.

Condé Introduces Sublimatable Pennants
By: Todd Till, Marketing Director

Mobile, AL – March 26, 2010 – Condé Systems has added felt pennants to its DyeTrans™ family of sublimatable products.

Pennants have long been a way for dedicated fans to celebrate team spirit at pep rallies and sporting events. Their nostalgic charm has also given them a favored spot on the walls of bedrooms, game rooms, offices, restaurants, and taverns. Traditionally, pennants have been produced by screen printing one or more ink choices onto colored felt. Condé’s new pennants can be produced using the dye-sublimation process – giving custom decorators the ability to produce full-color, photographic quality pennants for sports teams, business promotions, fundraisers, special events/ceremonies, and school organizations. Available in 5″x12″ and 8″x18″ sizes, the white polyester felt pennants feature a 1″ white sewn strip on the side that can be imprinted with a coordinating color or design. Optional wood display sticks are available in 16″ and 33″ lengths. Visit www.conde.com for additional information and pricing.

With an emphasis on dye sublimation technology and the sublimation printing process, Condé Systems has become the recognized leader in the personalized products market by offering everything needed to get into the photo gift business including transfer systems, production software, blank imprintables, transfer paper and supplies, instructional videos, and workshops. Screen printers, sign makers, embroiderers, pad printers, engravers, photographers, artists, and home business entrepreneurs can expand their current product offerings by providing their customers full-color, photographic quality gifts and awards. During all stages of product selection, sales, and post sales, Condé offers expert knowledge and superior customer support. Condé and DyeTrans are trademarks of Condé Systems, Inc. Other brands and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.

Condé Systems, Inc.
5600 Commerce Boulevard East
Mobile, Alabama 36619 (USA)
Toll Free: (800) 826-6332
Phone: (251) 633-5704
Secure Fax: (251) 633-3876
www.conde.com

After I sold all of Uncle Bud’s hats, I decided to keep going and looked in the local yellow pages until I found an embroidery company here in Atlanta that could provide me with more hats to sell. I had to pay a set-up fee for each design and would end of ordering 50 or so of each style to spread out the cost per cap. Since I had created some popular hats, this route did keep my business going but my margins were low and finally I looked into making my own hats. There was the big surprise!

Now, there are several ways to make baseball caps with sayings on them. Embroidery really looks classy, but it is the most expensive to produce. The sewing machines they have are increasing in sophistication but quite beyond my level of expertise. The same goes with screen printing. Heat transfer technology was the next area I looked into, mainly because I saw a “Cap Heat Transfer Press” on ebay.

The George Knight DK7 Cap Heat Press has a curved plate exactly fitting to adult caps (plus you can purchase other “platens” for smaller caps and Euro style, too). The idea is to print a transfer on your printer and press it into the hat, much like “Iron-On” transfers. The cap press cost me $500, but it looked like a good investment. I spent another $100 on high quality transfer paper and was able to continue my business. I bought the press and paper from Conde Systems (http://www.conde.com). My sales rep at Conde (Miss Joni Boykin) also sent me some printed samples of a new procedure called Dye Sublimation Transfer.

If you are fashion savvy, you have seen the new Sublimation printed clothing that has been selling in all the major shops, so you may already have an idea what is so cool about dye-sub. You can’t feel the layer of ink you put on the item! The ink sinks into the garment and looks like it was dyed. I realized this technique could revolutionize my hat scheme, creating caps with that touch of class that would keep them popular.

So here’s what it took to get set up:

Software: I had to invest in really good editing software: CorelDraw
Scanner and Camera: Since I can now reproduce photos, my tourist oriented caps sport real photos!
Printer: Epson 1400 for $200