Images_June_2020_Digital_Edition

KB MARKET INTELLIGENCE www.images-magazine.com 36 images JUNE 2020 Vastex launches face mask screen printing pallet Vastex International has introduced a new face mask pallet with a quick-stretch design for screen printing on different varieties of face masks. The high-strength steel, “never-warp” pallet features a holder for the template frame during the re-loading of masks, and can be secured with two lock knobs to any Vastex press, or to another press with a compatible rotor arm, explains the company. “Rubber strips of the quick-stretch frame stretch single or multi-layer mask material over the diamond-shaped, rubber-covered pallets, flattening pleats and contours in the imprint area with no shifting or need for pallet adhesive.” The new face mask pallet from Vastex The newWashable Face Covering from Premier Beechfield’s Morf can be worn over the face, is easy to brand and is proving a popular alternative to traditional face masks. The AXQ Face Cover is suitable for placement print, digital print and sublimation Ready-to-brand face masks Numerous suppliers are now producing face masks. In May, Result introduced its Essential Hygiene PPE range, which includes natural yarn, antibacterial face masks [see page 6 for more details]. These are not brandable, points out the company. Absolute Apparel has a printable mask by Casual Classics, while PenCarrie is offering a number of styles from Next Level, including a child’s mask. Ralawise is supplying multiple masks including face covers from Bella+Canvas, Premier and AXQ. Beechfield’s 100% polyester Morf is proving a popular alternative to traditional face masks; similarly, Regatta Professional has included the Pro Multi- Tube, available from 22 June, in its new Covid-19 product catalogue. Gildan has also confirmed that it is looking to add masks to its printwear line in the very near future. To see how simple it is to transfer print ready-to-brand masks, turn to page 39 for Target Transfers’ step-by-step guide to mask decoration. for a list of suppliers] there is a wide range of solutions out there. Kornit, for example, has issued a ‘cookbook’ to its entire database of printers. The book contains all the information needed to allow customers to start decorating masks on its direct-to-garment and direct-to-fabric systems, explains the company. “Customers are able to find information about suitable fabrics including their print set-ups as well as mask designs and print layout examples. The print layouts are optimised for Kornit systems and, as with any product printed with Kornit, there are no design or colour limitations.” Kornit reports that its NeoPigment inks (which are Oeko-Tex certified: Eco Passport) contain a binder that reduces the number of floating fibres that can be inhaled into the user’s respiratory system while wearing a mask. Phil Kneale, director of Graphtec GB, says coupling a budget-priced desktop printer with a small-format digital cutter and specialist heat transfer media from the company provides “a genuinely low-cost print-and-cut solution” for the decoration and/or commercial branding of face masks. “The Silhouette range of cutters has long been a preferred entry-level option for small start-up companies, many of which are now engaging with the PPE- related initiative and providing not only an altruistic support facility to this, but also coincidentally introducing a vital new revenue stream to help ease the consequent difficult trading conditions caused by the virus,” he comments. Graphtec GB also supplies a wide range of heat-transfer media. This is available in multiple printable matt, gloss and embossed formats including flocked, brushed metallic, iridescent/reflective, carbon fibre and ‘glow-in-the-dark’. Huge opportunities Dean Sanger, managing director of Sabur, says non-medical grade masks