Inkjet Printer Shopping Checklist

Sept 1, 2008

• What type of ink system? Bulk or cartridge? Four or eight inks? White or CMYKx2?

• What type of RIP comes with the unit? Proprietary or off-the-shelf? Get a list of features and options.

• Does the RIP support raster files, vector files or both?

• Print speed for an average coverage 10"x10" print?

• Are replacement parts readily available?

• What technical/mechanical support is in place?

• Ask to have a sample printed from your own artwork file.

• Wash test the sample by cutting it in half. Wash one piece and compare.

• How long is the warranty? On-site service? Parts and labor?

• Ask for names of customers who currently use the unit in question.

— Courtesy of Geoff Baxter, M&R Sales & Service

Shining Stars
Despite an overcast economic forecast for many industries worldwide, the decorated apparel trade continues to glimmer through the clouds, as is evident by the finely crafted entries Impressions received for the 30th annual Impressions Awards competition.
January 05, 2009

The Next Level: A Business Expansion Case Study
Raw Talent Inc. co-founders share the experience of a recent upgrade from one manual and one entry-level automatic press to two high-output, 8-color automatics.



On a good day's worth of production, Cody Murray and Corey Bramlett, president and vice president of custom apparel company Raw Talent Inc., Bethlehem, Ga., pull in what a majority of their peers earn in one salaried year.
December 17, 2008

DIGITAL EDITION

Buckle Up for a Thrill Ride
The decorated apparel industry, despite substantial challenges in the U.S. economy, is alive and…well, we could be doing better. Wall Street — and the economy in general — are on a wild roller coaster as the credit crunch continues and decorated apparel is not exempt. While no one can predict the future with certainty, this survey-based analysis suggests we'll be along for the ride, but perhaps on a smaller coaster that doesn't rise as high or plunge as fast as the monster whipsawing the rest of the U.S. economy.
December 01, 2008

Ink-Matching Tips
Screen printers have two options when it comes to ink color-matching systems: pigment concentrates (PC) or finished inks. Using pigment concentrates, printers can measure concentrated pigments according to the ink manufacturer's formulation guide and mix them with a plastisol carrier base. A finished ink system already has the correct base-to-pigment ratio, so the inks come ready to print.
December 01, 2008

How to Handle Dissatisfied Customers
Learn the best ways to handle customers who are unhappy with your shop's work.
Even the best decorators in the industry occasionally are confronted with customers who are unhappy with their work. The real question isn't who's at fault. The issue is: How should you handle a dissatisfied customer?
December 01, 2008