As a major name in the transfer technology market, it could often be expected by Xpres' customers to anticipate new developments automatically.

After all this is the company that pioneered the sublimation process in the UK and has since been behind some of the most groundbreaking developments in the sector.

Not only that, but Xpres' reputation for expert demonstrations and a continuously busy stand at exhibitions are generally unsurpassed. This year's Printwear & Promotion exhibition at the Birmingham NEC was another example of that, as Marketing Director Mark Robinson said, 'This year was a record show in terms of the amount of systems sold. 2005 was the most successful P&P show ever.'

It is appropriate that this feeling and success should come in 2005, as it is this year that Xpres celebrates 25 years of business. As part of the anniversary, the company has extensively revamped its corporate headquarters in the East Midlands.

With improved display areas, new furniture, mood lighting, better signage and ample space to perform three customer demonstrations simultaneously, this important facility now showcases the capabilities and performance of Xpres heat transfer systems to even greater effect.

Other recent developments at Xpres have included a new training room that allows both new and existing customers to learn how to get the maximum potential from their transfer systems, and a comprehensive new website that has been developed in house to allow for greater control and constant updating of new technologies.

Launched at the exhibition following months of research and development was the new Ultragraphics package. Printwear & Promotion brought you the first insight into this new package back in the January issue and since then the new offer has been developed into what Mark describes as 'the total garment decoration system.'

The Ultragraphics package consists of a cutter and a printer/copier/scanner and enables the production of single or full colour durable transfers for application to a really diverse range of garments and textile accessories.

Apart from a low set-up cost, another key benefit of the Ultragraphics package is inexpensive consumables (regular inks are used in the ink jet printer) and improved profit margins. Mark said, 'Although the papers and inks are available at a much lower cost, you can achieve vastly superior results than previously. The quality and durability is simply superb.'

Controlled by a PC using the CorelDraw software package that allows images to be created or altered on screen, the transfers are printed off and then fed through the cutter, which cuts around the transfer with pin point accuracy.

The transfers are then weeded from the backing material, placed on top of the garment on a heat press and pressed according to the recommended time and temperature. In addition, the scanner function allows for the use of existing photographs to be copied, reproduced as a transfer and heat applied to a garment.

The Ultragraphics package also allows for decoration on to nylon, which could prove to be a saving grace for this notoriously difficult to personalise fabric. For instance, it is not possible to embroider onto a waterproof jacket as the holes punched would stop it being waterproof, and a digital transfer saves the set up and running costs that are associated with screen printing.

The decoration on to nylon is very straightforward, involving the same process as for any other fabric but incorporating a piece of safety paper during heat pressing to provide protection for the fabric and the transfer.

Revisions to Ultragraphics transfer paper mean that resultant transfers can now be washed to a temperature of up to 90°C. This has allowed the package to be marketed not only to the school, sports, promotional and workwear markets, but also to the medical clothing industry, where boil washes are vital to avoid the spread of disease.

For producing single and two colour logos, a full range of transfer films are available from Xpres to use in conjunction with the vinyl cutter. A huge choice of colours is available in materials such as Easy Cut, Flexi Cut, Extra Flex and Super Flex, and there are also vinyls with flock, glitter and reflective finishes for a really distinctive transfer.

Next month Printwear & Promotion will focus on the sublimation range from Xpres and answer your questions on what it is, how it is done and what the benefits are.

For further information contact Xpres on 01332 855085, fax 01332 855080.

Visit the website at www.xpres.co.uk.

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