And as the market needs have changed, so too has Xpres' offering, as Mark explains: "You used to have to put on a smock to come into the showroom, as we were selling everything from dryers and inks to presses and squeegees," he says.

These days, however, there is no need for overalls or smocks in the showroom, especially for a demonstration of the company's best-selling product into the printwear market - the versatile Ultragraphics System.

What is Ultragraphics?

The Xpres Ultragraphics system is an example of how versatile and cost-effective digital transfer technology can prove to be for the garment decorator, explains Mark.

The package combines the best-selling Xpres Cut vinyl cutter with a choice of printers. The vinyl cutter has an optical alignment system that automatically detects registration marks produced by the printer, enabling fast and accurate cutting out of transfers.

As well as producing single and multi colour logos, the addition of a printer enables the cutter to assist in the production of full colour, fine detail transfers, says Mark. There are two printer options for producing colour output:

1) An inkjet printer and Ink Jet Dark transfer paper (XP3127) will produce detailed and durable transfers. This method of personalisation is extremely cost effective, says Mark, producing high performing transfers durable enough to be washed at up to 80°C - making it ideal for work wear, corporate wear and sports wear applications. The Ink Jet Dark process is popular thanks to the superior print quality and ease of transfer application.

2) Using the Epson 1400 printer and Xpres Subli- Print inks, sublimation transfers can be printed and heat applied to polyester flock to produce Subli Flock transfers. These transfers have a slightly raised texture for a premium quality appearance. This printer can also be used to produce transfers for sublimation gifts.

What can it decorate?

The Xpres Ultragraphics System will produce durable single, multiple and full colour transfers for a wide range of clothing and accessories, says Mark. These include sports wear, work wear, promotional wear, corporate wear, jackets, bags, caps, umbrellas and more. By adding the sublimation printer option, you can easily achieve add-on sales by offering a personalised gift service, he states. Xpres also carries a full line of sublimation gifts and promotional products including mugs, coasters, mouse mats, clocks, jigsaws and more.

Who is it for?

The Ultragraphics system is incredibly popular with textile decorators because of the superior print quality that can be achieved, as well as the ease of transfer application, says Mark. He claims that capital costs for this system are comparatively low, both for existing decorators looking to add a digital system to their business, or for those looking to start a new business. The sublimation printer is also ideal for those looking to diversify into the gift market, he says.

How does it work?

The Ultragraphics system involves a simple fourstep process whether printing full colour logos for garments or sublimation transfers for giftware:

1. Scan or import from CD your chosen colour design and position within the Xpres supplied template (3 black circles). Create a contour (cutting path) around the logo.

2. Print images using the D120 ink jet printer onto Ink Jet Dark transfer material. Transfers are vibrant, highly detailed and low cost. Transfers can also be produced in Subli-Flock material, using sublimation ink.

3. Position transfer sheet into the Xpres Cutter. The optical alignment system will automatically detect and register the template allowing the cutter to cut out the colour logos.

4. Position transfer onto selected garment and heat apply. The resulting transfer is very durable, stretchable and high performing. Ideal for application to sports, promotional and work wear.

Production costs

As with all digital transfer systems, the ability to produce costeffective one-off or low volume transfers is a key USP of the Ultragraphics package, explains Mark, who says excellent profit margins are easily attainable thanks to the low consumable and production costs. For instance, you can produce a one-off full colour breast pocket logo for around £0.14.

"This really is such a versatile system and is used by many decorators, who already have screen printing and embroidery machines, as an additional aspect to their business," adds Mark.

For further information or to arrange an appointment for a demonstration, contact Xpres Customer Services on 01332 85 50 85 or visit http://www.xpres.co.uk/

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