At the PSI 2017 Mimaki showed a variety of technologies that enhance or add value to promotional products. These include digital thermoforming, integrated print and cutting, new inks and more. Approximately 16,000 visitors from more than 80 countries met over 900 exhibitors from more than 35 nations at this annual event.
Some unique digital approaches
This is an important show for us,” said Mike Horsten, General Marketing Manager EMEA at Mimaki Europe. “As marketeers look to differentiate themselves and continue to push the boundaries of what can be done to add value to promotional products, including textiles, Mimaki continues to push the boundaries as well by bringing new and innovative solutions to the market for printing on promotional products. We have something for everyone, including some unique digital approaches to the business that will help producers of promotional products be more profitable and stay ahead of the curve in terms of competitive advantage.”
In the show’s Technology Forum 2017 Mimaki experts explained the benefits of using digital printing technologies to add value to promotional products in unique and compelling ways.
Ideas for new business opportunities
Image right: Promotional Items: various promotional items printed by Mimaki printers.
A range of solutions were on display at the Mimaki stand, including UV flatbed printers and a Print & Cut solution, which combines a flatbed printer with a flatbed cutting plotter. It is ideal for printing and cutting PET or other plastics using its wide range of cutting functions. Furthermore, there was the powerful and reliable digital printing alternative to traditional direct-to-object screen printing, producing two different applications. One printer used flexible ink in a digital thermoforming application, shown together with a vacuum forming machine for a complete digital thermoforming solution. A unique ink was used that can stretch up to 350% and is suitable for a wide range of thermoforming applications, especially those requiring exceptional hardness and durability such as automotive parts. A second printer was shown with special ink, a rigid ink formulation for printing on hard surfaces requiring greater adhesion properties. “Our stand includes solutions for just about any imaginable type of promotional product, including some applications that attendees haven’t even imagined yet,” Horsten added. “In addition, visitors could see how Mimaki solutions integrate into an efficient end-to-end workflow at the Technology Forum 2017. This show sent attendees home with lots of ideas for new business opportunities!”
