All hail the power of print, for ITMA didn’t disappoint. The show was a huge success, with numerous innovations on all levels. The show attracted 111,000 visitors from 143 different countries. There were 1,709 exhibitors on a staggering 200,000 square meters. The venue, which was easily accessible and well-serviced for both those that attended and those who exhibited, was considered a success. Debbie McKeegan, textiles expert and contributor to WhatTheyThink, shares her opinion.
The Mimaki exhibit at ITMA. The Mimaki booth at ITMA 2023.
Post-pandemic, the textile industry has faced many challenges, commercial and environmental, but it is the latter where innovation and reform now reside—the commercial aspects will take care of themselves. There can be no doubt that there is now You can also find out more about the following: Digital technologies are the future for the industry. Digital technologies provide a viable solution to systemic reform and an impressive suite for innovations. They also offer an essential bridge towards sustainable manufacturing that is on-demand. Look at the number machines sold (Kornit Digital 25, Prestos!) It is clear that the numbers speak for themselves (Kornit Digital 25 Prestos!)
The future is now, and textile manufacturers across the globe are investing in digital technology for commercial success—success that is tied to environmentally conscious production and sustainable processes.
In the halls 7 and 5, those who were interested in textile printing could not find time to visit anywhere else. After the pandemic, it was the first chance for the industry’s to come together on what is now a global stage of textile innovation. The ITMA halls were alive with new technologies, automation, and AI.
We will be adding more key insights from the show in the coming weeks. In the weeks to come, we’ll revisit ITMA exhibitors, and the countless new innovations they introduced, and dive deeper into some of the most important technologies that were unveiled at the show.
Simplicity—Single-Step Production
There has been a noticeable shift in the industry towards delivering more simplicity. At the show, new digital technologies were introduced, each focusing on streamlining processes in order to simplify production. Examples include automating steps such as printing textiles or scaling down ancillary operations to provide a smaller footprint and more energy-efficient printed production. Kornit Digital has continued its success with their Presto. EFI Reggiani launched a BOLT XS with a single pass and new Hyper models that can now use pigment inks. Epson introduced a brand new vision for ML8000, with inline post-finishing as well as a range of innovations to the Monna Lisa (printed resin) series.
In conclusion, all exhibitors in Hall Seven delivered the same message: Keep it simple.
Size vs. Speed—Small and Mighty
Single-pass technologies are smaller and smarter versions of rotary technology, with a footprint that is nothing like rotary, but able to match the speed of screens. Single-pass technology has evolved to be small and powerful, along with printheads and ink technology, and now offers AI-driven, high-speed technology (100mpm).
Inks takes on hybrid function
Digital inks across all processes have evolved, whether pigment, dye-sub, or reactive—ink is no longer just ink! Manufacturers are now offering hybrid versions, which include either pre-coating or even post coating (triggered by temperature) in the formulation. Independents, such as Sun Chemical, now offer these inks, which help rationalize the prices of both inks and processes.
DTF makes a move on DTG
Mimaki has launched their DTF machine, which continues to create excitement about DTF. The print quality is improving as this agenda develops. This can be seen at the STS booth. Hand feel is different across vendors. The early rubberized, synthetic hand of machines and inks has been vastly improved. The control of the white, as well as the quality and delivery the powdered adhesive after print is crucial. DTF plays a crucial role in garment decoration. Keep an eye on this.
AI meets automation
Automation and AI, going back to the beginning and the need for a simplified production process and product, are driving new technology and iterations on existing machines. This is all underpinned by the need for efficient, effective workflow automation—human hand and machine—as seen in the newly launched Apollo from Kornit Digital.
AI can play a significant role in managing color, improving machine performance and ultimately reducing waste and increasing energy efficiency. Data is gold, and when paired with AI it can provide the transparency and traceability the textile printing industry desperately needs to monitor and quantify its environmental impact.
ITMA was a fantastic show. It had all the necessary technology and innovations to re-equip industry, deliver more sustainable manufacturing, and address key market changes. More ITMA insights to follow in the weeks ahead…
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