GO Metalnox 12000AV Heat Press Launched

Graphics One has launched the GO Metalnox 12000AV Heat Press in the Americas. This fully automatic dual shuttle heat press offers a patented paper vacuum system for use with no tack paper, a full size of 39-inches by 58-inches and is the most industrial heat press in the market at this price point. For added information please click on: GO Metalnox 12000AV PRO

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Graphics One to Announce New Products at ISS Long Beach

During the upcoming ISS show, Graphics One will show some major new product lines. As one of the most important ISS shows, GO has chosen the ISS Long Beach show to unveil several significant product additions. GO will launch its new GO NeoTack Dye Sub Ink, GO MiniMax 16 Contour Cutter, GO Metalnox 8000AV PRO industrial dual heat press along with other items as well. Additionally GO is featuring a variety of bundle packages including the GO RIO Super Bundle featuring the 44-inch GO RIO. For added information on the new products and the special offerings please click: ISS Long Beach Show 2012 

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Transfer Paper for OKI pro920WT and OKI 711WT--GO FlipIt 2.0

With the launch of the OKI pro920Wt and OKI 711WT, users are constantly asking which paper should be used to obtain the best performance from these printers. GO's FlipIt 2.0 has quickly become the standard for use with the pro920WT and 711WT. The reason for this is the outstanding whites and colors which are able to be transferred to dark and black garments and t-shirts. FlipIt 2.0 offers no cut, no weed capability, which means you do not have to worry about cutting the paper for transfer. FlipIt 2.0 is available in both 11"x17" and 8.5"x11" sizes. For added information please click here:GO FlipIt 2.0.

One important note:  Can you imagine paying as much for a precoater or pretreament device as you would pay for our printers? Unlike Direct-to-Garment (DTG) or Direct Digital (D2) printers, our process does not require any precoating or pretreatment.

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Graphics One and OKI Data Americas Announce Expanded Line of Transfer Media for Use with pro920WT and 711WT Digital Color Printers

Graphics One and OKI Data Americas announce the availability of a new and broader range of transfer media offerings approved for use with the OKI pro920WT and 711WT digital color printers – the GO FlipIt 2.0 line and the GO UNO line. These two lines of transfer papers were thoroughly vetted and selected based on their ease of use, exceptional print quality and ability to deliver bright white transfers, together with the elasticity, durability and soft hand of the finished product. All media is available through Graphics One – an authorized reseller and national distribution partner for both OKI printers.

Part of the impressive OKI proColor™ Series – a line of high impact digital color printers that serves the graphic arts, production, specialty printing and imaging technologies industries, the OKI pro920WT is a commercial grade, tabloid/A3 digital color printer with high-quality color output – including white – for textile transfers. The new 711WT from OKI Data Americas is a desktop A4 digital color printer with white toner for lower volume transfer production. Together, these printers deliver high-impact, cost effective alternatives to screen printing, providing speed, accuracy, and exceptional output quality for those within the specialty printing market.

"The expanded range of media now available for use with the OKI pro920WT and 711WT enhances the unique transfer printing capabilities of both products and underscores OKI Data's commitment to printing innovation," said Rich Egert, General Manager of the Strategic Technology Provider Business Group for OKI Data Americas. "We are confident that this market segment will continue to embrace the pro920WT and 711WT as OKI Data expands its presence serving the specialty printing and imaging space."

Graphics One is the authorized reseller of the OKI pro920WT, and also serves as national distribution partner for both printers throughout the US. These OKI Data printers compliment Graphics One’s comprehensive line of transfer medias offered for the direct-to-garment, hard substrate, leather and sublimation markets.

According to Dan Barefoot, President of Graphics One, "We are confident that the GO FlipIt 2.0 and GO UNO lines of transfer media are the best products for use with the OKI pro920WT and 711WT, delivering the most professional, highest quality output in today’s market."

"The GO FlipIt 2.0 line, in particular, offers users tremendous flexibility," continued Barefoot. "It is the most well-rounded media given its use in a variety of applications, and has been incredibly well-received within the specialty printing market."

OKI Data products are built on parent company OKI Data Corporation’s history of leadership and innovation. Most of OKI Data’s color printing solutions feature Single Pass Color™ as well as proprietary digital LED and HD Color technologies. These technologies allow OKI Data Americas to manufacture products that require fewer moving parts for increased reliability and outstanding color output quality.

OKI provides live , toll-free technical support 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, with agents based in North America.

For more information regarding the innovative OKI proColor™ Series, visit www.okidata.com/procolor.

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GO FlipIt 2.0 Transfer Paper for Dark and Black Garments or T-shirts

Users of the OKI pro920WT and OKI 711WT LED transfer printers with white toner have been enjoying tremendous sales using GO;s FlipIt 2.0 transfer paper. This high performance weedless, no cut,  transfer solution for transferring CMYK and white toner on to black and colored t-shirts and garments. FlipIt 2.0 is available in both 11"x17" and 8.5"x11" sizes and is a two step process. 

Many users ask us what is the main difference between using FlipIt 2.0 versus Direct-to-Garment (DTG) or Digital Direct (D2) printers? The main difference is our LED printers print a transfer sheet every two seconds and there is no need for Pretreatment or Precoating. None. Using FlipIt 2.0 provides far higher transfer speed and does not incur the extra costs of a Pretreating or Precoating Device. We say, "No Pretreating or Precoating Needed." 

For added information click on: GO FlipIt 2.0 Transfer Paper

One final comment. Can you imagine the pro920WT and 711WT are priced about the same as the  precoaters or pretrement devices. There is NO reason to purchase these units with the pro920WT or the 711WT. 

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The Best CMYK Solution for T-shirt or Garment Printing...$2,195!

GO's UNO LED Professional Transfer Printer has quickly become the most cost effective solution for imaging of garments and t-shirts. The reason? Check out these specifications:

• First Tabloid Color Printer Specifically Made for Transfers for T-shirts and Garments

• Very Easy to Use--Just Like Desktop Printer
• Prints An Image Every Two Seconds
• Virtually No Maintenance--Leave Unit for Several Months and It Works Right Away
• Denser Imaging than Traditional LED Printer - A Perfect Match for Transfers
• Engineered Specifically for Use with Neenah and GO UNO Transfer Paper
• Full Transfer and Tabloid Printing—GO Extended Edge Technology Allows for Three More Inches of Printing On Bottom
• GO eColor Transfer Technology; UNO Color Toners Enhanced for Transfer - Sharp Detail and Rich, Dramatic Color
• 1200 x 600 dpi Resolution for Crisp, Clear Output
• Media Handling from 3” x 5” to 11.6” x 52” Transfers and Banners—The Only Tabloid Printer to Handle Sheets of that Length
• Fast Print Speeds: Color Output at up to 30 ppm; Monochrome at up to 32 ppm
• 1 Year Limited Warranty on Printer; 5 Year Limited Warranty on LED Array

For added information on the GO UNO please click: GO UNO Info

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Thinking of Buying Direct-to-Garment? Read This First.

Key Questions Regarding How GO/OKI Transfer Solutions Compare to Direct-to-Garment (DTG /D2) are as Follows:

Q: Does the company offer both printers for printing light garments as well as dark or black garments?
GO/OKI: We offer a full range of printers starting with the GO UNO, a printer developed specifically for imaging up to 11”x17” light garments, the 711WT for imaging letter sized dark or black shirts with white and the pro920WT for imaging 11”x17” dark or black shirts.
DTG: Most providers offer both CMYK only and CMYK White printers, but in some cases only CMYK capable printers.

Q: What is the price of the GO/OKI printers and complete systems?
GO/OKI: Pricing for the UNO is $2,195, $3,395 for the 711WT and $7,495 for the 920WT. Complete t-shirt systems range from $2,995 up to $8,995. A user can get into the t-shirt business at a product cost of only $2,995.
DTG: Comparable DTG systems range from $20,000 to over $40,000…and yes the GO/OKI solution offers virtually the same capability at a much lower cost.


Q:Does the cotton garment need to be pre-coated for white to adhere?
GO/OKI: Unlike direct-to-garment printers the GO/OKI transfer solution does not require pre-coating of the garment to be able to use white.
DTG: At trade shows it is rare that DTG providers even tell potential customers that they recommend a precoating device costing between $3,500 and $7,000 for imaging white, and the precoating adds processing steps (in fact here is a dirty secret: at trade shows these vendors precoat their black shirts so a user does not see them coating…take your own jersey to the show and ask them to image it). By the way, adding the precoater adds to the the cost of the printing system of between $15,000 to $35,000. 

Q:How long does it take a DTG unit to image a garment?
GO/OKI: Imaging one transfer sheet using any of the GO/OKI is about two seconds a sheet.
DTG: printers average two to five minutes for just imaging the shirt not including precoating or any heat press steps.


Q:What other substrates other than cotton can a DTG printer print?
GO/OKI: LED printers with toner offer the ability to transfer to most fabrics.
DTG: DTG is limited to cotton.

Q: Does the DTG printer offer the capability to image on hard surface materials such as mugs, acrylic, metal, leather, wood and many other substrates?
GO/OKI: LED printers has the ability using transfer papers for imaging to the widest array of substrates in the industry.
DTG: DTG printers are generally limited to imaging cotton based substrates.

Q: What daily maintenance is required of the DTG unit?
GO/OKI: Our printers do not require any type of ongoing daily maintenance. Even if the printer is not used for an extended period of time, it will work without any issues.
DTG: DTG products have a daily morning and evening routine to ensure the printer does not clog. Additionally, if the printer is not going to be used for any period of time, there is a complete in-depth procedure which must be implemented to ensure the printer does not clog and ruin the ink delivery system and printheads.


Q: What is the cost for a new DTG printhead and the cost for the technician to come change it?
GO/OKI: The LED array is warranted for five years.
DTG: If a DTG printhead goes bad, the cost to replace it ranges from $2,000 to $3,500 depending upon the type of printhead. Additionally if the printhead is out of warranty, there is a service charge of between $400 to $1,000 to replace it.


Q:How much DTG ink is wasted on cleaning and flushing?
GO/OKI: With the LED printers is no toner wastage used for head cleanings or flushing.
DTG: It is estimated that between 5-10% of ink is used by DTG printers to clean, flush and keep the printhead moist so that it does not clog.


Q: What is the average cost for imaging a CMYK and CMYK plus White using DTG?
GO/OKI: CMYK images cost about $.50 for paper and toner and approximately $1.50 with white for letter sized images.
DTG: DTG costs an average of $.75 for CMYK and $1.75 for CMYK plus white for the same sized images.


Q: How long does it take to train on the DTG RIP software and how intuitive is it?
GO/OKI: The OKI/GO solution uses an onboard Adobe RIP which is just like using a normal desktop printer. There is very little training needed for its use.
DTG: Most DTG units use a complicated software RIP which must be used with a server and where the training to use the RIP is between one to three days.


Q: What type of warranty is offered?
GO/OKI: Our warranty includes a one year onsite warranty.
DTG: Most DTG providers offer a parts only warranty and in some cases, do not cover the ink delivery or printhead at all.

Q: Does your DTG provider offer you a complete system, including heat presses, mug presses, paper, toner and other accessories?
GO/OKI: Graphics One offers the most complete range of accessories for not only LED transfer systems but also dye sublimation and other printing systems for unique applications. As part of this offering GO has transfer papers and film, heat presses, color management, blanks and a variety of other products all supported by GO.
DTG: Generally DTG providers generally do not offer the complete system, only the printer and sometimes the pre-coating machine.

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No Pretreatment or Coating Needed for Dark or Black T-shirts

Printwear Q&A--Printwear offer a very good Q&A section on their website and the following is an except from the website concerning D2 (digital direct) or DTG (direct to garment) printers printing white and colors on dark or black t-shirts. The fact is all of the D2 manufacturers including Anajet and Brother indicate the only way to properly image dark and black garments is by precoating, or pretreating the t-shirts. In fact, both companies say it is also good for even light or white t-shirts as well. Please see the Q&A below.

Q. What is the one thing that is most important to ensure consistent quality digital direct (D2) / direct to garment (DTG) prints on darks?

A: The pre-treatment process is key. Just like when building a house, a good foundation is very important. Consistent, even pre-treatment is the foundation on which the rest of the D2 process is built. When the pre-treatment process is not applied properly, the D2 prints will appear to be faded in certain areas and, in cases where insufficient pre-treatment fluid is applied, the print may even wash out of the shirt when laundered.

The best way to achieve a consistent print is to apply the fluid with an automatic pre-treating machine (additional purchase may be required). When properly maintained and used correctly, these machines offer the user the ability to consistently achieve a high quality product. Answered by Brother International Corporation

Note from Graphics One: With the GO / OKI LED transfer system for imaging both dark and black garments, no precoating is needed. What the answer above does not say is that adding a precoater costs between $3,500 and $8,000 above and beyond the printer. Additionally, the precoating must be heat pressed prior to and after the imaging,  adding many steps to the process. The question we have for users is, "why would you spend more than the price of the UNO, 711WT or pro920WT on pretreating or precoating devices? There is absolutely no need for this type of equipment with the GO / OKI solutions.

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Direct-to-Garmet or LED Transfer Printer

In the first of our discussions of whether direct-to-garment / D2 printers and GO/OKI LED printers are competitive, below you will find an overview of what the GO / OKI LED transfer solutions offer:

• Three Printers--UNO, 711WT and 920WT
• Printers for Specific Applications--The UNO is perfect for CMYK light and white imaging, whereas the OKI 711WT is a letter size printer for imaging on dark and blacks and the pro920WT is the best 11"x17" transfer printer for imaging darks and blacks.  
• Low Cost—The cost of entry starts at $2,195 and a full system can be had for as little as $2,995. Additionally the OKI 711WT lists for $3,395 and the pro920WT is $7,495. 
• Full Color and White—Solution offers the ability to print on light, dark and black garments in full color including white
•  Low Operating Costs—CMYK toner with paper averages $.50 and CMYW $1.50 for letter sized images
• Easy-to-use—Just like using a desktop printer so little training needed
• High Speed—Images at up to one transfer sheet every two seconds
• Full Complement of Transfer Material—Transfer materials are available for so many applications beyond just garment decoration
• No Complicated Maintenance—All that is needed is to flip the on-off switch
• Onsite Warranty—One year onsite warranty on printers with second year optiona

Over the next few weeks we will discuss the specific differences between GO and OKI's solutions and how they compare to direct-to-garment printers from manufacturers such as Anajet and Brother.

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Laser vs LED: What Is the Difference?

Laser printers and LED printers are often grouped together when speaking in broad categories, though they are different technologies. They both use static electricity applied to a drum, which helps adhere toner with heat to create an image. The main difference is how the static charge is applied.

Laser: A laser printer uses a single laser beam aimed at a revolving mirror that reflects the beam through a series of lenses and finally to an image drum. When the laser reaches the rotating imaging drum, it creates a static charge that attracts toner to it, which is then transferred to the page. The laser scans across the page in sequence, emitting thousands of light bursts per second.



LED (Light Emitting Diode): An LED printer, on the other hand, uses an array of tiny LED lights that light up at different times to create the static charge. Since the lights span the entire width of the drum, an LED printer requires fewer moving parts.



WHY IS LED THE ‘PRO CHOICE’?
LEDs are more efficient and reliable than conventional laser printers as they have no moving parts (second image). Given the number of moving parts, laser printers can be costly and time-consuming to repair - a problem Oki Data customers do not face as OKI’s toner-based printers use LED technology.

The digital LED light source further allows higher print speeds at higher resolutions than traditional laser light sources. Laser systems rely on elaborate combinations of rotating mirrors and lenses that must remain in alignment throughout their use. The laser scans from one end of a line to another, then starts on the next line. Unlike laser printers, an LED printhead has no moving parts. Additionally, OKI has a straight-line paper path less susceptible to jams when feeding heavy stock, envelopes or labels.

WHAT ABOUT CONSISTENCY?

With an LED printer, page one will look exactly the same as page 500. A product of engineering, laser printers cannot produce the same consistency. LED printers promise the same sharpness and clarity print after print.

WHY GO LED?
• Excellent Print Quality
• Higher Reliability and Lasting Performance with No Moving Part Technology
• Higher Print Speeds at Higher Resolutions
• Higher Print Quality Finish
• Higher Accuracy
• Maximize your Workspace - More Compact Size Also Means Using Less Raw Materials
• Low Maintenance
• Long Printhead Life (LEDs) with High Energy Efficiency
• Amazing Color

*OKI is so confident in the reliability of the LEDs  that a 5-year warranty is provided.

For more information, please see: http://www.okidata.com/mkt/html/nf/LEDvsLaser.html

For a video visual, please see: http://www.okidata.com/mkt/html/nf/LEDvsLaser_Flash.html

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