#Digital Printing

2021-03-25

Durst provides the agility key to unlock VGL growth opportunity

VGL Production Director Mark Elen © 2021 Durst

VGL, a long-standing customer of Durst, manufacturer of advanced digital printing and production technologies, has invested in a new Rhotex 325 production press to meet growing customer demands for more flexible and agile ways of working.

Live production has started this month at VGL’s headquarters in Reading, Berkshire, with the Durst Rhotex 325 perfectly suited to the multi award-winning screen and digital print company’s expansion requirements. Already owning several Durst digital production presses, VGL needed to increase capacity and speed to cope with changing market demands. One new specialist area will involve printing on stretch materials, as well as on transfer papers and textiles.

“We needed a decisive response to increased demands for fast turnaround and just-in-time delivery,” said VGL Production Director Mark Elen. “The Durst Rho 325 literally eats the volumes and is 3-4 times faster than the machines it will replace. Speed is really important when you have multiple clients all wanting their jobs straight away. It’s apparent from this pandemic, more than ever you need to be extremely agile. It’s an even more competitive market where, for example, we get asked by internationally-renowned brands to change job specications at a moment’s notice. And often you won’t know whether it’s 300 or 3,000 square meters to be printed. The Durst machines are absolutely superb and extremely reliable.”

VGL’s broad portfolio covers outdoor signage, transport, architectural, retail and promotional work as well as consultancy and strategic project management. The one-stop shop also has a creative studio and provides full services from idea concept through to installation completion. In recent years, it has won awards such ‘Out of Home’ printer (PrintWeek), ‘Innovation’ (Digital Printer) and ‘Posters’ / Best in Show (both FESPA).

Mr Elen said: “We’re dedicated to innovation and committed to investing in the latest technology, which Durst provides. Durst, like VGL, is a family-owned business and has people who are easy to deal. The organization understands our business, is very supportive to our exacting requirements and the service levels are high. This is a real partnership.”

The Rhotex 325 is a dual purpose printing system that combines direct-to textile printing with dye sublimation transfer printing technology. Depending on the application and fabric, this printing system can alternate between paper transfer and direct printing on polyester-based materials in no time. This is possible, thanks to the new Durst WTS printhead technology, which achieves an exceptionally high-quality print using water-based environmentally friendly dispersion inks for various printing materials, and reaches a printing speed of up to 4,195 sq ft/hour.

Peter Bray, Managing Director of Durst UK & Ireland, said: “VGL is an example of how companies continue to buy into the Durst ethos and world-class expertise, rather than just an investment in systems and software. This provides the confidence to control costs and make the most of new business opportunities. We’re extremely proud that our systems continue to be the catalyst to help them grow and open new avenues, including printing on transfer paper and textiles. We anticipate making more announcements soon.”

Durst Como is born

The Durst Group, a leading manufacturer of digital printing and production technologies, is setting another milestone in the digital textile industry: the merger with Aleph SrL is entering its final phase. With legal completion expected by the end of 2025, Aleph will be fully integrated into the Durst Group, and Durst Como will emerge as a new center of excellence for digital textile printing.

USColorworks expands digital platform with Kornit Atlas MATRIX and Atlas MAX PLUS solutions

Kornit Digital Ltd. (NASDAQ: KRNT), a global pioneer in sustainable, on-demand digital fashion and textile production, today announced that USColorworks, a North Carolina-based apparel decoration and fulfillment company specializing in custom and on-demand printing for retail and promotional markets, has expanded its Kornit digital production platform with the addition of Atlas MATRIX and Atlas MAX PLUS systems to deliver high-quality, on-demand apparel across cotton, blended fabrics and polyester.

DTF vs DTG Printing - The technologies shaping today’s custom merchandise market

From sportswear to branded tote bags, custom merchandise continues to grow in popularity across sectors, driving print shops to cater to short runs, personalisation, and rapid turnaround. As print providers look to this market, two printing technologies often stand out: Direct‑to‑Film (DTF) and Direct‑to‑Garment (DTG). Each offers its own benefits, and understanding these differences helps determine the most suitable production method for print service providers.

Mimaki celebrates Triple EDP Award win at FESPA 2026

Mimaki Europe, a leading manufacturer of industrial inkjet printers and cutting plotters, was presented with 3 EDP Awards at the association’s 2026 ceremony, held at FESPA Global Print Expo. These highly acclaimed awards celebrate best-in-class innovation across the print industry, and Mimaki was honoured in three different categories.

EFI brings high-performance display graphics, packaging, and textile printing innovations to FESPA 2026

Electronics For Imaging, Inc. (EFI™) is bringing a broad range of new hybrid, roll-to-roll, and textile inkjet innovations to FESPA Global Print Expo 2026, taking place 19-22 May at Fira Barcelona Gran Via. Visitors to the EFI stand (Hall 3, #C85) will see the new EFI VUTEk M3h X hybrid LED printer, new EFI VUTEk® FabriVU® 340 i8 eight-colour dye sublimation printer, the EFI VUTEk X5r roll-to-roll LED printer, and the EFI VUTEk Q3h XP seven-colour hybrid printer in action, each designed to help sign and display producers scale output, diversify applications, and drive more profitable growth.

Rieter sees Barmag integration on track as orders and sales rise

The first half of 2026 was shaped by the successful completion of the largest acquisition in Rieter’s history. The Man-Made Fiber Division enables entry into the growth segment of man-made fibers and sustainably strengthens Rieter’s market position in the Asia region. The expanded Group is now the world’s leading system supplier for the processing of natural and man-made fibers. In the first half of the year, initial cost savings in material costs and operating expenses have already been realized. The targeted synergies are expected to amount to at least CHF 20 million by the end of the 2028 financial year. Due to the completion of the acquisition on February 2, 2026, the first half of the year for the Man-Made Fiber Division only amounts to five months.