#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.

Durst Group strengthens its strategic focus on sustainable digital printing solutions with acquisition of Aleph SrL

Durst Group, manufacturer of advanced digital printing and production solutions, has acquired Aleph SrL, a pioneer in sustainable digital solutions for textiles and interior and exterior decorations. With this strategic move, Durst Group further enhances its position in water-based and sustainable printing technologies. For Durst Group, the acquisition also serves as a bridge to Como, Italy, the center for textile design and high-quality applications.

Durst Group shines at Printing United Awards with a total of eight accolades

The Durst Group, a worldwide leading company in digital printing and production technologies, has achieved yet another milestone. It has triumphed in seven categories at the Printing United Awards, the most prestigious prize in the American printing industry. The recognition comes for its pioneering innovations in large format printing (LFP), packaging, automation, and software solutions.

Epson launches SureColor G9000: high-production Direct-To-Film printer delivering greater productivity and reliability

Epson today announces the launch of the SureColor G9000, a new high-production Direct-To-Film (DTFilm) printer designed to meet growing global demand for flexible and efficient textile transfer printing. Expanding Epson’s DTFilm line-up alongside the SC-G6000, the SC-G9000 introduces enhanced speed, reliability and ease of maintenance for commercial garment decorators and textile producers.

Mimaki upgrades TS330 series for vibrant and seamless dye sublimation printing

The TS330 Series now provides users with an extended colour gamut, offering the flexibility to serve different markets profitably from one solution – from fashion to décor to signage – with improved colour vibrancy, fidelity and accuracy. Mimaki also introduces a larger solution to the TS330 Series, the TS330-1800, able to accommodate single-piece, wide textile fabrics, ideal for larger home décor applications.

Sustainable, lightweight, and sound absorbing: Polyester-based front trunk solution for BEVs

As car manufacturers look to further reduce their carbon footprint, Autoneum has developed an innovative front trunk solution for battery electric vehicles (BEVs), made entirely from polyester-based textile. The Ultra-Silent Frunk offers significant weight reduction, improved acoustic and thermal insulation, and uses up to 70 percent recycled material, supporting sustainable and efficient vehicle design. Autoneum, global technology leader in acoustic and thermal management for vehicles, has already received orders for the new frunk from three major OEMs in Asia and Europe to be built in three BEV models. Series production for two BEVs has been underway in China and Germany since last year.

Modern testing methods for raw cotton

The 38th International Cotton Conference Bremen will take place from 25 to 27 March 2026 at the Bremen Parliament. This conference has traditionally stood for in-depth expertise and international exchange. The program will focus on technical innovations, market trends, and regulatory frameworks across the entire value chain – from agriculture to the circular economy. With high-profile speakers, the conference is regarded as the key meeting point for the global cotton industry. Today’s focus: Cotton quality and testing methods.

Rieter responds to higher raw material prices

Global political and economic developments have been leading to rising raw material and energy costs for some time. The textile machinery industry is also affected by this trend. Rieter machines and components consist to a large extent of steel, copper, aluminum and electronics. These materials in particular have seen higher demand and higher prices in recent months.