The Las Vegas Printing United Expo 2024 was one for the books. This year’s event showcased the latest innovations in garment decoration and digital printing, leaving attendees with plenty to buzz about. From cutting-edge DTF printing technology to impressive advancements in automation, the Expo cemented itself as a must-attend event for anyone in the branded merchandise and apparel decoration industry.
Here’s a breakdown of the key takeaways from this year’s show, tailored to keep your business ahead of the curve.
DTF Printing Takes Center Stage
It’s no surprise that DTF (Direct-to-Film) printing stole the show. The Printing United Expo highlighted just how far this technology has come in a short time. Adrienne Palmer from dtfprinting.com, one of the top experts in the space, observed that “everything was DTF” at the South Hall. From massive setups to small desktop printers, it was clear that DTF is dominating the conversation in apparel decoration.
What’s exciting about DTF? It opens doors for decorators of all sizes, from home-based businesses to large-scale production shops. The ability to print high-quality transfers that can be heat-pressed onto garments is a game-changer, especially for businesses looking to expand without taking on the complexity of in-house screen printing.
Whether you’re just getting into DTF or looking to upgrade, the Printing United Expo offered something for everyone. Key takeaways include the rapid advancements in consumables, faster print speeds, and the growing variety of printers catering to different business needs.
The Big Competition: DTF T-Shirt Contest
One of the event’s most exciting features was the DTF T-Shirt Contest, hosted by dtfprinting.com. With over 60 participants and 20 final entries, the contest was a testament to the creative possibilities of DTF technology. Each design showcased the distinct differences in technique, materials, and equipment, proving that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to DTF.
Spencer Chernoff of Limitless Transfers took home the top prize, impressing judges with his attention to detail and color accuracy. What stood out? Spencer’s ability to nail the intricate design using DTF, including printing a non-true black that set his submission apart from the competition. If you’re a business owner in the garment decoration industry, competitions like this showcase the importance of continually refining your DTF process to stand out in a crowded market.
Automation: The Future Of Print Shops
Another hot topic at the Printing United Expo was automation. From robotic arms picking up transfers to carousel heat presses, it’s clear that automation is becoming more accessible—and necessary—for decorators looking to scale their operations. A standout was the ROQ carousel heat press, featuring automatic transfer placement and peeling. This kind of innovation helps businesses save time and improve efficiency, especially in high-volume environments.
For smaller shops or those new to automation, these advancements mean you can operate faster, reduce labor costs, and stay competitive. As the industry shifts towards more streamlined operations, now is the time to consider investing in automation to future-proof your business.
Color Accuracy: The Secret to DTF Success
One of the biggest challenges with DTF printing, according to experts like Adrienne Palmer, is achieving consistent color accuracy. With so many variables—printers, inks, films, and environmental conditions—nailing the perfect color can be tricky. This is where color profiling comes in. If you’re serious about DTF, investing in a spectrophotometer and proper RIP software is key to ensuring your prints meet the highest standards.
At the Printing United Expo, many exhibitors emphasized color management and profiling to get the best results from your equipment. Whether you’re using the latest Epson printers or more specialized setups, having the right tools and software to dial in your colors is non-negotiable.
The Growth Of Specialty DTF Films
For those looking to push the boundaries of DTF, specialty films are where it’s at. From glitter to glow-in-the-dark films, Printing United Expo showcased how creative you can get with transfers. While these specialty films can be more expensive, they offer unique effects that customers are willing to pay for—whether it’s a limited edition run or custom designs that need to stand out.
In the coming years, expect to see more printers incorporating specialty films into their offerings as a way to diversify their services and attract a broader clientele.
Collaboration At Printing United Expo 2024
One of the most fascinating trends coming out of the Printing United Expo was the number of partnerships forming within the industry. Brands like Ninja Transfers and S&S Activewear are partnering up to offer even more to decorators, streamlining the process of sourcing and producing high-quality transfers. While some may see these collaborations as potential conflicts of interest, the general consensus at the expo was that these partnerships will continue to make life easier for print shops of all sizes.
For decorators, this means more options, better pricing, and increased access to top-tier products. It’s an exciting time to be in the branded merchandise industry as companies work together to push the envelope on what’s possible.
DecoNetwork: The All-In-One Solution For Print Shops
At Printing United Expo 2024, it was clear that print shops need efficient tools to stay ahead, and DecoNetwork is leading the charge. As an all-in-one platform, DecoNetwork helps streamline everything from managing e-commerce websites to processing orders, making it easier for shops to focus on what matters—growing their business.
Whether you’re working with DTF, screen printing, or embroidery, DecoNetwork integrates smoothly into your operations. It simplifies production workflows, automates quotes, and allows you to set up online stores, all in one place. For any shop looking to scale and embrace the latest trends, DecoNetwork is the perfect solution to stay organized and efficient.
What’s Next For Printing United Expo?
Printing United Expo is only getting bigger, with next year’s event in Orlando and a return to Las Vegas after that. The future will bring even more exciting innovations in DTF printing, automation, and specialty films. Whether you’re a small shop or a large business, the expo is the place to find the latest tools and ideas to stay ahead in the garment decoration industry.
Plan ahead and get ready to take advantage of these new trends. Printing United Expo will keep leading the way, and you won’t want to miss what’s next!
For decorators, this means more options, better pricing, and increased access to top-tier products. It’s an exciting time to be in the branded merchandise industry as companies work together to push the envelope on what’s possible.
