Zones Offer Hands-on Learning for Each Industry Segment
Digital Apparel Production Zone
The Zone delivered extreme value to attendees looking for product solutions or to increase their knowledge about available digital platforms so they can gauge the current capabilities. Experts answered attendee questions on sublimation, heat transfer papers and films, as well as direct-to-garment platforms. Several large printers stopped by seeking a "reality check" on digital platforms prior to moving forward. The non-sales atmosphere is greatly appreciated by attendees knowing they can seek out solutions without high-pressure sales discussions.
Digital Signage Zone
Presented by the Digital Signage Federation, the Digital Signage Zone connected attendees with manufacturers and distributors to learn more about this diverse industry and experience the latest in digital signage technologies.
Industrial & Printed Electronics Zone
This Zone was a must-see for any screen or digital printer who prints high-precision products or is interested in getting into the industrial, printed electronics, 3-D object or medical arena. Industry experts offered insight into what is possible to print on and what's required to do it. The Zone also offered free presentations with industry experts that covered screen printing with UV LED, ASTM test methods for optimal product performance and technical aspects of pressure sensitive adhesives. PDAA Graphics Application Zone
This high-trafficked Zone was a big attraction for attendees. PDAA Master Certified Installers showed off their skills by wrapping everything from a locker and helmet to a Nissan Versa. It was a great opportunity for imagers and installers to connect on the show floor.
Narrow Format Zone
On the Expo floor for the first time — the Narrow Format Zone offered unmatched learning opportunities about narrow-format imaging capabilities, as well as consumables, process management and finishing systems. Attendees discovered what it takes to expand their product line to include items such as: OEM markings, labels, small POP components, nameplates and much more. Screen Printed Apparel Training Zone
This free training area on the show floor presented seven interactive educational sessions covering a full spectrum of topics associated with screen printed apparel. Sessions were well attended each day of the Expo and were presented by industry veterans in their fields of expertise.
Dane Clement, Great Dane Graphics, presented techniques used by the experts to enhance artwork designs. Lon Winters, GraphicElephants.com, discussed the dos and don’ts of the screen making process. Kieth Stevens, International Coatings Co Inc, presented fundamentals about the various ink systems currently in use. Riley Hopkins, Riley Hopkins Screen Print Machinery LLC, and Lon Winters teamed up to present an overview of manual presses and techniques to achieve great print results. Winters also covered the requirements and considerations necessary for a shop stepping up to an automatic press. Ed Branigan, International Coatings Co Inc, demonstrated eye-popping special effects in his popular session. Finally, James Ortolani, HIX Corporation, and Josh Ellsworth, STAHLS’ ID Direct, covered the full range of heat transfer and heat applied film techniques.
