SHIMA SEIKI ITALIA S.p.A., Italian subsidiary of leading Japanese computerized knitting machine manufacturer SHIMA SEIKI MFG., LTD., in conjunction with its Romanian sales agent KNIT-TEX ROM S.R.L., will hold a private exhibition in Romania in February, in the textile production region near Piatra Neamt.

Epson's SureColor F-Series on display at the Sheikh Saeed Halls has attracted our attention. The printers that can be employed to produce soft-signage, apparel, gift and promotional products are the first dye-sublimation printers from the Japanese manufacturer.

Mimaki Engineering Co.,Ltd., a leading manufacturer of wide format inkjet printers is exhibiting at SGI Dubai, the Middle East's largest and longest running event for the signage, graphic imaging, POP/Retail, screen and digital printing industries. Mimaki will be sharing a stand with its Middle East distribution partner, Signtrade International.

Why is digital textile printing such a big deal? First of all, there is a big practical aspect to it. Regular fabric patterns are created through rotary or flatbed screen printing that require individual screens for every color used and large yardage. Simply put, you need to print a lot of fabric and waste a lot of time and you would still be restricted in your choices. With fashion changing on the fly and consumers vying for more exclusivity and customization the scope of digital printing is on the rise.

By Aditya Chandavarkar
Digital textile printing continues to push not only boundaries of innovation but also business alliances. 2014 seems to be a year of consolidation and acquisitions for the digital textile printing industry, which could intensify the competition in the industry to offer more comprehensive technology and services to the industry.