Punch Graphix has announced details of a new, exclusive co-operation agreement between its Xeikon brand, which manufactures digital printing equipment, and the Danish company Digital Screen-printing Technologies Aps (DST), based in Copenhagen. DST provides a patented, revolutionary technology that combines the best of both digital and screen printing processes. The combination of DST's inks and process knowledge with Xeikon's digital print know-how produces unique, high- resolution textile transfers suitable for both short and long run applications. Because of the architecture of the Xeikon press, transfers can be produced in either roll-to-roll or roll-to-sheet form, and the digital technology offered by the print system means that variable data can be incorporated into the transfer design. This means that every transfer produced can include unique content, whether it is simply an individual name, or a more complex variation, such as a different picture element. The process offers both water-based and plastisol-based ink solutions, which produce transfers that can withstand high- temperature machine washing, including industrial washing, and even dry-cleaning. The range of adhesives available for the process means that output can be transferred to literally any piece of fabric, including cotton, knitted and woven materials, polyurethane, PVC fabrics and films, rainwear, umbrellas, Spandex and other stretch fabrics, neoprene and polyester. Such a diverse range of materials immediately conjures up a significant amount of potential products that this system can be used to produce. "This agreement marries up two best-of-breed products, and supports our company strategy of providing unique solutions to all parts of the printing industry," said Véronique Mathias, Chief Marketing Officer of Belgian-based Punch Graphix. "The result is transfers of the highest quality, produced at high speed, with the added potential of incorporating variable information within the image. We see significant opportunities for this exciting application, and see it appealing to both existing and to new users of Xeikon products," she added. The integration of DST and Xeikon technology offers users an environmentally safe system that opens up a significant range of new business opportunities. Punch Graphix will showcase this solution at SGIA Digital in Phoenix; December 8th to 10th. Here, the Xeikon 5000 press will be shown printing both digital transfers, backlits and point- of-purchase signage. It is also anticipated that this technology will form one element of Xeikon’s IPEX presentation (Birmingham, UK, April 2006).