Specialised in providing garment customisation machines, Ried took part in PTE to launch its new DTF X-Pro, for cotton or polyester garments, in collaboration with Master Tek. “We decided last minute to come to the fair,” says Riccardo Mele, sales manager, “and we're glad we did because our new digital transfer printing machine had a great response. We conducted research doing tests on 7 types of inks, 10 types of films and as many glues and found the right ink that lets us have a pure white.”

“The advancement of digital technology is now a reality,” explained Sergio De Palma, owner of Tecnoservice, which showcased industrial embroidery machines by the brand Happy Japan at PTE, whose features are compatible with the principles of Industry 4.0: they work online via a network with USB, LAN and wireless input for data transmission, they have LCDs that can be customised through user-friendly software, and they can connect to smartphones to manage operations and monitor work progress. One of the latest products at the fair, always responding to Industry 4.0 demands, includes the FT-601CT, the brand Fortever’s new embroidery machine specialised in special terry and chain stitch processing, very much in demand in the fashion and home furnishing industries.

One of the latest products presented by Awservice, a long-standing company boasting an e-commerce full of customisation technologies and products, is the Epson SureColor Sc-F2100 printer. Designed as a DTG machine for direct printing on fabric, it can now also be used as a DTF machine: so one printer, two uses. Plus, it uses Epson's new UltraChrome DG inks, which boast Eco Passport certification by Oeko-Tex. There are also eco-friendly additions to the wide range of customisable gadgets, with particular emphasis on products in 100% recycled cotton, natural cotton and other materials such as wood, cork and jute. At PTE Lab, the company directed by Massimo Leva reported great interest in the live demonstrations carried out with the largest pneumatic heat press format (80x110 cm) and with other electromagnetic and semi-automatic machines with 50x80 and 60x100 cm plates.

Embroidery Service offer machines by different brands (Happy Japan, Breva, Oki, to name but a few) for personalisation using various techniques, including DTF printing, embroidery, screen printing and sublimation. “At the exhibition,” highlighted Alessia Baroni, sales manager, “we want to shine the spotlight on the idea of a 'cross-pollination’ between different techniques, for example printing and sponge stitch embroidery, as a way of achieving unique, original customisations. This creative combination, tailor-made for our customers, is made possible through continuous consulting and training services for using the machines.”

Training seems to be one of the defining features of this edition of PTE. “It's great to see so many entrepreneurs closing their businesses to bring all their employees here to the show, to touch base with the evolving industry, to ask questions, to seek answers to everyday issues, to improve their know-how.” Saying this, with a certain air of satisfaction, is Fabrizio Selis, partner and technical-commercial manager of Market Screentypographic. Everyone asked him questions and he carefully answered them politely and knowledgeably.  And with an abundance of passion. “That's what PTE is above all else: an opportunity to learn.” It is the healthy entrepreneurial fabric that takes centre stage at PTE, made up of those who get up every morning and strive to provide the customer with a customised solution. “Many people,” Selis explains, “don't have the time to experiment, and here they can, improving how they use machines, which are often not fully exploited. Screen printing is an art that allows you to achieve unthinkable results, and a good operator can often make all the difference. Gone are the days of entrepreneurs walking through stands by themselves to take away a few catalogues. Now is the time for training, for rolling sleeves up and bending over looms to observe what effects can be achieved and what processes can be improved on, alongside their technicians. It's time for sharing, and PTE is the place to be. It's a good vibe and a positive feeling that I'm already taking back on this first day of work. And I'm glad my intuition led to opening the Atelier della Stampa, my training school.”