At Jakprints, we’re always looking for ways to make our work-flow more streamlined, efficient and eco-friendly. Which means we’re always on the lookout for new advances in technology. Enter the latest addition to our screen-printing work-flow, the I-Jet.

The I-Jet is a direct to screen writer (DTS) that is top of the line in screen imaging. From an environmental standpoint, we’re pleased because the I-Jet allows us to do away with film positives. We’re avoiding film because with our workload we would use hundreds of feet of film on a daily basis that would basically end up in a landfill.

Here we see Sam loading digital artwork into the system, as well as cross referencing the customer approved mock-up.

After staging the files in the I-Jet rip, Sam loads an emulsified screen.

The print head of the I-Jet prints directly onto the mesh of the screen with a wax-based organic pigment…

…making it completely opaque and light-safe when the screen is exposed.

Sam exposes the screen.

After curing the emulsion, the organic drain-safe pigment is then washed off the screen and is ready to go on press.

The loaded screen is inked and ready.

Anthony makes a test print and begins running the shirts.

Along with the environmental benefits, the I-Jet also produces detail as fine as 120 lines per inch, which gives us even greater control and clarity, making for an exceptionally detailed print.

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Congrats to our Screen-Printing Production Manager, Jeff Weisenberg. He was recently approached by Printwear to contribute an article to their magazine. Printwear is the leading industry/trade magazine for apparel embellishment.

The article is featured in the January 2010 issue and is entitled “Troublesome T-Shirts?” It focuses on the technical problems that arise when screen-printing on different types of apparel with various techniques. Jeff addresses several issues, and offers some great suggestions and solutions that he’s discovered through his 11 years at Jakprints.

The article is written with screen-printers in mind, but Jeff manages to take a technical subject and breathe some life into it, making for an entertaining yet informative read. Click here to check out a PDF of the Printwear article.

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Here is an amazing art print/poster that we printed which showcases the talent of three powerhouses in the world of comic books and graphic novels. The print entitled “100 Words”, features the poem by the same name, written by author Neil Gaiman. The drawings are courtesy of acclaimed comic illustrator Jim Lee, and is accompanied by custom hand-lettering by Todd Klein.

This 10″ x 28″ art print is printed in soy & vegetable based ink on our 13pt uncoated cardstock (which is 100% recycled.) The artwork and the uncoated stock really compliment each other well, and we’re very proud about the subtle details we retained while on press. This limited print edition is available for purchase at NeverWear. Thanks to NeverWear for entrusting us with this awesome project!

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ESP Guitars is heading to this years’ NAMM Show. And what better way to make an impression than arriving in a one of a kind, custom embroidered jacket?

We embroidered this Dickies Unlined Eisenhower Jacket in five locations: the left and right chest, right sleeve, upper back as well as the lower back.

The back is adorned with EPS Guitars 35th anniversary logo.

When embroidering, we pay careful attention to every element of the design, making sure the stitching compliments the various shapes and forms. The choice of stitch can really make or break the overall effect, and it’s a critical factor in creating truly high-end, inspired embroidery.

We wish ESP the best of luck at NAMM this year, and we’re looking forward to the upcoming launch of EPS Guitars’ 2010 apparel line!

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Through the end of February, we’re offering our full line of soft-touch products, at no additional charge. By entering promo code SFT57TCH82, you can order and receive the following upgrade on these high-quality products:

Full Color Printing

Soft-touch aqueous coating on any 12pt Cardstock product (Postcards, Business Cards, Pocket Folders, etc.) results in a silky, suede-like feel to the paper.

Apparel Printing

Soft-opaque printing is available on any white or light garment screen-printed apparel order. Some colored garments may be eligible if your print does not require under-basing. Rule of thumb: Ink colors must be darker than the garment color. (learn more about soft-opaque printing)

Sticker Printing

Any EcoGreen™ Sticker order (TruStick™ stock) already comes standard with a sleek soft-touch feel.

This special ends February 29th, click and get started on your Free Soft-Touch Upgrade!

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Josef Crosby, of Irish-Gypsy influenced band, Scythian, was so taken by Dan’s accommodating and professional nature, that he sent Dan his very own holiday ham! We’re glad that Scythian are pleased with the level of service at Jakprints, and that they’re happy with the quality of their stickers. However, we are just a bit concerned about what receiving the ham has done to Dan.

At first glance, many Jakprinters thought Dan was merely carrying a briefcase, but as the aroma wafted through the air, people realized that Dan was in fact parading around with a holiday ham. He was so excited and proud about the applewood-smoked gesture from Scythian, that the ham did not leave his side for the remainder of the day. Phone calls, meetings, press checks, typing and more, were all performed with ham-in-hand.

The various 2-color vinyl stickers that we printed for Scythian: the catalyst for Dan’s holiday ham “thank you”.

Here’s a clip from youtube of the lads performing one of their crowd-pleasers, “Dance All Night”. Thanks again to Scythian for choosing Jakprints, and for being so gracious as to send us a holiday ham, you guys are the best!

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