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In This Issue
Upscale the T-Shirt
MHM Value Proposition
Evaluating A Proposal
Tech Talk
Ask the Trainer

Come By and See Us!

Our next event will be:

Long Beach Printwear NBM Show
August 11-13th

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For all the parts and supplies you need!

Learn on the latest version of the Pulse software.

Upscale the T-shirt & Increase Your Profits 

Seit Feature ArticleIn today's world, the everyday American standard t-shirt is still the leading article of the decorated apparel industry.  From screen printing, transfer applications, digital direct and embroidery, the t-shirt is the most versatile garment adaptable to so many lifestyle trends.  Casual with jeans for sure, as with every little league team across the country and let's not forget what the black t-shirt means to Harley Davidson...  it is almost a culture on its own.  This little article has been lengthened into a dress, torn apart for the radical punker, adorned with rhinestones for glitz and waded up to wash your car... needless to say the t-shirt is here to stay. 

 

So the question is how do embroidery shops upscale the t-shirt from high stitch count embroidery to a soft wearable yet impactful article to be more current with today's rends?  Reducing stitches, while increasing perceived value in order to ignite the t-shirt to the next level?  Ahhh, this is the best part, APPLIQUES.  Just the sound of the word strikes fear to some, especially if the material isn't stiff and rigid.  The application of knit on knit appliqué can easily be done with technology, yeah... you're right here comes the plug... the Single Head Laser by Hirsch.  Because it reads your DST files to make the cuts, it has never been easier to create simple distressed, reverse appliqué, multimedia appliqué and multi-layered applique designs.  

 

Seeing is believing... Click HERE to see a video that speaks volumes.

 

Let the inspiration begin...  

 

For more information on laser technology, please contact Henry Bernstein Director of Seit Laser Division in North America.

MHM Logo

MHM Value Proposition

In last month's article, we revisited how MHM made history with its patented "firsts".  This month's article is devoted to highlighting the potential savings that owning a MHM press can give you.  It's not always about the sticker price.  Time is money and that is never truer than in the screen printing industry. 

 

Gavin Kidd, our MHM Director, along with others conducted an informal survey of large volume screenprinters using automatic presses.  The results were outstanding!  

 

Click here to view the full detailed results.

ANNOUNCEMENT - "E-Support" by Hirsch International 

If you are looking for Hirsch Technical Support regarding parts, service or help for your equipment purchased from Hirsch please e-mail us at care@hic.us for a response guaranteed within 2 hours or less during normal business hours.

We also offer an annual phone support contract for our customers which entitles you to free priority phone support for one year on all equipment purchased from Hirsch International Corp. Plus, you'll receive 10% off any service call all for only $495.00!  

Email care@hic.us for details.
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  Evaluating A Proposal

Are you considering an equipment financing agreement?  Here are a few key points to consider.
The Lender
It is important for you to choose a quality equipment financing partner. Remember, equipment financing agreements are long-term (3-5 year) financial relationships.  Attractive initial terms are quickly forgotten when long-term relationship issues arise. If you are unfamiliar with a particular lender, ask for several references. It is also important to determine who will be collecting payments.  Many financing companies act as a broker and lose all control of your agreement. If you are working with a broker, you may not have access to a decision maker in the event future needs or issues arise.

Get It In Writing
You cannot properly evaluate an equipment financing proposal if all the terms and conditions are not communicated in writing.  If a financing company does not initially provide a written proposal, ask them for one.  Failure to get a written proposal may result in unknown or hidden financing costs and fees.  

Know the Up-Front Cost
A written proposal should outline all initial costs.  Advanced rentals, down payment, security deposits, and documentation fees are all common costs at signing.  Avoid the mistake of accepting what appears to be a low rate-rate offer without properly accounting for increased up-front costs.

Know the Term Cost
The monthly payment and length of term should be outlined in an equipment financing proposal.  A lower payment for a longer period of time may cost more but may enhance your cash flow.  The opposite is true for a short term agreement.  It may cost less but put increased demands on your cash flow.

Know your End-of-Term Costs
End-of-term obligations can quickly raise the overall cost of what appears to be a low-rate at lease signing.  A properly written proposal should clearly define your end-of-term obligations.  Common end-of-term purchase options include $1, $101, 10% option, 10% put and Fair Market Value (FMV).  Beware of proposals, written or verbal, that promise one thing but indicate something different on the agreement.  Avoid ambiguous purchase options such as 10%/FMV.  Get a commitment as to whether it is 10% or FMV.
Tech Talk Logo

Exhaust Filter Cleaning for the Seit Laser

We've asked our technicians to share their knowledge on maintaining your equipment.  This month is all about the Seit Laser attachment.  Bob Gunn gives us some insight on the Exhaust Filter and tips for keeping it cleaned.

 

The purpose of the exhaust system is to remove any smoke and debris from the work area. The system uses four hoses located inside the three fiberglass covers to draw smoke from the work area up into a filter box then into a larger diameter hose. The smoke is then drawn through the blower and then out through the roof or wall vent. The blower is always operating as long as the Exhaust switch is on and the Laser Main Power Switch is on. It is not necessary to switch off the Blower as shutting down the Main Laser Power Switch does the same. The Filter Box may contain either one or two rectangular Filters which will need to be cleaned every few days.

Frequency of filter cleaning is every few days, depending on Laser use.

 

To clean the filters:

Press the Emergency Stop Button or have Laser Power Off before starting process.

A dust mask may want to be worn for this process. Using a Ladder obtain access to the rear of the Laser carriage and the Stainless Steel Box that contains the filters. While supporting the weight of the Box cover and hose end, unlatch the latch and lower the box cover on hinges to gain access to the filter/s. Remove the filters and replace if spares are available. Or remove dirty filters and open filter container and remove and clean filter material with soapy water and rinse clean and squeeze dry. Replace filters and secure Box cover by swinging back up and re-latching Box cover. AVOID inhaling any soot or debris from filter or Hoses. Be sure the Filter Box cover is securely latched when completed.

 

Thanks Bob!

 

Click here to check out the other tips and tricks on our website

 

We'd loved to hear from you!  If you have a question about preventative maintenance of you equipment, email us newsletter@hic.us. 

Ask the Trainer Logo

All About Trims

 

You asked for it!   We're posting tips and tricks on different features of the Tajima DG/ML by Pulse software that you've written us about.  This month, Jamie reveals her favorite trimming methods.

 

There are several different ways to add trims to your design using the Tajima DG/ML by Pulse software.  You can add between letters or between segments with just a few clicks of the mouse.  

 

1. If you want to add a trim between two specific letters, simply add ^+ in the text box.  

2. If you want to add a trim between the dot of the letter i, go to Quality Control and select 'Always' under Trim Between Branches.  (Please note this doesn't work on fonts that have a newer version i.e. Block / Block New.

 

 Always remember to refresh your design by pressing the (G) key on your keyboard.  This will regenerate your stitches to the latest changes you've applied.  

 

Thanks Jamie!

 

Want your question posted in the newsletter? Drop us a line at: newsletter@hic.us.