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On a recent trip to California, Keypoint Intelligence visited the Mimaki Technology Center and Roland DGA to review new technological developments, assess product capabilities, and discuss industry trends. The insight we learned into advancements in automation, sustainability, and workflow optimization (with a focus on strategic considerations for businesses investing in new print technologies) was considerable.
Visit to Mimaki USA Technology Center
The Mimaki USA Technology Center, located near the Los Angeles International Airport, serves as a demonstration and training hub—housing equipment for sign graphics, textile and apparel, industrial products, and 3D printing applications. The facility includes an Applications Lab with dye-sublimation, UV, and direct-to-textile printers. The Technology Center spans 28,446 square feet and is designed to support comprehensive product demonstrations, hands-on application training, open house events, and certification courses for dealer technicians. Mimaki’s training initiatives include structured courses designed to provide hands-on experience in equipment operation, software applications, and workflow management. Dealer certification programs ensure service consistency, while technician training focuses on maintenance and troubleshooting.
| Applications Lab at the Mimaki Technology Center. |
A key area of focus during our visit was Mimaki’s Transfer Pigment System (TRAPIS) technology, developed in collaboration with Coldenhove and Klieverik. This textile pigment transfer system eliminates the need for pre- and post-treatment of fabrics, reducing water consumption by approximately 90% compared to conventional dyeing methods. The process involves printing designs onto Coldenhove’s Texcol pigment transfer paper using a Mimaki inkjet printer with TP410 ink, followed by heat transfer onto fabric using a Klieverik calender. The system supports a range of textiles, including natural fibers such as cotton and silk as well as synthetic materials. Its compact footprint and simplified workflow allow for easier integration into production environments.
| Pictured L to R: Naoya Kawagoshi, President, Mimaki USA; Victoria Harris, Senior Textile Segment Specialist, Mimaki USA; Johnny Shell, Principal Analyst, Keypoint Intelligence; David Sweetnam, Director of Research & Lab Services EMEA/APAC, Keypoint Intelligence; Toru Yamauchi, Head of Asia Pacific, Keypoint Intelligence. |
Visit to Roland DGA
Roland DGA’s Irvine, CA facility houses a technology center and training academy that supports product development, dealer certification, and hands-on instruction. The training programs include workshops, live webinars, and on-demand courses that cover equipment operation, maintenance, color management, and application techniques. Certification programs for dealers and technicians focus on service consistency and operational efficiency.
| Roland DGA Creative Center. |
The facility includes a technology showroom where visitors can evaluate equipment capabilities and production workflows. The Creative Center, a dedicated gallery space, displays sample applications across industries, serving as a resource for businesses assessing potential print applications.
During our visit, we reviewed the latest TrueVIS series printer/cutters—focusing on media handling efficiency, print quality, and workflow automation. Roland’s UV printing technology was also demonstrated with an emphasis on its ability to print on rigid materials and three-dimensional objects. Training initiatives integrate software instruction with hands-on equipment use, ensuring operators can fully utilize system capabilities.
| Pictured L to R: Johnny Shell, Keypoint Intelligence; Dan Johansen, Americas VP Sales & Product Development, Roland DGA, David Sweetnam, Keypoint Intelligence. |
Industry Trends and Strategic Planning Talks
Discussions with Mimaki and Roland DGA provided insight into current industry trends and strategic considerations for print service provider businesses planning future technology investments. As printing technology advances, companies are evaluating solutions that enhance production efficiency, expand application versatility, and align with sustainability goals. Decision-makers are focusing on balancing innovation with cost-effectiveness, ensuring that new investments contribute to long-term operational improvements rather than short-term gains. Additionally, shifting consumer demands, regulatory changes, and competitive pressures are influencing purchasing decisions—making it essential for businesses to adopt technologies that provide immediate and scalable benefits. Mimaki and Roland DGA’s latest developments reflect these priorities, offering solutions that address automation, environmental responsibility, and the growing need for diverse printing capabilities.
Direct-to-Film (DTF) printing continues to gain traction due to its ability to print on a variety of fabric types with minimal processing, making it an attractive option for businesses seeking greater flexibility in garment decoration. Mimaki’s TxF300 and Roland’s new TY-300 are positioned as solutions for businesses looking to expand their apparel decoration capabilities, offering improved production speed, enhanced color vibrancy, and increased durability of finished prints. These systems streamline workflow by reducing preparation time and enabling more efficient transfer processes, making them particularly valuable for small to mid-sized print shops aiming to scale production while maintaining print quality. As demand for customized apparel and short-run production grows, DTF technology is becoming an increasingly viable choice for businesses looking to diversify their product offerings and improve operational efficiency.
Sustainability remains a primary concern, with manufacturers developing solutions that reduce environmental impact. Mimaki’s TRAPIS system addresses water consumption and chemical waste in textile printing, while Roland has also expanded its sustainability initiatives, focusing on reducing emissions; improving ink formulations; and has also introduced recyclable ink packaging, reducing plastic waste in the supply chain. As regulatory requirements around emissions and waste disposal increase, businesses are assessing long-term strategies for integrating sustainable production methods.
Automation and workflow optimization are also key focus areas. Mimaki and Roland are integrating features such as automated maintenance, remote monitoring, and intelligent media handling to improve efficiency. These advancements reduce operator intervention, lower production costs, and enhance scalability. Businesses investing in automation are prioritizing capital expenditures that align with long-term efficiency gains, while training programs ensure employees can adapt to evolving production technologies.
Keypoint Intelligence Opinion
The visits to Mimaki and Roland DGA provided valuable insight into how automation, sustainability, and new printing applications are shaping the industry. Both companies are prioritizing efficiency improvements, regulatory compliance, and structured training programs to support business adoption of new technologies. As digital printing continues to evolve, businesses will need to evaluate how these developments align with their production needs and long-term investment strategies. Keypoint Intelligence remains committed to analyzing these advancements to provide stakeholders with relevant insights and strategic recommendations.
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