14 email: editor@signlink.co.uk Issue 266 - August | September SignLink SignLinkMagazine printmonthly_signlink KIT & CONSUMABLES | NEWS Kornit begins rollout of Atlas MATRIX Kornit Digital, a manufacturer of on-demand digital fashion and textile production technologies, has begun the commercial rollout of its Atlas MATRIX platform following the completion of a global beta program across production environments in Europe and North America. Atlas MATRIX expands the capabilities of Kornit’s existing Atlas MAX PLUS platform into polyester, blends, and sublimated fabrics, enabling customers to produce textile prints across a wider range of fabric types. The release was touted by Kornit as a “major milestone in the evolution of digital apparel production.” The platform allows producers to transition between cotton, polyester, and blended fabrics in a single workflow, expanding application opportunities while simplifying operations. Atlas MATRIX also introduces Kornit’s proprietary Karbon Shield process, which is designed to enable direct decoration on polyester and sublimated garments while eliminating the dye migration challenges that have historically limited digital production capabilities. The initial announcement of the Atlas MATRIX platform’s commercial availability was made ahead of FESPA 2026 in Barcelona, with live demonstrations taking place during the exhibition. Atlas MATRIX was also recently showcased at Kornit’s own Konnections 2026 event. The system has already been validated through production tests with multiple global Kornit customers across Europe and North America. According to the company, early adopters reported “exceptional print quality, superior hand feel, operational simplification, and the ability to unlock entirely new categories of business.” William Smith installs second Zünd S3 cutter William Smith Group 1832 (William Smith) has invested in a Zünd S3 digital cutting machine – its fourth Zünd cutter in total and its second S3 model. The Zünd S3 is a modular, high-speed digital flatbed cutter designed for automated production. The new kit addition, which follows a distinct period of business growth at William Smith, keeps production capacity aligned with rising demand across its signage operation including for traffic signs, chevron kits, and other road safety products where high precision is needed. The S3 will operate from William Smith’s new production facility, which the company officially relocated to in May. The facility was purposedesigned to allow space for additional machinery, with the entire relocation completed in just four days. By Jonathan Pert By Jonathan Pert SwissQprint celebrates 150th UK install Wide-format print press manufacturer, swissQprint, has reached a major milestone with the installation of its 150th system in the UK by Oxfordshirebased company, Fine Print Services, which has invested in a new Kudu flatbed printer. According to Erskine Stewart, managing director of swissQprint UK, the 150th sale represents a clear signal of how the market is evolving, with more companies investing in wideformat to strengthen profitability within their print operations. Fine Print Services initially purchased a swissQprint Impala flatbed printer in 2015, before upgrading to the Kudu to increase wide-format output and support customers with a broader range of print from one supplier. Inkcups launches Helix High Throw Printer Direct-to-object printing technology provider, Inkcups, has announced the launch of the Helix High Throw UV Cylindrical Printer which brings the company’s High Throw technology into the Helix family of cylindrical directto-object (DTO) inkjet printers. High Throw technology was first seen on the X5-T High Throw in 2025 and is a technology that increases the ink throw distance between the printhead and substrate in order to allow ink to be accurately placed on challenging surfaces. The printer has been designed to accommodate height variations while decorating cylindrical and conical products and is also highlighted as being well-suited to challenging items. Newcomer TWR Acrylic invests in Mimaki flatbed printer Scottish acrylic, craft blanks, and bespoke signage provider, TWR Acrylic, has reported significant improvements to its print output after investing in a Mimaki JFX200-1213EX flatbed UV printer. Founded only a year ago, parent company The Wee Rhubarb has grown from operating in a spare room into a multi-faceted business supplying crafters, small businesses, and event professionals across the UK. The company’s investment in the Mimaki JFX2001213EX is enabling the business to add new products and services to its offering. TWR Acrylic is already seeing steady growth in its print offering, with the ability to produce oneoff jobs and bespoke personalised items proving particularly valuable. The product is available in markets worldwide, with commercial availability for Europe planned for later in 2026 The Wee Rhubarb was launched on a whim after a signage error almost ruined the wedding of co-founder, Loren NelsonParker [right] The S3 cutter expands capacity at the company’s new production facility
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