MANAGING DIRECTOR
Nigel Bean:
e: nigelbean1@aol.com
EDITOR, DESIGN & MARKETING
Jane Soones:
e: janesoones@aol.com or janesoones@hillmedia.com
ADVERTISING SALES
Colin Gallimore:
e: colingallimore@hillmedia.com
EXHIBITION SALES
Michelle Jones:
e: michellejones@hillmedia.com
EVENT ORGANISATION, CIRCULATION & SUBSCRIPTION
t: +44 (0) 1442 826826
Main Office Telephone: +44 (0) 1442 826826 TEN TALKS
&
Hill Media Ltd, Marash House 2-5 Brook Street, Tring, Hertfordshire HP23 5ED, United Kingdom.
Personalisation is no longer a side offering or a nice-to-have—it’s one of the most dynamic growth sectors in the retail and gifting landscape. Consumers are actively seeking products that reflect individuality, sentiment, and creativity, and thanks to the rise of e-commerce, customised items have never been more accessible. It’s no surprise, then, that the global personalised gift market is projected to more than double by 2031. The appetite is there, and it’s growing fast.
For those working in trophies, engraving, awards, and recognition, this surge represents a compelling opportunity. Personalisation has always been ingrained in the sector, but the scope has widened dramatically.
Today’s technologies mean suppliers can extend far beyond traditional engraving and step confidently into a broader world of customisation. Whether it’s printed T-shirts, photo mugs, coasters, keyrings, signage, or home décor, the range of products that can be personalised quickly, creatively, and affordably has expanded at pace.
A major driver behind this growth is the increasingly low cost of entry. Equipment for sublimation, laser engraving, UV printing, heat transfer, and direct-to-film has become significantly more affordable, with compact, intuitive machines offering fast setup and minimal training requirements. This shift has opened the door for businesses of all sizes to diversify, experiment, and unlock new income streams with ease.
Trade shows and industry events continue to play a pivotal role in this evolution. They provide a unique opportunity to see technology in action, compare solutions side by side, and speak directly with manufacturers and distributors. For trophy and engraving businesses, these events offer the ideal environment to evaluate new product options, understand workflow integration, and identify the personalisation services that best complement their existing strengths.
As customer expectations evolve, businesses that embrace flexibility, creativity, and choice will lead the charge. Personalisation is no fleeting trend—it’s
becoming a core pillar of modern retail, powered by the desire for meaningful gifting and products that feel truly individual.
For forward-thinking suppliers, the moment to engage is now. With accessible start-up costs, rapidly rising demand, and continuous innovation across the sector, there has never been a better time for the trophies and engraving industry to strengthen its personalisation offering.
And there’s no better place to start than an established trade show. Events with a wide-ranging mix of exhibitors—trusted brands alongside fresh innovators—offer an unrivalled platform for discovery. They allow visitors to explore the latest technologies, compare equipment, gather inspiration, and pinpoint new avenues for growth. For any business looking to elevate its personalisation services, attending a major show is an invaluable step.
TEN magazine strongly recommends Printwear & Promotion Live! and Sign & Digital UK as the go-to trade shows for discovering new suppliers, sparking ideas, and unlocking the full potential of personalisation for your business. The two shows are co-locating at the NEC from 22–24 February 2026, making it an unmissable hub of innovation and opportunity — and if you plan to attend just one trade show in 2026, then this is the one to prioritise.
Author: Jane Soones Editor — TEN Magazine janesoones@hillmedia.com
*Included as standard:
Auto-focus
Integrated cooling system
Integrated air assist
Lightburn laser software
4K camera
Class 1 laser safety enclosure
12 months warranty
Unlimited technical support
The organisers of Printwear & Promotion LIVE! are thrilled to announce that online visitor registration is now open for the 2026 exhibition. The event returns to the NEC Birmingham in Halls 6 and 8, running from Sunday, February 22 to Tuesday, February 24.
P&P LIVE! 2026 is delighted to once again welcome fantastic exhibitors including Hybrid Services, Result Clothing, Fruit of the Loom, Gildan, and InkTec Europe.
With this year’s show set to be energetic, inspiring, and full of industry insight, visitors can look forward to an unforgettable experience.
With exciting new equipment and blank garments launches, visitors can expect live demonstrations, hands on experiences, and cutting-edge displays that showcase the latest innovations in the industry.
P&P LIVE! has built a strong reputation as the go to event where exhibitors unveil their newest and most advanced garment decoration equipment, offering visitors a first look at what is shaping the future of the industry. For over 35 years, P&P LIVE! has been inspiring garment decorators and industry professionals, providing valuable opportunities to discover new approaches, explore innovative technologies, and connect with some of the key names in the industry. With leading suppliers, distributors, and manufacturers all present on the show floor, visitors will have a great amount of inspiration and knowledge in reach.
The 2026 show will also feature an incredible line-up of speakers across two insightful seminar suites. The Decoration Advice Suite and The Knowledge Centre promises a discovery of education, where experts share practical insights, professional advice, and sessions which cover all aspects of the industry. Attendees can expect a deeper understanding of printwear production processes, trends, and techniques, with renowned speakers and specialists showcasing a range of valuable content that will guide attendees in taking the appropriate steps to level up their business.
The full seminar timetables will be announced in January, providing time for attendees to plan their visit and make the most of everything P&P LIVE! 2026 has to offer.
The co-location with Sign & Digital UK adds another exciting dimension for visitors, providing the perfect opportunity to broaden their knowledge and explore new creative avenues. With The Sign Makers’ Workshop returning once again,
visitors will be able to enjoy a hands-on experience as well as seeing the processes involved in the sign making industry. Visitors can expect plenty of interactive, fun, and engaging demonstrations that will not only inspire but also enhance a visitor’s understanding of how the two industries connect and complement each other. That is not all, there is still so much more waiting to be revealed!
Upcoming announcements are still to come, including event details, special features, and exhibitor reveals that are sure to make P&P LIVE! 2026 one of the most exciting editions yet.
This concludes as to why Printwear & Promotion LIVE! should be at the top of attendees must visit list for 2026. It is an event where suppliers, decorators, and industry professionals return year after year to reconnect, discover the latest innovations, and be inspired. Visitors will not want to miss this incredible event filled with creativity, innovation, and opportunity.
Visitors can now register and secure their place at the UK’s only national exhibition dedicated to the garment decoration industry. One registration grants visitors access to both exhibitions so they enjoy and experience the sights and displays of both P&P LIVE! and SDUK.
As we head into the final weeks of the year, many of our wholesale customers are looking for ways to stretch budgets, boost margins and stock up efficiently for early-2026 orders. That’s exactly why we’ve launched our Discounted Stock Event — a limited-time wholesaler-only offer designed to help you buy better, sell smarter and secure exceptional value on core product lines.
For over 40 years, Crystal Galleries has operated with one goal in mind: to make life easier for the engravers, trophy retailers and distributors who rely on us. This month’s offer is built around that same principle.
We’ve brought together a wide range of glass, crystal and acrylic products and made them available at heavily reduced
prices, exclusively for our trade and wholesale partners. Whether you need customer favourites for Q1, overstock top-ups, or extra margin heading into the new year, this is the best-value buying window of the year.
Just request our discounted price lists, and we’ll send them direct to your inbox. No complexity. No minimum order pressure. Just straightforward savings across a broad range of popular lines. This isn't a standard sale. Stock rotates monthly based on what we're clearing — so if you spot a line you regularly use, act quickly. Once it's gone from the clearance list, there's no guarantee when (or if) it'll appear again.
Lower cost prices today mean stronger resale margins for you going into the new year.
Many customers are taking advantage of the offer to build stock for early-season orders — removing the January rush.
If you want flexibility, we can support you through PayPal Pay in 3, Clearpay or Iwoca Pay, helping you smooth out seasonal cashflow.
Discounted stock is already on the shelves and ready to ship — ensuring quick turnarounds when you need them.
Request our current discounted stock list and we'll email it straight over. Browse at your pace, order what makes sense for your business. No minimum orders, no pressure.
Stock levels and available lines change as items sell through, so the sooner you review the list, the better your selection.
While we're clearing space now, we're already expanding ranges and planning new product launches for Q1. If you'd like early visibility on what's coming — or want to discuss allocations and wholesale opportunities — let's set up a January planning call.
Telephone: 01642 225799
Email: sales@crystalgalleries.co.uk
Visit: www.crystalgalleries.co.uk
We’re here to help you buy smarter, plan ahead and start 2026 with confidence.
Because when our customers grow, we grow with you.
Crystal Galleries, To Be Remembered.
NOW AVAILABLE FROM
GET IN TOUCH TODAY TO FIND OUT MORE, OR REQUEST FURTHER INFORMATION ABOUT OUR RANGE.
INTRODUCING THE XPERTJET 461UF PRINTER, A DEVICE THAT CAN CREATE PRINTS ON PHONE COVERS, GIFT ITEMS, PHOTO PRODUCTS, AND PROMOTIONAL ITEMS LIKE PENS, LIGHTERS, AND USB STICKS.
The magic of white and varnish inks opens up a new realm of creativity; white inks allow you to print on dark-coloured or clear substrates, and with our dedicated varnish inks, you can achieve special value-added nishes like spot varnish or even create stunning special effects such as unique textures or embossing.
THE OTTER PRO M30 DTF PRINTER OFFERS LOW STARTUP COSTS, A COMPACT DESKTOP FORM FACTOR AND THE FLEXIBILITY TO PRODUCE ONE OFF AND SHORT RUN DTF TRANSFERS.
Capable of printing roll media up to 30cm width, this compact system also offers advanced maintenance features and is available to order now, along with accessories including inks, hot melt powders and hot/cold peel lms in sheet and roll forms.
After a rigorous process—audits, batch-level traceability, internal training, and adjustments to purchasing and production— we’re proud to confirm that we now hold FSC® and PEFC Chain of Custody certifications. This wasn’t just a box-ticking exercise; it represents a genuine shift in how we operate: segregating materials, documenting every stage, and guaranteeing—backed by verifiable evidence—the responsible origin of the wood used in our components.
Across the trophy industry—from major international sporting events to corporate award ceremonies—sustainability has evolved from a nice-to-have to a key selection criterion. FSC® (Forest Stewardship Council) and PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification) are today’s global benchmarks for ensuring that wood comes from responsibly managed forests and that its traceability remains intact from forest to podium. For organisers, federations, brands, and agencies, choosing certified trophies turns an ESG commitment into a verifiable reality.
For the trophy sector, FSC® and PEFC are far more than labels—they're a competitive advantage. They create differentiation in public tenders, enhance the value proposition in retail and merchandising, and strengthen relationships with clients managing their own compliance requirements. The result is a final product that celebrates achievement while respecting its origins.
For more information—and to download our certificates—please visit our website: www.mad-sport.com
Visitors can now register to be part of the UK’s largest visual communications and signage event, taking place from Sunday, February 22 to Tuesday, February 24, 2026 in Hall 6 at the NEC, Birmingham.
Sign & Digital UK 2026 will showcase an extensive range of innovative products, services, and solutions from both new and returning exhibitors, including new names such as SO.L.TER, LKH Tools, and many more. With exciting news and exhibitor announcements still to come, SDUK 2026 promises to be one of the most dynamic yet.
Visitors have an amazing opportunity to explore the latest advancements across the sign, digital, and garment decoration industry as Sign & Digital UK 2026 will be co-locating with Printwear & Promotion LIVE!
Sign & Digital UK 2026 is set to be bringing an engaging showcase, featuring known names such as Gobo Plus, Vivid Laminating Technologies, HPC Laser and more. Each year, exhibitors choose SDUK to present their latest innovations
and share valuable industry knowledge, offering visitors an in-depth look into the evolving world of sign making and digital printing.
The exhibition offers an incredible opportunity to build lasting connections, explore new sign making equipment, and discover exclusive deals that can help to elevate visitor’s business. With a diverse range of exhibitors on the show floor, attendees will have endless choices to learn, collaborate, and grow.
The Knowledge Centre will be present, where renowned speakers including Instagram expert, Estelle Keeber, Colin Sinclair McDermott (The Online Print Coach), and more will deliver expert-led sessions on marketing, social media, and business growth. Whether visitors are just starting out in their business or are already an established brand, they will be able to receive practical strategies that enhance visibility, boost engagement, and achieve measurable success.
With expert insights, interactive seminars, a host of industry leaders already confirmed and launches of many impressive products, SDUK 2026 is set to be an unmissable event for anyone looking to advance their skills and strengthen their business. Visitors can keep updated through the SDUK website as the full seminar timetable will be announced in January.
Following the success of the previous co-location, Sign & Digital UK will once again co-locate with Printwear & Promotion LIVE! 2026, offering visitors an exceptional opportunity to expand their knowledge and gain valuable insight into both the sign, digital and garment decoration industries.
Visitors can look forward to discovering a dynamic line-up of exhibitors that truly align with their interests and business needs. Exhibitors who would be of interest to sign makers and digital printers include Roland DG, Hybrid Services, InkTec Europe, and first-time exhibitor Metamark (UK) which all will be showcasing their latest innovations and solutions that meets the needs of both P&P LIVE! and SDUK visitors.
The combined strength of both shows creates an exceptional opportunity that ensures every visitor gains real value and inspiration from the experience.
Printwear & Promotion LIVE! 2026 will showcase the latest in printwear, embroidery, and garment decoration, sparking creativity and inspiring new ideas to enhance attendee’s businesses. Visitors can also benefit from expert advice from The Decoration Advice Suite, where industry professionals will share insights into future trends and strategies to help them develop and grow their business for long term success.
Taking place in Halls 6 and 8 at the NEC, this co-location offers seamless access between the two shows. Visitors can discover the latest in printwear, embroidery, and garment decoration, gain beneficial business knowledge, and hear from industry experts on emerging trends and strategies for future growth.
This is just a glimpse of what is in store for Sign & Digital UK 2026, visitors can expect a dynamic platform which offers unmatched opportunities to expand their network, discover new suppliers, and explore solutions that can drive their business forward.
One registration provides visitors access to both exhibitions therefore there is no need to register twice.
This allows visitors to avoid the extra-long queues and register in advance to secure their place at Sign & Digital UK 2026. This is an unmissable experience for every individual linked to the sign and digital industry.
xTool
Precision Meets Simplicity. Autofocus, built-in camera for pinpoint accuracy, curved surface engraving, and intuitive software make this your ultimate laser cutting companion.
Safe. Smart. Speedy. Fully enclosed for safety, with autofocus, highspeed engraving, wide material compatibility, and intelligent software to power your creativity.
Compact Powerhouse.
Dual-laser precision, autofocus, safety-first design, and support for a wide range of materials, perfect for pros and passionate makers alike.
Industrial Power, Desktop Size. Dual-laser versatility, large marking area, pinpoint accuracy, and a fully enclosed design for maximum safety and performance.
Laserscript machines for professionals. With bed sizes from A4 to 3m x 2m, our Laserscript CO2 laser engraving and cutting machines are suitable for a vast array of applications.
The Christmas season remains the biggest sales opportunity of the year for retailers, photo-gift specialists, event organisers and grotto operators - and My-Accessories.co.uk is proud to present a 2025 Christmas Collection designed exclusively for insert photography.
Our full range of festive blanks allows you to create personalised photo gifts quickly, easily and cost-effectively, making them ideal for high-volume retail environments and on-site photo operations where speed and simplicity are essential.
The 2025 Christmas Collection features:
Photo-insert baubles (including premium metallic and spinning options)
Hanging decorations in multiple shapes and finishes
Snowflakes and novelty ornaments
Snowdomes and photo frames
Fridge magnets and photo-insert cards
High-demand grotto and event photo-gift essentials
Every product is engineered specifically for photo-insert personalisation - no specialist machinery, printing or engraving required. Just assemble, insert and present a ready-to-sell festive keepsake.
Fast, fuss-free personalisation
Insert photography allows businesses to offer fully personalised gifts without equipment, training or long production times.
High-margin seasonal products
Our multi-pack and bulk pricing formats help maximise profits during the busiest retail period.
Perfect for grottos, events & pop-ups
Quick assembly means you can produce personalised gifts on the spot - ideal for Santa visits, winter wonderland experiences and seasonal photography set-ups.
Proven bestsellers across retail & e-commerce
Photo-insert gifts remain a top-performing category thanks to their simplicity and customer appeal.
Our dedicated 2025 Christmas Catalogue showcases the entire range with clear specifications, photo sizes and pack formats. Whether you’re supplying highvolume events or stocking an online personalised gift offering, our catalogue makes planning straightforward and efficient.
At My-Accessories.co.uk, we design every product with the trade user in mind - easy to personalise, easy to stock, and always festive-ready. If you’re looking to expand your Christmas line-up with fast-moving, high-impact photo gift products, our collection is the perfect place to start.
View our range at https://www.myaccessories.co.uk/collections/christmas and order online by 2pm for NEXT WORKING DAY delivery. FREE delivery for all UK orders over £120.
Website: https://www.my-accessories.co.uk
Christmas Range: https://www.myaccessories.co.uk/collections/christmas
Christmas Catalogue: https://www. my-accessories.co.uk/pages/christmasblank-promotional-products-catalogue-2025
Email: hello@my-accessories.co.uk
Telephone UK: 0121 748 1780
International: +44 (0)121 748 1784
Engrave onto a huge range of giftware, signage, trophies, tools and industrial products
Laser pointer for quick set-up and easy production
Easily-applied nose cones for precise depth-regulation
USB connection with LAN network connectivity
Includes new Vectric V Carve software
£5,450+VAT
We also have a large selection of refurbished machines and part exchange on your old machine and lease purchase is
Free delivery, installation and basic training of any NEW Roland DE-3 Engraver within a radius of 100 miles
As a trophy and award supplier, you already understand the value of recognition — now it’s time to expand your range and boost your business with custom medals, coins, and pin badges. These personalized pieces not only complement your existing trophies and plaques but also open new opportunities in schools, sports clubs, corporate events, and commemorative projects.
Our custom medal service allows you to offer clients something truly special. From intricate 3D die-cast designs to elegant enamel finishes, every medal is crafted to capture achievement in a unique and
lasting way. Choose from a wide range of plating options — gold, silver, bronze, antique finishes, or even full-color printing — all available with custom ribbons and packaging for a professional touch.
Custom challenge coins are another fast-growing trend among military, corporate, and event clients. These high-
quality coins make lasting keepsakes for recognition programs, brand promotions, and team milestones. With edge detailing, color fill, and engraving options, each coin becomes a powerful symbol of pride and belonging.
Meanwhile, pin badges are an affordable yet impactful addition to any award line. Perfect for schools, charities, and clubs, our pins can be made in soft or hard enamel, die-struck metal, or printed styles — ideal for logo branding, membership recognition, or special events.
By partnering with us, you’ll gain access to expert design support, low minimum order quantities, competitive pricing, and reliable lead times. Whether you need a one-time custom order or want to stock a signature range, our team is here to help you deliver excellence every time.
Enhance your catalog, impress your clients, and stay ahead of competitors — offer custom medals, coins, and pin badges today and transform every award moment into a masterpiece of recognition.
Telephone: 01736 697237
Email: info@bespokesportsmedals.com
Visit: www.bespokesportsmedals.com
Erin Morgan our Transfer Specialist, shares the secrets behind making a mixed media design that commands a premium price.
This step-by-step features a combination of Forever Flex Soft Transfer Paper and Embroidery. Call 02392 590281 for details or to book a demonstration
Flex Soft is a unique product that allows users to create one-off, intricate designs that would be impossible to weed. All you need to do is print the image in black on the transparent A-Foil, and then heat press it together with the B-Paper. The B-Paper only sticks to where there is toner on the A-Foil, creating a transfer that is ready to be applied to a garment.
This, combined with embroidery, gives you a unique, ‘one of a kind’ product that can command a premium price at point of sale, whether retail or online.
I think everyone will agree that each garment decorating process has its limitations, but by combining different processes and creating a mixed media product, you have endless possibilities for design. This is why at Amaya, we love to suggest it to our customers.
From an artistic point of view, mixed media methods such as this allow decorators to create more depth and texture in their designs.
Step-by-Step: Mixed Media Design using Transfer Printing & Embroidery
(1) We printed the design on the OKI Pro8432WT White Toner Printer using the Forever Flex Soft (No-Cut) Metallic Silver Transfer paper. This could also have been printed on either a CMYK or black laser printer.
(2) Heat press the Forever Flex Soft A-Foil and B-Paper together at 135°C for two minutes to create the transfer. The B-Paper (glue) will adhere to where the toner has been printed on the A-Foil. A quality heat press is needed to achieve the very best results; we used the Hotronix Fusion IQ press.
(3) After two minutes, peel the B-Paper away from the Flex Soft A-Foil and trim around the edge of the design. You now have a no-weed metallic heat transfer ready to apply to your garment.
(4) Press the transfer to the garment at 135°C for 30 seconds.
(5) Cold peel the transfer, and re-press for 30 seconds to give durability.
top-level garment decoration equipment and products. We have experts who can advise on any route that might be advantageous to your demonstrations available at our showrooms in Nottingham and Hampshire.
Using embroidery and transfer as we have, you can create an almost 3D effect on products.
6) Hoop the garment ready for embroidery. We used the 11"x13" magnetic Mighty Hoop, which makes hooping on thicker fabrics really easy, on the 52% cotton/48% polyester Women’s Cropped Crew Fleece from Bella+Canvas.
(7) Load the garment onto the embroidery machine – we used the Melco EMT16X. We also used the laser alignment tool, a feature of the Melco EMT16X, on two reference points of the print to make sure that the embroidery lined up perfectly with the printed design.
(8) Select your colours in the Melco OS Software and start to embroider.
(9) The finished decoration.
Visit www.amayauk.com for more ideas and tutorials on how Amaya UK can benefit your business.
The ALL NEW MUTOH XpertJet C641SR Pro Eco-Solvent printer/cutter combo is perfect for a wide range of applications such as stickers, t-shirt transfers, vehicle decals, posters, banners, and more. Print and cut a 24-inch roll of media while operating at speed of up to 150mm/s, which is more than twice as fast as its closest competitors.
MUTOH AccuFine printhead. Dropmaster2 and FeedMaster automatic alignment. i-screen Intelligent Interweave technology. 24-inch roll capacity for enhanced production output. Built-in contour cutting capability. Optional stand and take-up unit for higher production.
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customers. We are excited for the future and grateful for the trust placed in us.”
CSI Manufacturing is proud to celebrate its 30th anniversary, marking three decades of growth, customer commitment and technical expertise since its founding in 1995. This milestone highlights the company’s continued dedication to supporting customers across the UK and Ireland through high-quality products and dependable service.
Founded by Matt Kirwan, CSI Manufacturing began with a first order worth just £2.40 and a clear purpose: to help electrical contractors and makers source specialist products that traditional procurement routes could not easily provide. Today, CSI has grown into a trusted industry partner, operating from sites in Weston-super-Mare in the UK and Dublin in Ireland, and serving customers across both regions. CSI credits its longevity to a loyal and experienced team, many with decades of service, and to strong, long-standing customer relationships that have supported the
company’s continued growth and reputation for reliability.
As CSI celebrates its 30-year milestone, the company remains focused on continued innovation, customer support and expanding its offerings to meet the evolving needs of the visual communication industry.
“As we celebrate 30 years, we are as focused as ever on quality, service and technical support,” said Matt Kirwan, Founder of CSI Manufacturing. “This milestone is a tribute to our team and
CSI Manufacturing Limited has supplied the visual communication industry since 1995, providing a comprehensive range of products and solutions. Operating from sites in Weston-super-Mare in the UK and Dublin in Ireland, the company offers both laser and rotary engraving machines, supported by an extensive portfolio of materials and consumables to deliver a complete service for customers. As a full-service provider, CSI’s dedicated and experienced team advises on the most suitable equipment for each application. The company’s own network of engineers delivers, commissions and provides training to ensure operators reach a competent standard. Once systems are installed, customers benefit from ongoing technical support and aftercare, both by phone and online, offering confidence throughout the life of the equipment. Quality. Service. Experience.
For more information visit: www.csionline.co.uk
Post-digital artist humanoise (Taketo Kobayashi) utilises Mimaki’s full-colour 3D printing technology to push the physical boundaries of his transformative artwork. Following his first exhibition in Amsterdam (“Digital G-O-D”), he shares how 3D printing became central to his creative process.
When did you start incorporating 3D printing technology into your artistic practice?
I grew up building robots out of empty cardboard boxes, so when I started using CG software, it just felt like a natural extension of what I was already doing. I’d actually known about 3D printing since the ’90s, but back then the cost of owning and operating one was very high. The first time I 3D printed my own artwork was in 2011 for an art collaboration project – XSENSE, developed and produced with artist Sense – where I used a nylon SLS printer at the Tokyo Metropolitan Industrial Technology Research Institute. Seeing the 3D data I’d only seen on-screen suddenly take a physical form, was, and still is, an incredible feeling.
I began using Mimaki’s 3D printer almost by lucky coincidence. Back in 2017, shortly after Mimaki released the 3DUJ-553, the company was planning an 3D art exhibition called ‘Ultra Modelers’ in Osaka. I was invited to join as one of the artists and ended up helping to organize the show as well.
What makes 3D printing such an exciting and unique tool for experimental creatives like yourself?
In traditional sculpture, you’re always negotiating with the material - how it behaves and how to work with it using the tools you have. With 3D printing, especially when you’re designing it in CG software, you’re almost entirely freed from physical limitations, creating forms that would be nearly impossible to make by hand or with traditional tools. For example, hollow structures with complex internal geometries, or pieces made up of thousands or even millions of tiny components.
Of course, once you actually print the piece, gravity and material strength come back into the equation as you still need to think about structure, wall thickness, supports, and so on, but the
design phase is much freer. I’ve found 3D printing helps to push forward both our creativity and our way of thinking as artists.
Every 3D printer has its own quirks and strengths, so understanding those characteristics and using them to their full potential is vital, and I treat it as a collaborator in the artistic process, rather than just a tool. When I create high-end art pieces, especially ones with complex textures or full colour, I use Mimaki’s full-colour 3D printers. The 3DUJ-553, used together with Mimaki’s Pure Clear Ink, is especially effective for creating the clear and transparent elements that define many of my works.
That being said, I often collaborate with companies who specialise in 3D printing, as their expertise can help me further leverage the technology in creative, unexpected ways. Their generous support is a major motivator for me to keep creating and pushing boundaries, not just for myself, but to showcase what these tools can do.
Your work has a distinct and recognizable aesthetic. What makes it unique, and how does 3D printing technology help define that vision?
My aesthetic is a fusion of the animistic spirit of Jomon period Japan, contemporary Japanese subcultures like manga and anime, and a psychedelic sensibility created through digital technologies. The Jomon period (around 15,000 to 3,000 years ago) was a broadly peaceful time in Japanese history and during this period a lot of incredibly intricate pottery was created. So, for me, fusing these ancient designs with modern digital technology is what defines “contemporary art.”
Before I started using Mimaki’s full-colour 3D printer, my focus was more on the shape itself. But the full-colour technology opened a new door, allowing me to inject more psychedelic energy into my work. Now, I can express both the physical and the spiritual through vibrant, detailed colour, bringing my ideas to life in a brand-new way.
You recently curated the DIGITAL G-O-D exhibition in Amsterdam.
As its European debut, how was it received by visitors?
Most visitors at DIGITAL G-O-D Amsterdam had never encountered the kind of printing technology we showcased - especially full-colour 3D printing. So, I was thrilled to see them engage with the artwork not only visually but also on a material level. For example, my kaiju piece, with its transparent shell and detailed structure inside, drew a lot of attention — some people even thought it was made from glass.
Personally, I find that creating these moments of cultural exchange via showcasing Japanese subcultures abroad helps bring a fresh perspective to my work and drives me to pursue more international projects.
As a “post-digital” artist, do you combine 3D printing with other technologies?
Yes, as a post-digital artist, I feel a responsibility to stay on the front lines of technology, but also to question it. Most recently, I’ve been interested in the idea of putting a “soul” into something that’s technically soulless, like digital data. In Japan, some objects are believed to have spirit, for example “tsukumo-gami”, which are old tools or household items that gain a soul after many years. To explore this idea of what does and doesn’t have a soul, I combine digital and analogue processes.
For one project, I sculpted a textured base layer on canvas using modelling paste, then printed the AI-generated image on top using Mimaki’s JFX200 flatbed printer. The result feels like a hybrid, with digital aesthetics grounded on a handmade, physical foundation.
I believe the future of 3D printing in the art world depends on how we, as artists, reframe its role. Right now, many traditional galleries still see 3D printing as tied to design and prototyping and lacking the “soul” of traditional craft. But that view is already beginning to shift.
In my practice, I use it as a kind of spiritual mechanism, a way to bring back ancient animism with cutting-edge technology. I think the future lies in this kind of fusion: using algorithms, plastic, and code, just as we have used clay to create sculptures for thousands of years.
I think 3D printing will take on a more prominent role as experimental trends within posthumanism, neo-spirituality, and techno-animism grow in popularity, and as artists begin to emphasise prints’ materiality — the textures, imperfections, and physical presence — rather than just its precision.
After the success we saw in Amsterdam, my co-curator Chinny and I have been talking about taking DIGITAL G-O-D on a tour across Europe, visiting major cities and collaborating with more amazing artists. We always say: if we can imagine it, we can make it happen, so stay tuned!
Telephone: 01270 501900
Email: info@hybridservices.co.uk
Visit: www.hybridservices.co.uk
We will buy your machine for cash! Lease purchase available A SMALL SELECTION OF OUR STOCK VISIT OUR NEW WEBSITE - UPDATED REGULARLY
Trotec Speedy 300 120w Co2 laser with Bofa extractor, 720 x 420mm engraving area, lovely condition ...............................................................................
U-Marq CX5 engraving machine with Visual Toolbox 8 software, 231 x 182mm engraving area, 135mm diameter cup/glass engraver, lovely condition
Xenetech 1625 heavy duty flat engraving machine, Engravelab software, mint condition £4,400
U-Marq RX5, complete with Visual Toolbox software, small engraving machine, mint condition
Vision 810 Series 4 controller 250X200mm engraving area with t-slot table and vice unit, as new
£2,750
£3,500
Gravograph IS7000 610mm X 815mm engraving area, complete with software and stand, mint condition POA
Gravograph IS6000 610mm X 420mm engraving area complete with software, stand, superb condition
£POA
Gravograph LS900 laser complete with inbuilt extractor unit 610 X 610mm engraving area, rotary attachment honeycomb table and Gravograph software £6,500
U-Marq FX4 engraving machine 265mm X 205mm engraving area, vice unit and Visual Toolbox 7 software. Lovely condition
U-Marq Universal 300 flat and cups, up to 200mm diameter engraver, Visual Tool Box 8 software, superb condition
Gravograph IM4R inside ring engraving machine, complete with Gravostyle software
Gravograph M20 ideal machine for trophy plates and plastic labels etc 100 X 100 mm engraving area superb condition complete with Gravostyle software
Metaza 95 laser pointer machine and vice unit, virtually unused
£POA
£5,500
£POA
£2,750
£2,000
Gravograph M40 300 x 200mm engraving area, vice unit and larger flat table Gravostyle software, mint condition £POA
Roland EGX 350 300 x 200mm engraving area Vectric software mint condition
Gravograph LS100 laser complete with Gravostyle software fume extractor and rotary attachment, lovely condition
Roland EGX 30A 305 x 205mm, Vectric Cut - 2D software, lovely condition
Gravograph IS 400G flat and cup engraving point and shoot Gravostyle software mint condition
£3,000
£POA
£2,250
£6000
Trotec Laser Speedy 100 Fibre 600 x 300 little use mint condition £POA
Gravograph M20J Ideal machine for the jewellery trade, flat plate and inside ring engraver, excellent condition
Gravograph IS700 500x300 engraving area, tee-slot table and vice unit and EngraveLab 10 software
U-Marq RX GEM with Visual Toolbox Gem software, excellent condition
Signature 8080 Mini complete with software and many attachments in excellent condition ...
Suregrave Mini ME desk top engraver Engravelab 10 software as new
Gravograph IS400 flatwork engraver up to 300mm x 200mm Engravlab 10 software superb condition
Mastergrave / U-Marq compact, flat and tankard / glass engraver Visual Toolbox software lovely condition
Roland EGX 400 400 x 300mm engraving area Engravelab 10 software immaculate condition
Suregrave Rotation S flat & cup machine up to 200mm diameter Hi-Drive 2 controller Engravalab 10 software mint condition
£3,250
£4,500
£2250
Suregrave Wizzard St 300mm x 300mm engraving area, Hi Drive 2 control, Engravelab 10 software, as new £3,500
Roland EGX 20 with Engravalab software 200 X 150 engraving area .......................................................................................................................................
Gravograph IS 200 TX 225 x 80 engraving area and 200ml diameter cups, superb condition, on-stand gravostyle software
Signature 8080 engraving machine Superb giftware and cup machine, several attachments, PC and software
Newing Hall Milgrav, Apex AMC 2 Controller, lovely condition ................................................................................................................................................
Gravograph TX3, motorised flat and cup machine, cups/rosebowls to 12” diameter, cutters and diamond form
Gravograph VXM, 200 x 150 engraving area, superb condition
Dahlgren Wizzard 2000 St, 300mm x 300mm engraving area, ‘T’ slot table, surelab software, mint condition .......................................................................
Mastergrave MK5 cup engraving machine, 10” cup diameter, complete with copy set, cutters and diamond marker, late machines immaculate condition
Gravograph VX2B computer engraving system 650 x 490 engraving area complete with 3D controller and Engravelab 10 software
Roland PNC 2300, 200 x 150 engraving area, nice compact machine, complete with Engravelab 8 software ........................................................................
Gravograph Unica complete with keyboard and screen star programme as new
Gravograph IM3 or similar
Gravograph IS800 650 x 490 engraving area with Gravostyle software ...................................................................................................................................
Gravograph VX 300 x 350 engraving area complete with 3D controller and Engravelab 10 software
£3,500
£POA
£1750
£1950
£2750
£1100
£4000
£2500
£1950
£POA
£POA
£3400
Newing Hall 350 work station. 350mm x 300mm engraving area. Cup/Tankards upto 250mm diameter. Complete with Apex controller + Software. Superb condition £POA
Gravograph TXL motorised cup attachment, cups up to 200mm diameter, letter set, cutters diamond, mint condition ...........................................................
Suregrave Dalhgren 14” x 10” 350 x 250 mm engraving area complete with Suregrave high drive controller Surelab software mint condition
Roland EGX 300 300 x 200 Engraving area Surelab 9 (Engravelab Software) Excellent condition
£1350
£3000
£2750
Suregrave 2516 Engravelab Software heavy duty flat engraving machine complete superb condition .................................................................................... £4500
Suregrave 2516i Hi-drive 2 controller, Engravelab Software excellent condition £POA
Newing Hall Pantcut PNC 4E Apex AMC2 Control single phase with Engravelab 10 software superb condition £6500
Gravograph M40G 300 x 200 engraving area flat and cup machine, laser pointer Gravostyle software mint condition .......................................................... £POA
Suregrave 4824I HD2 Controller Engrave Lab 9 Software New Condition £8000
Mastergrave Universal Flat machine and cups up to 200mm diameter, superb condition £4250 ALL RECONDITIONED MACHINES ARE GUARANTEED. PX WELCOME • EXPORT ENQUIRIES WELCOMED. MACHINES AND ACCESSORIES BOUGHT FOR CASH • ALL PRICES PLUS CARRIAGE AND V.A.T. Day: 01992 899255 Mobile: 07850 333066. F: 01992 899256 Email: sales@ronamachines.co.uk
