The custom printing industry is constantly evolving, and events like the Impressions Expo (ISS) Long Beach provide the perfect opportunity for companies and creators to connect, discover new technologies, and explore the future of printing. One of the latest discussions to emerge from the event comes from Insta Graphic Systems, a company with over 65 years of expertise in heat seal equipment and custom heat transfers.
In their latest video, Cris and Greg from Insta Graphic Systems share their insights from day three of ISS Long Beach 2025, highlighting exciting trends, innovative products, and the continued rise of Direct-to-Film (DTF) printing. You can watch the video here.
Whether you’re a printing professional or a newcomer looking to get started, here’s a deep dive into their key takeaways from the show.
The Energy of ISS Long Beach 2025
Trade shows are an essential part of the custom printing industry, providing a hands-on experience that simply can’t be replicated online. According to Chris from Insta Graphic Systems, the third day of ISS Long Beach brought excellent foot traffic, with attendees from all over the world stopping by their booth.
“We have had excellent traffic, seeing people from all over the world. We are featuring our heat seal equipment and our custom heat transfers.” – Cris
For companies like Insta, these events are more than just a showcase of products; they are about building relationships. Greg, who oversees Insta’s domestic machine division, echoed this sentiment:
“That’s always the highlight for us, you know, seeing all of our distribution partners and our customers. That’s why we come here, is to see you all.” – Greg
This focus on customer relationships reflects why Insta has been a trusted name in the industry for over 65 years. Quality, reliability, and workmanship continue to define their products, and ISS Long Beach was an opportunity to share that legacy with both long-time customers and new prospects.
DTF Printing: The Hot Topic of the Show
If there’s one printing method that’s been dominating industry discussions, it’s Direct-to-Film (DTF) printing. Unlike traditional methods like vinyl or sublimation, DTF allows for high-quality, full-color transfers on a wide variety of materials, making it a game-changer for decorators looking for versatility.
Greg pointed out how DTF was once again one of the most talked-about technologies at ISS Long Beach:
“DTF has been kind of the hot topic here, as it has been the last few shows. Most people know, you know, DTF is blowing up.”
The flexibility of DTF printing is one of its biggest advantages. It works on cotton, polyester, blends, and even non-traditional fabrics, making it a go-to choice for many businesses. The process involves printing designs onto a special film, applying an adhesive powder, and then using a heat press to transfer the image onto a garment. The result? Vibrant, durable prints with excellent stretch and wash resistance.
But while DTF technology is powerful, it’s only as good as the equipment supporting it. That’s where Insta’s heat presses come in.
Insta’s Heat Presses: The Perfect Complement to DTF
One of the highlights of the show was the discussion around Insta’s heat press technology and how it enhances the DTF workflow. At the ISS Long Beach booth, visitors got a first-hand look at the Insta 780 heat press, a machine designed for high-volume production.
“Something like the Insta 780, which we have here featured in our booth, is like an excellent complement to a DTF setup. High volume, a lot of automation going on there. The operator just has to load and unload, and the press will cycle back and forth on its own.” – Greg
The Insta 780 stands out for several reasons:
- Automated Cycling: Reduces operator fatigue and speeds up production.
- Consistent Pressure & Heat: Essential for achieving high-quality DTF transfer impressions.
- Built for High-Volume Workflows: Ideal for businesses handling bulk orders.
By incorporating advanced automation, the Insta 780 minimizes manual effort, allowing for a smoother and more efficient printing operation.
New & Improved Cap Press with Touchscreen Controls
Another product getting attention at ISS Long Beach was Insta’s updated cap press. Greg shared some details on what’s new:
“We’ve been making a cap press for a number of years. Just a solid workhorse. We’ve just done a few updates to it, and mainly it’s going to be in the controller. Now we have a full touchscreen controller.”
Why does this matter?
- Touchscreen controls make it easier to set up and fine-tune the press.
- Presets allow for a more streamlined workflow.
- Consistent results ensure each transfer is applied with precision.
Cap presses are essential tools for anyone customizing hats, visors, and other curved surfaces. With these new updates, Insta continues to refine its equipment to meet the growing demands of decorators.
Why Quality Heat Presses Matter
One of the biggest takeaways from the show is the importance of using a high-quality heat press. Whether you’re working with DTF, screen-printed transfers, sublimation, or beyond the heat press is the final step that determines the quality and durability of your design.
Poor-quality heat presses can lead to:
- Uneven pressure, causing peeling or inconsistent transfers.
- Temperature fluctuations, affecting color vibrancy and adhesion.
- Slower production times due to inefficient controls or misprints.
On the other hand, a reliable heat press like those from Insta ensures:
- Consistent temperature and pressure for perfect results.
- Durable, long-lasting transfers that withstand washing and wear.
- Faster workflows, saving time and increasing productivity.
As DTF printing continues to grow, having a heat press that can keep up with demand is critical.
Final Thoughts: The Future of Heat Transfer Printing
The Insta Graphic Systems podcast from ISS Long Beach 2025 provided valuable insight into the current state of the custom printing industry. From the rise of DTF to Insta’s latest innovations in heat press technology, it’s clear that heat transfer printing continues to push forward.
A few key takeaways:
- DTF is here to stay – its flexibility and vibrant results make it a top choice for custom printers.
- Automation is the future – high-volume production requires efficient, automated solutions like the Insta 780.
- User-friendly features matter – touchscreen controls and preset settings make production smoother.
For those who couldn’t attend ISS Long Beach 2025, this podcast recap serves as a valuable glimpse into what’s trending and how businesses can stay ahead of the curve.