Maker Digest - February 18, 2026
Published
SAi released Flexi DTF Pro, a dedicated design-to-print software suite for Direct-to-Film apparel production, streamlining color management and white layer generation. Resolute Ink announced a major expansion of its UK manufacturing facility to meet demand for its high-opacity white inks. Nationally, the 'Handwork 2026' initiative launched to celebrate American craft with workshops and exhibitions throughout the year.
SAi Launches Flexi DTF Pro: Dedicated Software for Direct-to-Film
SAi has released Flexi DTF Pro, a specialized version of its industry-standard sign software tailored for DTF workflows. It features automated white layer generation, choke/bleed controls, and nesting tools to maximize film usage.
Software has been the bottleneck in the DTF explosion. Most users hack together solutions using Photoshop and varying RIPs. Flexi is the 'Adobe' of the sign world, and their entry into DTF signals the market is maturing from 'experimental' to 'production-ready'. Automated white layer generation is the killer feature—manually creating spot white channels is tedious and error-prone for beginners. This tool could standardize print quality across the myriad of converted Epson and dedicated Chinese import printers.
💡What this means for you
Dedicated DTF RIP. Auto-white generation. Start-to-finish workflow. Nesting for film savings. Color management profiles.
Market Position: Professional Grade. Targets print shops moving from manual setups to streamlined production.
- Driver support for budget/converted printers (L1800 to commercial units)
- Subscription vs perpetual license cost
⏸️ Wait if: You print one shirt a week
✅ Buy if: You run a production shop and spend hours manually prepping artwork for DTF
Resolute Ink Expands UK Manufacturing for Premium White DTF Ink
Resolute Ink has invested in expanding its UK manufacturing facility to increase production of its premium white DTF ink. The move addresses supply chain bottlenecks and aims to improve batch-to-batch consistency for European and global customers.
White ink is the Achilles' heel of DTF. It settles, it clogs, and cheap batches vary wildly in opacity. Resolute bringing manufacturing in-house (and expanding it) in the UK suggests they've cracked a formulation they believe in and want total quality control. For the end user, consistent ink means fewer head cleanings and less wasted film. It creates a premium tier in a market flooded with generic white label consumables.
💡What this means for you
Domestic UK manufacturing. Batch consistency focus. High-opacity formulation. Supply chain control.
Market Position: Premium Consumable. Differentiates via quality assurance vs. generic import inks.
- Shelf life stability of new formulation
- Distribution partners for North American market
⏸️ Wait if: You prioritized lowest-cost consumables
✅ Buy if: You struggle with white ink consistency or clogging
'Handwork 2026' Launches to Celebrate American Craft
The 'Handwork 2026' initiative has officially launched, a year-long nationwide celebration of American craft and making. Led by major institutions, it features workshops, open studios, and exhibitions designed to connect traditional artisans with the modern maker movement.
This is a cultural bridge. The 'Maker Movement' (robots, 3D printers) and 'Traditional Craft' (woodworking, ceramics) have often existed in silos. Handwork 2026 aims to smash them together. For a digital fabricator, this is an opportunity to learn fundamental material skills—joinery, finishing, tactile design—that no software update can teach. It validates 'making' as a cultural pillar, not just a hobby.
💡What this means for you
Nationwide event series. Workshops, exhibitions, open studios. Cross-disciplinary focus.
Market Position: Cultural Awareness. promoting the value of handmade goods.
- Specific event schedule for local regions
- Integration with digital fabrication communities
⏸️ Wait if: N/A - Cultural event
✅ Buy if: N/A - Cultural event
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need special software like Flexi for DTF?▼
DTF printing requires printing a white ink layer *over* your color image (so it shows up on dark shirts). Standard design software like Photoshop doesn't automate this. Flexi DTF Pro automatically generates this white layer, handles color profiles for specific films/powders, and nests multiple designs to save money on film rolls.
Why is white ink such a problem in DTF?▼
White ink contains heavy titanium dioxide pigment which settles quickly, leading to clogged printheads and inconsistent print opacity. Premium inks like those from Resolute are formulated to stay in suspension longer and flow better, reducing maintenance headaches.
What is Handwork 2026?▼
It is a national initiative celebrating American craft, bringing together traditional artisans and modern makers through events and workshops to share skills and promote the value of handmade objects.