The Center for Excellence in Surface Imaging

Established in 2000 as The Center for Excellence in Digital Inkjet Printing of Textiles, the Center was launched to enhance and promote the digital textile printing industries. For more than two decades, the Center has conducted research projects and educational events related to design, applied engineering and business aspects of inkjet textile printing technologies — while also generating new thought leadership and practices in the use of new technologies for applying images to surfaces. 

Combining this knowledge with 24 years of experience, Thomas Jefferson University has, as of 2024, successfully expanded the Center to operate as the Center for Excellence in Surface Imaging.

“Surface Imaging” refers to creating imagery in various physical forms using a variety of digital printing technologies, including “direct surface imaging” on porous and non-porous substrates and “fabrication printing” through material deposition and subtraction printing technologies (laser and 3D printing). Unlike the current Center for Excellence in Digital Inkjet Printing of Textiles, which is specific to the textile printing discipline, the Center for Excellence in Surface Imaging is trans-disciplinary and moves beyond the boundaries of traditional printing disciplines. 

The mission of the new Center focuses on two areas:

• To promote and improve the imaging industry
• To educate and provide information to surface imaging practitioners

The new Center for Excellence in Surface Imaging will:

• Enhance academic curricula of Thomas Jefferson University.
• Conduct design, engineering, and business research through:
• Research projects
• Proof-of-concept projects
• Testing
• Conduct educational events: workshops, seminars, conferences, etc.
• Serve as a printing service bureau.
• Provide a business incubator program for our graduates

The Center is seeking strategic industry partners. Partnership will provide the following benefits:

• Innovation: The Center will support research opportunities through projects related to design, applied engineering, and business in the Surface Imaging field.
• Branding: Our expertise in digital textile printing draws many companies to Thomas Jefferson University for collaboration. Our industry partners in the Center for Excellence in Surface Imaging will have great exposure to corporate visitors to our campus.
• Leadership: Industry partners will have a connection to our graduates, future leaders who have depth of knowledge and experience in their technologies.
• Education: Thomas Jefferson University and the Center will promote our industry partners at our workshops and seminars. We also can offer customized workshops and seminars to our industry partners and their dealers.
• Custom Requests: One of the advantages of working with Thomas Jefferson University is flexibility. We can work with your custom requests.

The Center is supported in part through annual subscriptions by equipment manufacturers, suppliers, and end users. This funding will be used to support education and further research in this developing area. Our partners will have opportunities to participate in the Center’s activities.

Equipment & Supplies (Printers & Cutters)

• Mimaki TX300P (Roll to roll textile) – 2 units
• Mimaki UJF – 6042 (Flatbed UV)
• Mimaki JFX - 200 (Flatbed UV for 4’ x 8’ sheet materials)
• Mimaki JV400-LX (Roll to roll Latex)
• Mimaki CJV30 (Roll to roll Print / Cut Eco solvent)
• Mutoh Valuejet 1628TD (Roll to roll textile)
• Mutoh Valuejet 628 (24" Roll to roll textile sample)
• Mutoh Valuejet 1626UH (Hybrid Roll to roll and Faltbed UV)
• Epson SureColor F6070 (Roll to roll disperse dye transfer)
  
• Epson SureColor F2000 (Flatbed direct to garment)
• Roland RE640 (Roll to roll Eco-solvent)
• Roland RT640 (Roll to roll disperse dye transfer)
• Roland Camm 1 – Pro (64" Cutter)