HMTX signs new i4F digital printing license and purchases “Jupiter” line

I4F, a group of companies providing patents and technologies to the flooring industry, announced that U.S.-based HMTX Industries has signed a new I4F digital printing technology license and purchased a Hymmen “Jupiter” digital printing line. This will be the first Hymmen digital printing line in China, where HMTX manufactures. HMTX’s innovative, sustainable and socially responsible flooring products will be manufactured there in the near future using the Hymmen “Jupiter JPT-C” print-to-board (direct-to-board) line. I4F licenses the world’s most advanced digital printing technologies and provides exclusive access to all Hymmen digital printing technologies.

HMTX Industries is a global new materials flooring company serving a wide range of companies in the construction and renovation markets. HMTX companies and brands include “Halstead,” “Metroflor,” “Teknoflor,” “Aspecta” and “Allure.”

The acquisition of the new digital printing line from Hymmen is an important building block in the digital transformation that HMTX is strategically pursuing. Products manufactured on the “Jupiter” will be on display at the group’s “Create-Visualize-Realize” center, among others, which HMTX will soon open at its U.S. headquarters in Norwalk, Connecticut.

Hymmen developed the “Jupiter JPT-C Print-to-Board” lines for industrial production in three-shift operation, offering intelligent and high-precision register accuracy. Maximum color stability and print quality at print speeds from 25 up to 50 meters per minute is no problem. HMTX has chosen 8-color printing with “DLEplus” technology using digitally printable textured varnishes.

According to Hymmen, digital printing will play a crucial role in the development of new flooring products, as it offers the highest flexibility for design and structure and can be applied to a wide range of materials. With digital printing technology, it is possible to react much faster to current market demands. The high design and decor flexibility is a key competitive advantage in the flooring sector.

Harlan Stone, CEO of HMTX, says, “Our goal is to be the most innovative manufacturer of new flooring products. The decision to move to digitally printed products makes the biggest contribution to achieving this goal. The time to market for products is reduced from six months to six days. I think that just says it all. I4F has been our preferred technology partner for a long time and is also supporting us now on our path to greater sustainability and innovation leadership.”