FESPA: ONE STOP SHOP FROM EPSON

Epson’s stand was used to demonstrate how a printshop can integrate multiple technologies in its workspace, allowing it to generate multiple revenue streams. It also launched its new DTG/DTF Printer.

Heather Kendle, senior large format product manager at Epson said, “We are really showing our customers how to make money, particularly through personalisation. We are seeing strong growth there, with many opportunities for print businesses.”

All Epson technology is based on the Precision Core printheads, which Kendle said, offered “precision, high density, and repeatability”.

Epson launched the SureColor F2200 Direct-to-Garment Printer at the show. It says that this printer is perfect for small and medium businesses who need a high level of accuracy with a fast turnaround time.

Designed to produce complex designs on a variety of garments, the SureColor F2200 uses Epson’s advanced PrecisionCore MicroTFP printhead technology to provide faster printing and data processing speeds, resulting in a productivity increase of up to 25 per cent over its predecessor, while maintaining print quality. With a compact, flat top design that allows installation into smaller spaces, flexibility is enhanced through Epson’s bundled GarmentCreator2 software, which the company says enables the printing of both DTG and DTF, and improves the quality of fine lines and small text.

A transparent lid with an internal light allows for easy printing status checking. There is also a 4.3″ touchscreen that’s intuitive. With automatic carriage height adjustment, the F2200 remains stable with minimal adjustment by the user, and the platen can be easily removed and attached by hand, making adjustment for printing different garments “quick and straightforward”. GarmentCreator2 features faster data handling and a 600dpi print resolution.

“Although the DTG market has become challenging, due to DTF technology,” said Kendle, “this development offers new and medium-volume businesses a cost-effective and flexible option that delivers outstanding quality and can easily be scaled to meet future needs.”

Instead of cartridges, the F2200 uses UltraChrome Ink Pouches. The 800ml pouches, which were previously 600ml, allow for a much lower frequency of change and a significant reduction in waste, both in space and weight. Epson’s DG2 ink also reduces bleed between yellow and black, which is important for applications such as light T-shirts, and maintains colour consistency with DG ink.

Items included in Epson’s personalisation zone ranged from custom-designed t-shirts, photos and canvas applications to bespoke mugs, notebooks, phone cases, magnets, coasters and water bottles. Elsewhere on the stand there are skis, surf boards, deck chairs, towels and a colourfully wrapped jet ski; and beautifully made clothes and haute couture with original designs on a range of different fabrics from some of the world’s leading fashion designers. Epson says the variety of goods on display demonstrates the many flexible applications of Epson’s extensive digital printer range using the latest dye sublimation, DTG, signage (embracing UV, eco-solvent and resin) and direct-to-fabric printing technologies.

“Fespa this year is all about demonstrating how Epson digital printing technology can produce beautiful, bespoke products that enhance our lives,” explained Kendle. “Many small and medium sized businesses are using Epson’s digital printing technology to produce and retail designed, desirable, personalised items, and we are showing many fine examples of these items on our stand. We are also demonstrating how on-demand digital direct-to-textile printing technology can combine with recycled materials and more eco-friendly inks, using less water compared with analogue methods, to produce far more sustainable products.”