New Year, New Market – Mimaki Launches First Direct To Film Inkjet Printer
AMSTERDAM — February 22, 2023 — Mimaki, a manufacturer of inkjet printers and cutting systems, announces its first ‘direct to film’ (DTF) inkjet printer, the TxF150-75, at its Global Innovation Days event. The printer uses a heat-based transfer process, making it ideal for producing customised, premium merchandising and sportswear, as well as other promotional textile applications. This is the latest entry from Mimaki for the decorated apparel segment and will be making its EMEA at-show debut at Printwear & Promotion Live! The UK (26th-28th of February 2023).
DTF printing allows for easy and inexpensive decoration of apparel, most often T-shirts. First, the design is printed directly onto a special transfer paper. Next, it is sprinkled with hot melt powder. After drying, the transfer sheet can be applied to fabric with a heat press.
Based on Mimaki’s existing 150 Series, one of its best-selling models, the new TxF150-75 responds to the market need for a reliable, stable DTF technology. A built-in ink circulation and degassed cartridge design eliminate common DTF issues like poor ink ejection or white ink blocking. These core technologies include the nozzle recovery system and nozzle check unit. They ensure that all processes run smoothly with minimal intervention.
Mark Sollman, Senior Product Manager EMEA, Mimaki Europe comments, “Apparel decoration is a hugely popular and dynamic sector, one which we are already operating in with our other textile technologies. We could see the positive impact DTF technology had on the industry over the past few years. DTF eliminates the need for plate creation in screen printing, and the weeding involved in traditional vinyl heat transfers. This technology is capable of creating vibrant designs thanks to its full-colour printing capabilities. We’re excited to bring a solution to the market that is designed for those already active in the decorated apparel sector and those looking to enter it, which excels in usability, reliability and quality.”
As the company’s first entry into a new segment, Mimaki has created its own range of water-based pigment inks (PHT50) especially for this solution. As of March 2023, these inks are OEKO-TEX® ECO PASSPORT certified[1], guaranteeing safety and environmental standards are met in line with Mimaki’s sustainability pledges. DTF can work with a wider range of materials than sublimation heat-transfer printing. It is able to work on both light and dark colours, as well as polyester and TC mixed (polyester blended) fabrics.
The printer also comes with Mimaki’s RasterLink7 RIP software, allowing users to have full oversight and the ability to streamline the process from the design to the final product. Mimaki technology users can expect to receive extensive support during setup and use.
The TxF150/75 will be available commercially in EMEA starting April 2023.
[1] Expected completion by the end of March 2023
Posted February 22, 2023
Source: Mimaki