ESP Technologies Group has bought a Hollanders HPS ColorBooster XL 3.2m wide textile printer.
“The potential market for digitally printed textiles is substantial, but being able to address the demand for brilliant colour with the wow factor is vital. Finding the right printing and finishing solution which provides the right quality plus greener throughput without compromise has been essential for us,” said Stephen Hood, managing director of ESP
The company, which installed the machine in July, will use it to produce a range of interior and exterior applications including point-of-sale graphics, flags, banners, plus back-lit and front-lit work onto polyesters and polyester mixes.
ESP, which had already ventured into digital textile printing with a dye-sublimation machine, plumped for the ColorBooster XL because of its ability to produce punchy colours, a low cost/m2, a greener workflow and the fact that this solution has been developed from the ground up as a fully integrated system and not as a modification from an existing platform.
“It’s a very big step making the transition to dye sublimation, not only because the production processes are different but, also, because of the learning curve in terms of colour management and material handling,” said Hood. “Because Hollanders only makes machines for this market sector it was logical for us to invest in the HPS ColorBooster XL as there were no compromises on the engineering and technology that are incorporated into this system, and support is second to none.”
Hood believes that, with the right engine and dye sublimation inks, demand for more environmentally friendly applications can be realised with powerful colour depth and vibrant, consistent results. “Printing to polyesters and mixes has changed dramatically thanks to improvements in weave and finish of these fabrics, and it’s now easy to produce eye-catching displays that improve on visible impact,” Hood continued.