Epson has entered the dye-sublimation printing market with the roll-fed SureColor SC-F6000 (44in) and SureColor SC-F7000 (64in).
The printers, which output at up to 720 x 1440dpi onto transfer papers at speeds from 16 to 57m2/hr (depending upon application), are completely designed and manufactured by Epson. The mid-high volume SC-F7000 and low-medium volume SC-F6000 have been developed for soft signage, sportswear, apparel, accessories, customised promotional items and decorated gadgets. They have single-operator media loading and set-up features, such as automatic media tensioning and an intuitive LCD control panel.
Both models use a 1.5l ink system and there’s an auto take-up roll - standard for SC-F7000 and optional for the SureColor SC-F6000 - for uninterrupted production.
Epson’s MicroPiezo TFP printhead (already established within the dye sublimation sector) in conjunction with a specially developed new aqueous ink - Epson UltraChrome DS ink- is said to produces images with vibrant colours, intense blacks, sharp contours and smooth gradations.
Guy Martin, product manager, Epson Europe, said: “Digitalisation of textile printing is still less than 2% of the market, but this application is growing rapidly. Our strategy is to increase that percentage by providing professional print sectors with the most reliable and cost-effective production solutions for the growing short run production, fully engineered by Epson to deliver consistent quality results. This is only a start for us and we will launch more products in the future.”