Durst is using Itma 2015, which opened its doors in Milan today, to launch the Alpha series of “super multi-pass inkjet printers for the digital production of home textiles and fashion”. The series offers print widths of 190-330cm and can be configured with up to eight colors and 64 Alpha-S printheads that achieve a native resolution of 600dpi and a print speed of 460lm/hr.
Durst is positioning the Alpha series in direct competition to traditional screenprinting. The printers provide continuous ink circulation, and in the event of a printhead failing, an automatic emergency mode will deactivate the affected printhead row and continue printing with the greatest possible number of printheads. When necessary, Alpha-S print heads can be replaced by the user.
An intelligent feed system has been developed for the Alpha series that adapts automatically to different textiles and roll diameters. An integrated spray system allows materials to be chemically pre-treated before printing. Durst provides its own OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certifiable ink systems and a GOTS-certified reactive ink system. It has also developed a new pigmented ink, Alpha Ink P, which can be used on a wide variety of textiles. No pre- or post-treatment is required for standard materials such as cotton or polyester. A Textile Workflow System simplifies colour reproduction on different fabrics.
At Itma Durst is exhibiting the flagship Alpha 330 and the Alpha 180 TR for polyester and polyester blends. The latter also offers an optional ‘direct-print kit’.