Direct-to-film technology is having a transformative impact on the apparel decoration space in the printing industry, reports Netherlands-based Mimaki Europe.

“This technology provides a simple and affordable garment printing process that facilitates vibrant, dynamic, full-colour designs with a durable print,” says the company’s product management supervisor Marc Verbeem. “It opens up opportunities for digital print service providers to expand their product offerings in the textile industry, their network of potential customers, and thanks to the versatility of the process, to expand the range of fabrics they can print on.”

Direct-to-film printing is the process of digitally printing directly onto a special transfer film sheet. The printed film is subsequently sprinkled with a hot-melt powder and heated. Once the transfer sheet is cured and dried, it can be heat-pressed onto a variety of fabrics to create premium transferred designs for customised merchandising, sportswear and an array of other promotional applications for the textile market.

With traditional screen printing, Verbeem observes, the plate creation required is far too time-consuming and also does not match direct-to-film’s ability to produce vivid colours and quality details such as shapes, lettering and motifs – often sought after in the promotional and merchandising space for bespoke textiles.

txf150 - 75

Mimakirecognised the need for a quality solution that utilises its core technologies combined with its well-established manufacturer support to take the process to the next level with the introduction of its first direct-to-film inkjet printer, the Mimaki TxF150-75.

An extension to the company’s 150 series with a maximum printing width of 80cm, the printer offers a stable printing plotter and its built-in ink circulation system and degassed ink pack resolve common direct-to-film challenges such as poor ink ejection and white ink clogging.

The new printer also includes core Mimaki features including the NCU (nozzle check unit) and NRS (nozzle recovery system) for stable, uninterrupted print production. Operating in harmony with the textile printer itself are Mimaki’s Eco Passport by Oeko-Tex-certified water-based pigment textile inks, formulated especially for the TxF150-75. Coupled with RasterLink7 RIP software, users are offered end-to-end oversight and efficiency from creative design to final product.

In addition, and in line with Mimaki’s collaborative approach to meeting customer needs, Adkins has developed an 80cm wide powder shaker cure unit to complete the direct-to-film printing solution. By offering the printer and post-processing unit at 80cm wide, customers can print larger garments with less waste and quicker production times, making the process much more cost effective.

“For Mimaki, the move into direct-to-film technology is an exciting venture into a brand-new segment,” says Verbeem. “We knew we could offer a market-leading solution with our core technologies and the technical proficiency of the digital printers in our textile portfolio. In addition, there is a market need for a stable, reliable direct-to-film printing solution – for a complex print process like this, a trusted partner with dependable aftercare is paramount.

“The Mimaki TxF150-75 represents an exciting opportunity for Mimaki customers who are active in the decorated apparel sector or are looking for the right solution to facilitate entry into the digital textile printing market.”

www.mimakieurope.com