ITMA: MIMAKI LAUNCHES NEW TEXTILE PRINTER

Mimaki has launched the Tiger600-1800TS roll-to-roll sublimation transfer inkjet textile printer at global textile show ITMA, with sales to start in the third quarter.

Mimaki intends to promote the digital transformation of textile printing with the launch of of its most productive sublimation transfer printer, and to enable on-shoring of work that has gone overseas.

Mimaki’s rationale is that the majority of the world's textile products are concentrated in a few producing countries, and are produced using analogue printing. Analogue textile printing is a complicated and lengthy production process that requires long lead times for shipment to consumer countries. Therefore, apparel brands and retailers in the consuming countries are required to keep inventories to prevent lost sales opportunities due to shortages, and there is a risk of unsold products, cost incurred by disposal, and environmental impact. In addition, analogue textile printing involves frequent exposure to chemical for ink formulation and printing plate cleaning, which can pose a safety issue for printing operators.

Digital textile printing technologies by contrast abolish the need for printing plates and ink formulation according to the number of colours, while enabling the reduction of output to quantities actually required in response to fluctuations in demand, thereby eliminating wasted not-in-demand finished products. It also contributes to the reduction of environmental impact by preventing the emission of wastewater consumed in the cleansing of printing plates.

The new Tiger 600-1800TS has a maximum printing speed of 550sqm an hour, which is 143 per cent faster than the current model, thanks to the renovated high-speed printhead and the proprietary image quality enhancement technologies.

In addition the new model has the printed paper re-diverted to the rear side of the machine, which Mimaki says cuts down the depth of the printer by approximately half. The smaller footprint makes it easier for customers to introduce multiple units, further improving the responsiveness to the fluctuating demand, also increasing the overall production capability.

Furthermore, the MLSb510 series of sublimation transfer ink used in Tiger600-1800TS is scheduled for acquisition of the bluesign approved this month. The certificate will provide assurance that this is the highest-level products in the world, with due consideration of the safety of consumers and workers as well as environmental conservation, thus contributing to the sustainability of the textile industry.