TEXTILE TECHNOLOGY HIGHLIGHTS S/S 2022 - TRAILBLAZING INNOVATIONS AND NEW DEVELOPMENTS
“Technical developments for 2022 are plentiful. Accelerated growth is predicted and we finally see traction and investment across all markets in digital technology.” Technical Editor | TEXINTEL
The first half of 2022 reunited the printing trade, with the welcome return of physical trade shows.
Following a 2-year hiatus, it was good to be back on the show floor. And whilst virtual online events delivered platforms, resources and networks for the industry during the pandemic (firmly securing their place in the business calendar) you cannot recreate the hum of digital machinery, visitors and exhibitors online – it’s a physical, practical experience.
As the world unlocked for many companies’ - who’s products where due to be launched or were launched during 2022/21 - the trade show floor, finally delivered a long overdue moment in the global spotlight.
Technical developments for 2022 are plentiful. Accelerated growth is predicted and we finally see traction and investment across all markets in digital technology.
Here we share with you a short roundup of just some of the significant launches we have featured during the first half of the year. To see more follow the Texintel: Latest News channel
In January Durst completed the first European installation of their ground-breaking In-Line Dye-Sublimation Printer, The P5 iSUB.
This was followed by the award, in February, from the EDP for the P5 TEX iSUB as the best roll-to-roll textile printing system with an integrated inline finishing unit.
The new P5 TEX iSUB sets a new milestone in the field of sublimation printing. iSUB stands for "inline sublimation” and represents the integrated inline fixation for direct printing on polyester fabrics. This unique feature eliminates individual work steps, resulting in a significant increase in quality and efficiency for the user.
In February Mimaki announced the worldwide release of the "330 Series" of large format dye-sublimation inkjet printers.
With the catchword, "Give your creativity a Glow up", "TS330-1600" is the newly released large format inkjet printer which was designed and developed from the ground up, by bringing together the technological expertise of Mimaki’s accumulation over the past 20 years.
TS330-1600 is a sublimation transfer inkjet printer that enables high production with high image quality suitable for a flagship model and is equipped with new functions to improve stable operation and further pursues work and labour saving, efficiencies for customers.
With a printing speed of 69m²/h in Draft mode (600x600 dpi, 2Pass) with 4-color ink set (Bl,M,Y,K) which is increased to about 138% of speed compared to our conventional model.
In March, Summa moved digital cutting up a notch as they launched the first laser cutter fully developed by themselves.
The L1810 2nd generation laser cutter and its new software GoProduce Laser Edition combines the know-how and years of experience by Summa’s laser division in the UK with the experience Summa has in producing on a larger scale.
The new GoProduce software perfectly complements the L1810 2nd generation and results into a powerful laser cutting solution. The software includes several smart, easy-to-use options and features, to establish a fully automated workflow where operator comfort is key.
The L1810 2nd generation laser cutter combines industrial design with an excellent laser source, optimal power control, an efficient feeding system and an improved scanning system. All of which results in a top-notch high performing laser cutter.
Also in March, built on a deep understanding of the textile and sublimation industry and experience in digital printing, Sun Chemical launched their new ElvaJet Topaz SC sublimation ink delivering easy ink and system management for printers in the sector.
The new solution increases the ease of use and on printer experience by enlarging the ink operating window for accurate jetting performance. This enables wider cross system compatibility delivering outstanding reliability and reducing the reliance on waveform. At the same time, it provides increased image quality with optimized jetting performance across all drop sizes, allowing any design to be printed without compromise.
Finally in March at the Epson stand at SDUK, Epson announced two new printers for the first time in the UK.
These were their new 64” Resin printer the SC-R5000 which uses odourless water-based ink in large ink pouches, and their first UV flatbed printer, the SC-V7000.
The new UV flatbed printer, offering up to 2.5, x 1.25m print capability prints directly on to a wide range of substrates up to 80mm thick including acrylics, polycarbonates, PVC, aluminium, metal, polyester, foamboard, styrene, wood and stone.
The 64-inch SC-R5000 roll-to-roll digital printers with water-based resin ink consistently provide professional-quality wallpapers, fabrics, uncoated papers, and traditional signage at remarkable speeds.
In April Kornit Digital Introduced high-volume digital production solution for vibrant decorative designs on Polyester and Polyester-blended apparel.
Unveiled during Kornit Fashion Week Tel Aviv 2022, Atlas MAX Poly incorporated Kornit’s field-proven MAX technology for high-quality premium decoration, process automation, and smart autonomous quality control.
With Kornit’s XDi decorative applications, Atlas MAX Poly enabled endless designs and creativity on polyester, and empowered new styles for multiple effects and unlimited combinations such as emulating threadless embroidery, high-density vinyl, screen transfer emulations, and 3D effects.
By the middle of the year FujiFilm were driving the UV digital printing agenda yet again, as they launched the Acuity Ultra Hybrid LED is a 3.3m high-end printer that offers superb, high-quality printing to both rigid and flexible substrates.
Printing at speeds of up to 218 m²/hr (RTR) and delivering a print resolution of up to 1200 x 1200 dpi, the Acuity Ultra Hybrid LED is unique in being able to combine ultra-high quality and a competitive return on investment, for both rigid and flexible applications, all in one platform.
It is engineered with the operator in mind and designed with specialist inks to support the printing of exceptional near-photographic interior graphics and the high-speed printing of banners and PVC signage. The GUI features the same exceptional design features found on the Acuity Ultra R2 and includes additional functionality to handle rigid media production – up to six sheets simultaneously.
An intelligent vacuum control system automatically turns on the correct vacuum zones needed for any print job based on the width of the media, and the vacuum motor power constantly adjusts to maintain optimal media hold down, regardless of media type and size, ensuring an accurate and high-quality print finish.
For maximum flexibility when printing roll-to-roll, a bespoke designed airshaft allows dual roll functionality, so two media rolls of different diameters (each up to 36cm) can run at the same time.
By the time of FESPA in May, one of the biggest and potentially most important events for the launch of technological developments. The industry saw a number of offerings of DTF (Direct to Film) digital printing.
From Pigmentinc to Ricoh and from Azon printer to Polyprint progress abounded in the first half of 2022, yet it was Brother Internationale and their GTX Pro conversion that caught the eye.
First shown at FESPA Global Print Expo, Brother Internationale, after consultation with customers and dealers, has developed a new “reversal” driver that customers can get free of charge from Brother or a certified dealer.
It means that the printers can be used to print to film as well as on polyester and leather, and with Brother’s CADLink now offering special DTF software for the Brother GTX Series printers, the high production print system has much to commend it.
Also, at FESPA in May the new EFI™ Reggiani ecoTERRA pigment solution made its debut presenting an advanced integrated solution for streamlined, greener textile printing.
Eco-friendly, all-in-one pigment inline printing and finishing solution drives efficiency and sustainability in industrial digital textile printing. Its patent-pending technology gives customers a distinct competitive advantage, dramatically cutting energy and water consumption in the overall process for a more sustainable direct-to-fabric printing experience.
The new ecoTERRA ink range features 7 colours – cyan, magenta, yellow, black, blue, red and green – for an expanded colour gamut.
An enhanced polymerisation and finishing unit for the EFI Reggiani ecoTERRA also gives the fabric a softer hand feel, delivering performance that is in line with the most stringent textile industry requirements.
Finally in June at ITM 2022 in Istanbul, SPGPrints added 3 new models to their new digital product line.
The Rose printer is a roll-to-roll paper sublimation system with a peak productivity of up to 720 sqm/h. With variable ink drop-size and a maximum resolution of 1200dpi, the print quality is excellent.
The Jasmine and Magnolia printers are direct to fabric systems that will enable customers to extend their offering in digital printing.
Jasmine focuses on maximum productivity at the most optimal print resolution where Magnolia with its true 1200 dpi and Archer+ technology raises the bar to new levels of print quality.’
