According to Epson, the much hyped Epson SureColor F Series has reinvented dye-sublimation printing with a solution that has been designed from the ground up to ensure superior image quality and improved operational reliability.
They say the machines not only offer improved quality, colour and consistency, but also peace of mind with a parts and labour factory warranty and ships as a complete production solution that includes hardware, ink and RIP software. A range of optimised Transfer Media will also be offered.
“The textile industry is rapidly shifting from traditional analogue printing systems to digital and we expect demand for dye-sublimation inkjet printers to significantly grow over the coming years,” said Craig Heckenberg, Business Unit Manager for Epson Australia.
“By providing a better, more reliable and more integrated dye-sublimation printing solution we aim to capture a significant proportion of not only the growing textile market but also existing opportunities that are available in the sign and display and promotional merchandise market segments,” said Craig.
“The F series offers print professionals the opportunity to add a new revenue stream with short run customised production of textiles, surface treatments and promotional items, all supported by Epson’s expertise and experience.”
The 44-inch SureColorF6000 is the first model in the new range. Shipping in August it has been designed for sheet based work with a 64-inch roll-to-roll model set to follow later in the year.
The SureColor F series printers have features that make dye-sub jobs fast, efficient and profitable. All new UltraChrome DS ink provides exceptional colour while Epson’s exclusive MicroPiezo TFP print head enables amazing image quality and accurate colour repeatability. A super-rigid printer chassis is matched with a bulk ink delivery system that includes four 1.5 litre ink tanks.
The result is a high-performance dye-sublimation transfer printing solution designed for exceptional reliability and commercial-level production.
Depending upon the application the F6000 offers production speeds of up to 30m2/hr, allowing print and creative professionals to accept more jobs and meet last-minute deadlines with ease
Innovative single-operator media loading and set-up, and features such as an intuitive LCD control panel and full frontal operation, make the F6000 easy and quick to set up and use.
Epson UltraChrome DS ink is a specially-formulated dye-sublimation ink producing outstanding images with vibrant colours, intense blacks, sharp contours, and smooth gradations. Once transferred the ink is incredibly stable with excellent light and wash-fastness. It is resistant to damage through exposure to alkaline and acid perspiration. Printed material is Oeko-Tex* compliant and can be worn by all age groups,
The new Epson MicroPiezo TFP print head on the SureColor F series has been optimised for Epson UltraChrome DS ink technology. It not only ensures precise and repeatable performance but also provides excellent longevity. Epson Variable Sized Droplet Technology enables fine half-toning and precisely controlled inking levels for optimum image densities and minimised ink consumption.
Epson is also introducing a new line of dye-sublimation transfer papers designed specifically for the SureColor F series. Epson low-tack adhesive is dedicated for high-end cut-and-sew fabric and apparel production, while the Epson standard multipurpose paper is ideal for a variety of transfer applications that use either soft or rigid surfaces, including t-shirts, mouse pads and ceramics. Both papers use a unique chemical coating that allows for heavier ink loads to provide superior colour, and will be available in 100 metre rolls and a variety of widths.
Key features of the SureColor F6000:
• Engineered for maximum productivity with a low Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)
• Proven MicroPiezo TFP print head with VSDT technology for resolutions up to 720 x 1440dpi with fine graduations, minimum ink consumption and an extended production life
• Epson UltraChrome DS ink with enhanced CMYK output that enables extra vibrant colours with excellent light/wash-fastness, abrasion/perspiration resistance and full Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certification*
• Compact design with single-operator media loading and automatic tensioning
• Fully integrated 4 x 1.5 litre bulk ink system with cost-effective 1L refills
• Installed by Epson and supplied with Ergosoft RIP software customised for optimum performance & operational flexibility with the F6000
• Ethernet and USB connectivity
* The OEKO-TEX Standard 100 is an independent testing and certification system for textile raw materials, intermediate and end products at all stages of production that tests for harmful substances. www.oeko-tex.com.
Epson Australia
www.epson.com.au
