Epson is to launch a direct-to-garment (DTG) printer, the SureColor F2200, tailored for medium-volume production and capable of direct-to-film (DTF) printing.
Described as “a significant upgrade” to its SureColor F2100 large-format printer, the new SureColor machine is aimed at start-up companies or medium-volume businesses that need high levels of flexibility and accuracy with fast turnaround times.
It will be unveiled at this year’s Fespa Global Print Expo in Munich from 23 to 26 May as part of Epson’s digital printer range for dye sublimation, DTG and direct-to-fabric printing.
Designed to produce complex designs on a variety of garments, the SureColor F2200 uses Epson’s advanced PrecisionCore MicroTFP printhead technology for fast printing and data processing speeds.
This results in a productivity increase of up to 25% over the SureColor F2100 on light garments, and 15% for darker garments, while maintaining high print quality.
It has a compact, flat-top design that allows for easy installation into smaller spaces. It comes with Epson’s bundled GarmentCreator2 software, which not only enables the printing of both DTG and DTF film but improves the quality of fine lines and small text. It offers faster data processing as well as 600dpi resolution.
Features include a transparent lid and internal light which enable easy print-status checking, while an intuitive 11cm touchscreen makes operation fast and simple.
With automatic carriage height adjustment, the F2200 remains stable with minimal adjustment by the user, and the platen can be easily removed and attached by hand, making adjustment for printing different garments quick and straightforward.
Heather Kendle, manager of commercial and industrial product management at Epson Europe, said: “Although the DTG market has become challenging, due to DTFilm technology, this development offers new and medium-volume businesses a highly cost-effective and flexible option that delivers outstanding quality and can easily be scaled to meet future needs.”
Described as offering a “very low” total cost of ownership (TCO), the F2200 uses new UltraChrome DG2 ink pouches instead of cartridges. These 800ml pouches, previously 600ml, mean a lower change frequency and significant reduction in wastage, in terms of space and weight, compared with ink cartridges.
Epson’s DG2 ink also reduces bleed between yellow and black, which is important for applications such as light T-shirts, and maintains colour consistency with DG ink.
The F2200 is supplied as a complete package including consumables, warranty, servicing and support.
Heather added: “Fespa this year is all about demonstrating how Epson digital printing technology can produce beautiful, bespoke products that enhance our lives.
“Many small and medium-sized businesses are using Epson’s digital printing technology to produce and retail uniquely designed, highly desirable, personalised items, and we will be showing many fine examples of these items on our stand.
“We will also demonstrate how on-demand digital direct-to-textile printing technology can combine with recycled materials and more eco-friendly inks, using much less water compared with analogue methods, to produce far more sustainable products.”