Jim Nicol answers all the frequently asked questions about direct-to-film printing and his new R-Jet Pro.
What is direct-to-film printing?
Direct-to-film is a new transfer process using water-based textile ink printed onto a specially coated PET film. The printed film is then cured and lightly dusted with a white hot-melt adhesive powder. The transfers are then ready for application to textiles of any colour.
How long does it take?
Transfers can be applied to most garments and textiles in 10 – 15 seconds.
What garments and fabrics can be decorated?
The transfers are suitable for almost any garment or fabric regardless of colour. This includes nylon and polyester along with cotton, pique fabrics, softshell, denim, leather and canvas.
What is the print speed of the R-Jet PRO DTF 600?
The R-Jet Pro offer speeds of up to 15sqm/hr.
What else can be printed other than textiles?
To date The Magic Touch has successfully transferred to polyester bags and holdalls as well as a mixed range of PU surfaces including notebooks, folders and even cork.
How much does it cost?
The R-Jet PRO DTF 600 printer has an introductory price of £9995.00 plus VAT. The automatic finishing unit is £4995.00 plus VAT when ordered at the same time.
How much space will it take up?
The footprint for the R-Jet Pro 600 and the automatic finishing unit is around about 4 x 2m. The printer including the stand weighs 150kg and the finishing unit 270kg.
What about resolution?
The printer normally works at 1800dpi
What is the shelf-life of printed transfers?
Printed transfers when stored in humidity bags will last for a minimum period of 12 months.
What kind of ink is used in the R-Jet PRO DTF 600?
The Resolute Premium DTF inks (CMYK + W) are odourless, water-based pigments inks, they differ from the traditional DTG inks in being similar to that of latex inks offering better wash durability and unique stretching properties. The bulk ink system holds a total of five litres of ink and features an automatic stirring and circulation system for the white ink to avoid any requirement for regular shaking.
What does the Resolute RIP do?
The Resolute RIP software is used to drive larger output devices, features like automatic image nesting, colour replacement and bar coding are all included. It accepts vector files like EPS and SVG, also PDF, PNG, PSD, JPG or/and most bitmaps.
What does the powder do?
The powder is a solvent-free polymer adhesive that has been developed for the DTF process. With its low melting temperature, it ensures soft, flexible transfer production and perfect adhesion to the garment with superb washing performance.
What about the colour gamut and colour matching?
The installed RIP and colour management offer over double the colour gamut possible with selected DTG printers. A colour matching scanner system is available at an extra cost should this be required.
Can I use the R-Jet PRO DTF 600 without the automatic finishing unit?
The automatic finishing unit can be added at a later date as the printer can function without it, however the roll fed unit that applies the curing and the hot melt powder dramatically reduces the labour requirement enabling production to continue unattended. Plus the correct level of powder and curing time is perfect on every occasion.
