Derbyshire-based wide format reseller Digital Print Innovations (DPI) has added to its growing selection of direct-to-textile machinery with the addition of the MTEX 1800 press from Portuguese manufacturer POD.
The newest machine is a 1.9m wide printer with inline infrared fixation. It is built on a Mimaki chassis and was launched at the Remadays trade show in Poland in February 2013.
It uses Epson DX6 drop-on-demand piezo print-heads arranged in a two-head staggered array, which combine to create a thoroughly robust and reliable direct-to-textile solution. At speeds of up to 65 m2/hr in standard mode and 35 m2/hr in high quality mode, the MTEX 1800 can print to a wide variety of soft substrates, including flag, silk, backlit, canvas and many more.
Available with a four colour ink set, which comes in two litre bulk ink packs for minimal print run disruption, the printer produces output with three variable dot sizes at a maximum resolution of 1440 dpi. The machine’s inline infrared fixation evades the need for a separate fixation unit and thereby saves space, production time and capital investment costs. The machine also benefits from the inclusion of electronics and automation control components from leading manufacturers Omron and Festo.
‘We have witnessed a huge growth in demand for direct-to-textile machines in recent years as soft signage becomes more and more popular,’ said Stewart Bell, managing director. ‘We’re anticipating a growth in the British soft signage market of between 30 and 35 percent this year, and the MTEX 1800 provides an accessible entry point for those seeing the profit-making opportunities offered by direct-to-textile production.’
‘The build and output of the MTEX 1800 is superior to other comparable models thanks to its use of high grade components, so we know our customers will be satisfied with its quality. It’s filling a gap in the market for a smaller dye-sub engine than the popular MTEX 3200DS and is the perfect machine to meet the superb business potential in entering the soft signage market. The MTEX1800 will debut at Sign and Digital UK on Stand H60.’
The environmental benefits of the MTEX range are also expected to be attractive to print service providers. Water-based disperse ink pairs with coated polyester materials to create totally recyclable end products, which can all be folded or rolled to save space during shipping.
