Mimaki to launch first DTF printer

Richard Stuart-Turner Wednesday, February 22, 2023

Mimaki has revealed the upcoming launch of its first direct-to-film (DTF) inkjet printer during its Global Innovation Days event this morning (22 February).

Utilising a heat-based transfer method, the manufacturer said the TxF150-75 is suitable for creating premium, customised merchandising, sportswear, and various other promotional textile applications.

The latest entry from Mimaki for the decorated apparel segment, the machine will be making its EMEA show debut at Printwear & Promotion Live! at the NEC in Birmingham from 26 to 28 February.

Based on Mimaki’s 150 Series, the manufacturer said the TxF150-75 is said to respond to the market need for a reliable, stable DTF technology.

“We saw in the market that there [was] a lot of issues with stability and running, and we are sure that we have a good solution for that,” said Mark Sollman, senior product manager EMEA at Mimaki Europe.

A built-in ink circulation system and degassed ink pack design help prevent common DTF issues, and by utilising proprietary Core Technologies, which include a nozzle check unit and nozzle recovery system, the printing process “is carried out efficiently with minimal user intervention”.

“Apparel decoration is a hugely popular and dynamic sector, one which we are already operating in with our other textile technologies,” said Sollman.

“However, we could see the impact DTF technology has had on the industry in recent years, with its significant advantages over existing technologies. Namely, DTF avoids the time intensive process of plate creation in screen printing and the required weeding in traditional vinyl heat transfer.

“The technology can also create vibrant designs with its full colour printing capabilities. We’re excited to bring a solution to the market that is designed for those already active in the decorated apparel sector and those looking to enter it, which excels in usability, reliability and quality.”

Mimaki has created its own range of water-based pigment inks, PHT50, for use with the machine. These inks are Oeko-Tex Eco Passport certified, guaranteeing that safety and environmental standards are met in line with Mimaki’s sustainability pledges.

Mimaki said DTF printing provides an easy and affordable process for decorating apparel, and is commonly used for decorating t-shirts. The design is printed directly onto a special transfer film, which is then sprinkled with hot-melt powder, and once heated and dried, the transfer sheet is ready to be applied to the fabric using a heat press.

Mimaki said it will offer only the printer, not the other associated kit like the powder shaker, the dryer unit, and the heat press, which are items that should be purchased separately by end users themselves.

The TxF150-75 will be supplied with Mimaki’s RasterLink7 RIP software. Distributed in the UK and Ireland by Hybrid Services, the machine will be commercially available via its network of specialist resellers from April. Pricing is not yet available.