With the latest advances in inkjet print head technology and a patented system of synchronised stabilisation rolls, this textile inkjet printer allows users to print water-based dye sublimation or textile pigments directly on fabric and cure the inks in one step with an in-line sublimation/curing unit.
The Velotex™ DS 6400 will be introduced at the IFAI Expo (3 - 5 October 2007) in Las Vegas, and SGIA (24 - 27 October) in Orlando, USA.
The printer is considered a breakthrough in inkjet textile technology, thanks to its patented system of synchronised cylinders for controlled media feeding and a unique built-in heat fixation module that, based on the ink used, either sublimates or cures the color on the fabric as it exits the printer unit. Both treated and untreated fabrics can be printed directly using a new generation of print heads that allow for production speeds of 581 square feet per hour in four color modes at a sharp 540-by-720 dpi resolution.
Velotex will be available in DS and DP versions. The DS version will use US Sublimation's LFP dye sublimation inks for polyester and PES-type materials that are typically used for the production of flags, banners, trade show displays and custom short run fabrics, among other things. The DP version will use aqueous textile pigments, developed in collaboration with Sensient Technologies, which are suitable for direct printing on cotton and linen, but can be used on virtually any material, including viscose, silk and poly blends. The DP version is ideal for sampling and short run or custom textile productions.
The new printer allows for continuous unattended printing of textiles, eliminating the need for transfer and blotting papers or the need for separate post treatment of the fabric with a heat press or steamer. For dye sublimation manufacturers, this means a reduction in defects such as ghosting and various "waves" or "lines" caused by out-gassing of glycol or fabric shrinkage.
Both the Dye Sublimation LFP and Pigment DTX ink sets are manufactured to comply with Oeko-tex 100 standards for human ecological safety of textiles and have been tested for color fastness based on ISO 105 standards.
Dye sublimation is a process by which typically an image is printed on transfer paper using sublimation inks, which are then infused to poly fabrics or a polymer coated material via heat and pressure. Common products manufactured using this process are custom sport uniforms, flags, casino gaming tables, banners, snowboards, tradeshow booth graphics and custom designed ceramic and glass tiles.
The Velotex DS 6400 is expected to retail around US$89,000. For more information about US Sublimation or Velotex, visit http://www.ussublimation.com
Source: eMediaWire.com
