The Tiger600-1800TS, Mimaki’s latest high-speed, compact and robust roll-to-roll inkjet printer, has been designed to accelerate the analogue to digital transformation within the textile printing industry.
The Tiger600-1800TS boasts a maximum printing speed of 550sqm/h (143% faster than the previous model) owing to the renovated high-speed printhead and Mimaki’s proprietary image quality enhancement technologies. The printer’s size has also been halved compared to the previous system, with the paper mounting and winding system both located at the back of the machine. This smaller footprint enables customers to easily install multiple units to meet fluctuating demand, whilst also increasing overall production capacity.
‘All of these latest and innovative developments ideally position the Tiger600-1800TS to compete with analogue textile operations and support the move to digital print production,’ explained Arjen Evertse, General Manager Sales, Mimaki Europe.
‘The benefits of digital printing are wide-ranging compared to lengthy, complicated and unsustainable analogue production methods. Digital printing offers a seamless, cost-effective solution for producing smaller quantities that can be adjusted to fit varying demand. It also enables greater design flexibility and reduces environmental impact by enabling local production, minimal inventories and therefore, wasted products, as well as completely cutting out the wastewater that results from the analogue process.’
A further environmental benefit of the Tiger600-1800TS will be the imminent bluesign® certification of its MLSb510 series sublimation transfer inks. This certificate, expected to be awarded in June 2023, will provide assurance that these inks are of highest quality combined with due consideration for the safety of consumers and print operators, and environmental conservation, and therefore, contributing to the sustainability of the textile industry.
Mimaki’s renowned expertise in developing reliable, easy-to-use and efficient solutions has also not faltered in the development of the Tiger600-1800TS. The printer’s ink tanks can be replaced without interrupting the printing process, minimising down time. Maintenance of the printer is also reduced with its roller paper feeding method eliminating the need for the application of adhesives onto a belt.
‘The Tiger600-1800TS captures the needs of our customers and prospects perfectly with all of its advanced engineering and practical, user-friendly features. We’re confident this new addition to the Mimaki portfolio will further promote the shift to digital textile printing, thereby supporting this inspiring industry to be quicker to adapt to changing production requirements, whilst also being more environmentally conscious,’ Evertse concluded.
Mimaki Europe has also announced the introduction of two revolutionary technologies at ITMA 2023: a Textile Pigment Transfer Printing System and the Neo-Chromato Process. These innovations are showcased for the first time, and ahead of commercial availability, at the exhibition in Milan, Italy, solidifying Mimaki’s commitment to sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions in the textile printing industry.
‘Traditionally, the dyeing process for natural fibres generates an alarming amount of wastewater – around 2 billion tonnes every day in the pre and post dyeing processes worldwide (based on Mimaki’s own research) – and contributes greatly to CO2 emissions,’ said Evertse.
‘In addition, the dyeing process is complicated in terms of equipment structure and process and often, overseas transportation of textile products from the main textile-producing countries also emits CO2. The Textile Pigment Transfer Printing System minimises water usage and simplifies the printing workflow. Additionally, its compact size and affordability allow small lot textile production to be implemented locally, leading to significantly reduced environmental impact.’
The transfer printing method is more sustainable than both analogue and digital textile dye printing methods with zero water consumption and substantially lower CO2 emissions. The system, demonstrated on the Mimaki stand (H7-C304), comprises three essential elements: the Textile Pigment Ink, the Transfer System and the Textile Pigment Transfer paper, Texcol®.
Texcol® is a revolutionary transfer paper pioneered by Dutch paper manufacturer, Coldenhove that allows for transferring a digital print using an environmentally friendly 3-step transfer process to create a vibrant application on a wide range of materials, including natural fibres. The design is initially printed onto the paper using a customised TS330-1600 – Mimaki’s high-volume, high-quality dye sublimation printer – and Mimaki’s new pigment inks developed for the process. The module that adapts the TS330-1600 will be available as an option for existing and new Mimaki customers in Q3 2023 but is being previewed on the Mimaki stand at ITMA, giving visitors to the show an exclusive preview into how this highly productive Mimaki printer can be transformed into Mimaki’s most sustainable solution for apparel, house textiles, and soft signage yet.
Mimaki’s new Textile Pigment Ink is undergoing bluesign certification before commercial availability. bluesign is a renowned certification programme that ensures the highest levels of safety, environmental friendliness, and sustainability within the textile and apparel industry.
As the final stage, the Texcol® paper undergoes a one-step waterless process, through an entry-level calendar machine onto the textile of choice.
Another Mimaki world first – Cyclical textile technology. Mimaki is also debuting its new, unique Neo-Chromato Process, which revolutionises the reuse of coloured polyester textiles.
Arjen continued, ‘The increasing awareness of sustainability has led to a significant disposal issue within the textile industry, with polyester textiles accounting for approximately 60% of 92 million tonnes of wasted textile materials worldwide (based on Mimaki’s own research). Of this enormous amount of polyester waste, currently around only 15% is recycled. Mimaki’s Neo-Chromato Process tackles this issue head on by utilising a discolouring technology for dye sublimation inks. This process not only eliminates the need for polyester waste incineration but also reduces the energy consumption associated with textile recycling.’
By decolourising polyester textiles that have been dyed using dye sublimation technologies, this innovative process allows materials to be re-printed or dyed immediately, contributing to a smaller circular economy. There is no limit to how many times reused polyester can be treated with the Neo-Chromato Process and the process itself minimises water usage and pollution by enabling the disposal of the absorbent paper and decolouring solvents used in the process as burnable waste.
‘It is the responsibility of everyone here at ITMA and within the wider textile industry to enable a more sustainable future. Mimaki is actively collaborating with retail and apparel brands to explore the full potential of our latest sustainable technologies. While these latest innovations will enable significant steps forward in sustainable textile production, we also continue to focus on bringing new innovations to market that support the pressing needs of our customers, designers, brands, and importantly, the planet,’ concluded Arjen.
|
LOCAL DISTRIBUTOR |
