Ricoh has made new retrofittable technology available for its Ri 1000 and Ri 2000 direct-to-garment (DTG) printers that will enable them to also output using the direct-to-film (DTF) method.
DTF allows pre-printed designs to transfer to garments without needing to be pre-heated using heat transfer technology. For quick application, designs can be stored on PET film as ready-to-go transfer film.
Ricoh stated that the process allows businesses to print on a wider variety of fabrics than with DTG and is suitable for corporate branding items such as backpacks and umbrellas.
Its high fastness at heavy duty washing cycles and high durability makes it suitable for polyester-based applications, such as workwear and sportswear, while its “very soft and flexible results” also meet the Oeko-Tex standard.
Ricoh claims that the ColorGate Textile Productionserver V21.1 software supports this new function. This software is capable of processing graphically rich artworks from creative applications. Ricoh acquired ColorGate on August 2, 2018.
Ricoh Europe head of textile solutions, Graphic Communications Group, Axel Stuhlreiter said: “The innovative technology enhances the versatility and flexibility of Ricoh’s leading DTG printers.
“In just a few simple steps they can be transformed to enable DTF printing on a wide range of materials and deliver a greater variety of applications. The fast and simple process achieves highly creative results quickly and affordably.”
To use the DTF feature, no additional hardware is needed. It is now available in EMEA starting this month. There are also no mechanical adjustments to the printer.
Existing Ri 1000 and Ri 2000 users only need to update their bundled ColorGate software, and this will then enable their machines “to interchange seamlessly” between DTG and DTF printing.
Retrofit is available to existing Ri 1000 or Ri 2000 owners who are ColorGate Valu Pack subscribers. Users will however need to purchase adhesive powder (glue), and film sheets for the DTF process.