Direct-to film technology allows for the creation of premium transfer designs, whether it is for custom merchandising or sportswear.
Marc Verbeem, Supervisor Product Management, Mimaki Europe
Direct-to-film printing is transforming the apparel decoration industry. The process is simple, affordable, and allows for vibrant, dynamic designs in full colour with a durable finish. Digital print service providers can expand their textile offerings, reach new customers and, thanks to its versatility, print on a wider range of fabrics. Mimaki, as the textile industry grows, recognised the need for an innovative solution that would take the process to a new level. This was combined with the manufacturer support Mimaki is known for.
Direct-to film vs. screen printing
Direct-to-film is the digital printing of a special transfer sheet. It is then applied with a hot melt powder to the chosen fabric and heated. The transfer sheet can be heated and pressed onto fabrics after it has dried and cured. This allows for premium designs to be transferred for custom merchandising and sportswear. Screen printing requires a lot more work than traditional screen-printing methods. Not only this, but the process does not meet direct-to-film’s ability to produce vivid colours and quality details such as shapes, lettering, and motifs often sought after in the promotional and merchandising space for bespoke textiles.
Why DTF?
Mimaki’s move into direct to film technology is a thrilling venture into a new segment. Why did we decide to take this route? One reason was that we were confident we could offer the best solution on the market, thanks to our core technologies and our portfolio of digital textile printers. A stable and reliable direct-to film printing solution is also needed by the market. For a print process as complex as this, it is important to have a partner who can provide dependable aftercare. Mimaki’s reputation is synonymous with support, which is what direct-to-film customers can expect every step of the way.
The Mimaki TxF150 75
Mimaki’s first direct-to-film inkjet printer is the TxF150-75, a fitting extension to the 150 series, with a maximum printing width of 80cm. Offering a stable printing plotter, the model’s built-in ink circulation system and degassed ink pack are resolutions to common direct-to-film challenges such as poor ink ejection and white ink clogging. The new printer includes Mimaki’s NRS (Nozzle Recover System) and NCU (Nozzle check Unit) to ensure stable, uninterrupted printing. Operating in harmony with the textile printer itself is Mimaki’s ECO PASSPORT by OEKO-TEX® certified water-based pigment textile inks, formulated especially for the TxF150-75. Coupled with Mimaki’s RasterLink7 RIP software, users are offered end-to-end oversight and efficiency from creative design to final product.
In addition, and in line with Mimaki’s collaborative approach to meeting customer needs, Adkins has developed an 80cm wide powder shaker cure unit to complete this ‘A brand’ direct-to-film Printing solution. The 80cm-wide printer and postprocessing unit allows customers to print larger garments, with less waste, faster production times and lower costs.
The Mimaki TxF15075 solution is an exciting solution for Mimaki clients who are in the decorated apparel industry or looking for a solution that will help them enter the digital textile market.