A revolutionary garment printing system that delivers high-end results.
What is it used for?
Claimed to be a “game-changer” by its developer, the Resolute R-Jet Pro DTF is a digital inkjet system that prints heat transfers onto special film, intended mainly for decorating textile garments. It’s suited to cotton, polyester, high-viz, workwear and sportswear. It can also be used to decorate hard substrates, packaging and promotional items – where a product can be placed under a heat press.
When was it launched and what’s the target market?
After field testing during 2020, the product was officially launched in 2002. It’s being promoted as an alternative to existing DTG technologies. Resolute founder Colin Marsh says: “The system outperforms conventional DTG printing, sublimation, white toner and print-and-cut methods in both speed and costs. This system is popular with screen printers because it does not require any pre-treatment. It has a smaller footprint than an automatic carousel and requires only one person to run it.”
Identity Printing in Manchester was the first customer. They already had three Ricoh DTG printers from Resolute. Zar Ali, production manager, says: “The film transfer gives a really nice clean finish, unlike DTG where if the fibres are rough they spoil the quality and you have to keep cleaning the printheads.
“There’s no pre-treatment. It takes just 15 minutes to warm it up each morning. We do gym-wear polyesters with it too and there’s no stretching or cracking even at maximum.”
How does it all work?
This system consists of a roll-fed A3 format printer with two Epson OEM printheads. They print dual CMYK and dual white onto special film. After printing, the film and semi-cured Ink are fed to an inline finishing device that applies heat-activated adhesive powder. The ink is then heat cured.
The film images are then transferred to the substrate using a standard heat press, usually taking 15 seconds at 130-165°C. It is not necessary to do any pre-treatment or weeding. Images can be grouped and then cut individually.
Marsh says: “The Resolute Premium DTF ink is a water-based hybrid ink, pigmented but with the characteristics of latex for durability and softness.” These produce vibrant prints with excellent stretch and durability in the wash, he says. “The key to the product’s success is the combination of high-quality film coating that reacts with the ink and adhesive during curing. With a gamut range twice that of traditional DTG inks the colours produced are not only vibrant but also accurate.”
Resolute’s own film is recommended as it “is profiled and is unique to its durability in the wash,” Marsh says. “Other films can be used but the performance will be affected.”
Resolute RIP Pro software comes with the printer. This software allows you to automatically image nest, create variable data jobs, and calculate job costs. You can also drive the printer.
Is it intended to replace an older product?
It is not, but this Resolute DTG printer can use the film transfer process.
What’s the USP?
“The R-Jet Pro DTF’s USP is the combination of exclusive own-brand consumables coupled with my 40 years’ experience in the printing industry,” says Marsh. “A lot of hard work and investment has gone into making sure the R-Jet Pro DTF outperforms other systems whilst retaining a very competitive price.”
It is how fast/productive it is.
Marsh says: “It can produce in excess of 1,000 chest prints per hour of 100x90mm when running in full production mode. Two heat presses and two operators can produce approximately 900 finished garments an hour. This includes loading and unloading. In a five hour print run this equates to 4,500 finished garments.”
What kind of training and support are available?
“The system requires only an afternoon’s training as it is a very easy automated process,” says Marsh. “Remote support and on-site support is included by Resolute’s own technicians.”
How much does it cost?
The R-Jet Pro DTG system costs £14,950. Ink is available in 1,000ml and 500ml bottles, priced at £75 per litre. Marsh claims that the average A4 sheet created with DTF will cost around 30p.
Resolute offers products for purchase. However, the company also has a sales deal with The Magic Touch. This Dunstable-based specialist on transfers for textiles and other substrates, The Magic Touch.
What number are you using?
“The UK installation base has already exceeded 50 and is set to hit 100 before the end of this year,” says Marsh. “We are currently in talks with a large US-based firm as an exclusive partner for the R-Jet Pro DTF system.”
SPECIFICATIONS
Printable width 580mm
Output 16m/hour @ 1,800dpi
Colours Five (dual CMYK plus dual white)
Type ink Water-based pigmented Ink
Ink system Bulk feed
Printheads Two eight-channel Epson OEM
Footprint 2×3.6m
Software Resolute RIP Pro
Price £16,950
Get in touch Resolute DTG 01246 202686 www.resolute.ink/r-jet-pro-dtf The Magic Touch 01582 67144 www.themagictouch.co.uk
ALTERNATIVES
Marsh believes that there is no alternative to capability. Marsh believes there is no direct alternative in terms of capability. However, there are many established alternatives. Heat presses are used to transfer and fix images to textiles.
OKI Pro8432wt Space Control
A package of an OKI toner printer that offers CMY plus white options together with The Magic Touch’s Space Control software for transfer creation and colour ordering. It’s suitable for most fabric types as well as solids such as mugs, etc.
Format A3-plus
Colors CMYK plus white or CMYY
Software Internal PostScript 3 Rip
Price £3,695
Get in touch The Magic Touch 01582671444 www.themagictouch.com
Brother GT361
The GT361 inkjet can print CMYK and dual white on a platen printer. It also has interchangeable shapes that can be used to make different types of garments. For coloured garments, pre-treatment is required.
Maximum printing area 35x40cm
Colours CMYK plus dual white
Software Windows printer driver
Price £7,995
Get in touch MHM Direct 0115 94 2285 www.mhmdirect.co.uk
Epson SC-F2100
The Epson DTG printer is an entry-level model that uses pigment inks. It also has interchangeable platesns that can support garments upto a t-shirt. Dark fabrics require pre-treatment.
Process Inkjet with aqueous inks
Colours CMYK plus White
Software Drivers for Windows and Mac printers
Price £13,194
Get in touch Epson UK 01442 26144 www.epson.co.uk