UK and Ireland digital image transfer equipment supplier The Magic Touch has added the Mutoh/STS VJ-628D desktop modular system to its ‘DTF Magic’ direct-to-film (DTF) portfolio.
Displayed at Fespa in October, the collaborative Mutoh/STS VJ-628D system combines the STS VJ-628D, which is based on Mutoh’s Valuejet 628 eight-channel printer chassis with Epson industrial printhead technology and the STS transfer and curing technology.
Priced at £9,000 for the system, this is an entry-level option for those looking to get into the custom apparel market, said The Magic Touch managing director, Jim Nicol. He highlighted the system’s cost-per-transfer feature which can produce work for as little as 4p per transfer.
“This is the first major manufacturer that has put something together like this and it offers people a fantastic opportunity. The fact that transfers can be produced at such a low price is very appealing and can help printers draw new customers has prompted a lot of interest.
“The personalisation of clothing and workwear is just getting bigger and bigger every year, there is great repeat potential in it as well,” he added.
“It’s perfect for those who previously may have tried DTG but were restricted with the pre-treatment and the limited items that could be decorated and also commercial printers who want to offer personalised workwear to their existing customers,” he added.
The VJ-628D printer, measuring 630mm in width, can be placed on a tabletop or a roll stand. It also features a CMYK plus dual hit white device that prints directly to STS PET film.
The printed image then has a powder adhesive applied using an automatic ‘Shake and Bake’ unit or alternatively, for auto cut-sheet or roll-to-sheet prints, the film can be cured at up to 95°C in a desktop curing oven.
DTF can be used with white and dark textiles. It is available in a gloss or matt finish, without any pre-treatment or cutting.
According to Nicol DTF is more compatible with a wide range of materials than DTG (directly-to-garment), while DTG can only be used with a limited number of materials.
The printer is driven by a bespoke RIP and offers a pre-production ‘cost-per-transfer’ feature enabling users to price each transfer to an exact cost.
“Having considered over the past 12 months the great response and uptake of DTF technology, combined with the success of those now using the process in production environments, we must ensure we are able to offer the right solution for specific customer needs,” said Nicol.
“The existing DTF600 printer is truly fantastic and offers real transfer production capabilities up to 15sqm/hr, but we strongly feel the size and space requirement is restrictive for many potential users. This new desktop option is perfect despite the slower production speed,” he added.
The Magic Touch expects to have stock of this new system by mid-January. On request, Zoom demonstrations or in-person visits from the showroom in Dunstable are possible.