A core component of Mimaki's textile and apparel product range, the recently launched TS34-1800A is a dye-sublimation wide-format production printer with a maximum print width of 1.9m.
The TS34 uses Mimaki's newly released SB53 high-density inks to print to transfer paper for the production of vibrant soft signage, graphics and garments. With production speeds of up to 32sq m/hr at 540 x 720dpi, it provides polyester printing companies the highest levels of print quality with strong production volumes, according to the manufacturer's UK and Ireland distributor, Hybrid Services.
Delivered with a two-year Gold warranty, the TS34 is supplied with the company's RasterLink Pro RIP software, a powered take-up unit, frontal drying fans, Mimaki's Bulk Ink System (MBIS) and 16 litres of sublimation ink. The provision of the bulk ink system allows for continuous unattended printing, and Hybrid Services says the latest generation staggered print-heads equate to an impressive speed-to-price ratio. The inks are supplied in 'eco-friendly' two-litre sacks with reduced packaging, which slot into the MBIS and have a competitive retail price of ￡75 per litre.
Suited to high-quality output, the Mimaki TS34 can be used to create a broad range of output onto soft signage, retail point-of-sale materials, garment transfers, or fully bespoke apparel and sportswear when coupled with an appropriate heat press. The attraction of utilising dye-sublimated print for display graphics comes not only from the environmental advantages but the attractive look and feel of the finished product, its ease of installation – which for the print provider could assist in promoting more readily requested repeat business – and its resistance to damage, both in transit and once installed. Compared to using alternative inks on a similar substrate, the dye-sub process is very rub- and light-fast, so a decorative display fabric or light-box can deliver a compelling solution on a number of levels.
As an alternative to traditional screen-printed fashion and sportswear, the Mimaki TS34 is capable of delivering relatively short runs of personalised output (be it team strips or high fashion lines with an intended limited shelf life) featuring vibrant and detailed prints and, of course, produced at photographic quality. With none of the start-up costs associated with screen lines, it's as cost effective to produce one item as it is ten or a hundred and the creative process is not limited by the constraints of the printing method either.
This leads to garments that can feature personalised elements – a key factor when producing sportswear with names and numbers included at the printing stage, rather than adding a process on afterwards. For fashion fabrics, licensed designs featuring photographic images, highly detailed prints and multiple colourways become possible, adding variety and value to clothing ranges.
The process of dye-sublimation transfer printing involves printing a design onto transfer paper, which absorbs the special sublimation ink that can then be heat-pressed onto polyester. The heat causes the paper to 'unload' the ink onto the polyester substrate and fixes it into place, bringing out the vibrant colours and ensuring a durable, wash-proof print.
There are plenty of green credentials to the Mimaki TS34, with the MBIS being just one of them. Running a high-volume, continuous ink supply with two-litre sacks means an overall reduction in ink costs, as well as minimising packaging waste – thereby keeping the user's environmental footprint low. Dye-sub printing is widely regarded to be one of the most environmentally sound printing processes, with the use of aqueous inks and a recycled and recyclable substrate combining to deliver a solution frequently requested by big brands with green agendas.
The TS34-1880A is compatible with Mimaki's SB53 high-density sublimation inks, available in blue, magenta, yellow, black, light blue and light magenta. Couple this with the recyclable properties of polyester fabrics and the Mimaki TS34 facilitates a significantly smaller environmental footprint.
"The Mimaki TS34 offers sportswear, fashion and exhibition graphics companies a solution that, with its competitive capital purchase and running costs, delivers a great combination of speed and consistently high quality results," comments Duncan Jefferies, marketing manager for Hybrid Services.