Epson has strengthened its position in the DTG (Direct to Garment) market with a significant upgrade to its SureColor F2100 Large Format Printer. The new SureColor F2200 is ideal for start-up companies or medium-volume businesses that need high levels of flexibility and accuracy, with fast turnaround times.
Designed to produce complex designs on a variety of garments, the SureColor F2200 uses Epson’s advanced PrecisionCore MicroTFP printhead technology to provide faster printing and data processing speeds, resulting in a productivity increase of up to 25%* over its predecessor, while maintaining extremely high print quality. With a highly compact, flat top design that allows easy installation into smaller spaces, flexibility is further enhanced through Epson’s bundled GarmentCreator2 software, which not only enables the printing of both DTG & DTFilm but improves the quality of fine lines and small text.
Offering a range of enhanced features designed with ease of use in mind, the SureColor F2200 allows businesses to maintain high levels of production and quality without the need for specialist operators. A transparent lid and internal light, for example, enable easy print-status checking, while an intuitive 4.3-inch touchscreen makes operation fast and simple. With automatic carriage height adjustment, the F2200 remains stable with minimal adjustment by the user, and the platen can be easily removed and attached by hand, making adjustment for printing different garments quick and straightforward. The GarmentCreator2 software, features faster data processing well as 600dpi resolution, to deliver exceptional colour output.
“Although the DTG market has become challenging, due to DTFilm technology,” said Heather Kendle, Manager of Product Management, Commercial & Industrial, Epson Europe, “this development offers new and medium-volume businesses a highly cost-effective and flexible option that delivers outstanding quality and can easily be scaled to meet future needs.”
With a very low TCO, the F2200 uses new UltraChrome DG2 Ink Pouches, instead of cartridges. These 800ml pouches (previously 600ml) mean a lower change frequency, and significantly reduce wastage, in terms of space and weight, compared with ink cartridges. Epson’s DG2 ink also reduces bleed between yellow and black, which is important for applications such as light T-shirts, and maintains colour consistency with DG ink.
Straightforward to set up and start printing, the F2200 is supplied as a complete package, including consumables, warranty, servicing and support.
Bringing technology to life: Items included in Epson’s ‘personalisation zone’ range from custom-designed t-shirts, photos and canvas applications to bespoke mugs, notebooks, phone cases, magnets, coasters and water bottles. Elsewhere on the stand there will be, skis, surf boards, deck chairs, towels and a colourfully wrapped jet ski; and the stand will host beautifully made clothes and haute couture with original designs on a range of different fabrics from some of the world’s leading fashion designers. The variety of goods on display demonstrates the many flexible applications of Epson’s extensive digital printer range using the very latest dye sublimation, DTG, signage (embracing UV, eco-solvent and resin) and direct-to-fabric printing technologies.
“Fespa this year is all about demonstrating how Epson digital printing technology can produce beautiful, bespoke products that enhance our lives,” explains Heather Kendle, Epson Europe. “Many small and medium sized businesses are using Epson’s digital printing technology to produce and retail uniquely designed, highly desirable, personalised items, and we will be showing many fine examples of these items on our stand. We will also demonstrate how on-demand digital direct-to-textile printing technology can combine with recycled materials and more eco-friendly inks, using much less water compared with analogue methods, to produce far more sustainable products.”
* Light garments only. 15% for darker garments. Compared with SureColor F2100
