Hollanders hits its stride
One of the biggest names in digital textile printing has confirmed a trend that marked out 2014 as a pivotal year in the development of this market segment
Friday, 19 Dec 2014 09:27 GMT
The ColorBooster DS is a unique textile printing system as it features double-sided printing capabilities and an integrated fixation unit.
“There have been some noticeable trends during the past twelve months led by the predicted increase in interest in digital textile printing, and showing raised levels in awareness of how the process can be used for the production of a vast range of display, point-of-sale and banner applications,” says Rowan Bloemberg, ?marketing manager at Hollanders Printing Systems.
Another key growth driver for the sector is the appeal of the aqueous-based printing process itself, as it fits in with greener practices and a heightened environmental awareness from consumers.
Bloemberg continues: “Polyesters and mixers that incorporate an aqueous-based ink are now becoming more popular across a broad selection of jobs, including interior décor as well as soft signage and flags.”
As well as first-time users, there is a noticeable eagerness from companies that have had previous experience in digital textile printing but now need a robust, reliable platform that has a high level of design and engineering expertise”
The year has been key in the future developments coming from Hollanders Printing Systems, with the European launch of the ColorBooster 250 that meets the demand of businesses wanting a modular 2.5m printer that produces high quality for a modest investment price.
“As well as first-time users, there is a noticeable eagerness from companies that have had previous experience in digital textile printing but now need a robust, reliable platform that has a high level of design and engineering expertise,” says Bloemberg.
“Another factor in our favour is that we understand all the idiosyncrasies of disperse and sublimation ink technologies.
"This is complemented by a strong knowledge of colour management requirements that are specific when working with fabrics, as well as efficiency in workflow and finishing.”
Vibrant solutions
A key player in the digital textile field is ESP Technologies Group, which is headed up by Stephen Hood, who confirms Bloemberg’s findings.
The company invested in a ColorBooster XL back in the summer of 2012 so that it could cope with a growing demand for the very large-format banners used at exhibitions and museums.
“We did a lot of research and it was just the fabulous colour that the machine could produce that won the argument for us,” says Hood.
“Textiles was the material of choice for these applications.
"It is light-weight, gives a non-reflective matte surface, can be finished more efficiently, and has an elasticity that means there are no wrinkles or imperfections in the product once it is installed.”
Hood adds: “We regularly produce 40 to 60m long banners on the ColorBooster and it has been a real workhorse.
Rowan Bloemberg, marketing manager at Hollanders Printing Systems is confident that demand for textile print will continue to climb in 2015
"Working with Hollanders is also great as they are refreshingly straight forward and provide an overall package—bringing together the machine, finishing, software, and ink technology in a closed loop system.”
One of the key launches for Hollanders in recent times has been the ColorBooster DS, developed partly in reaction to the steadily growing demand for textile print.
Bloemberg explains: “The ColorBooster DS is the only machine of its kind to feature double-sided printing capabilities and an integrated fixation unit.
"As such, it has attracted attention from companies that want to be able to print onto both sides of the material simultaneously, whether it is the same or a completely different image.
“Typical companies investing in the ColorBooster DS-320S are those who specialise in banners, backlits, flags and point-of-sale materials and who need a reliable and extremely robust system that enables 24/7 production.
"Although the DS’s roots are based on the successful ColorBooster XL it has been designed from the ground up and incorporates well-known features available only from the Hollanders, including on-board climate control, heavyweight material transport and full remote support.”
All systems go
Hollanders advises that 2015 will see it continue to extend the numbers of options available and states that its ethos will continue to focus on designing equipment that features, ‘true modularity, as well as ergonomic and reliable throughput, complemented by the most suitable washing and fixation systems’.
Bloemberg continues: “The strategic difference with Hollanders as a manufacturer is that the company has always specialised in digital texting systems and concentrates only on this market segment.
"The company’s printers have an unrivalled longevity thanks to their rugged construction and high quality design and construction that accommodate the specific requirements needed by print businesses looking to work with fabrics.
Another important consideration is that Hollanders Printing Systems develops and manufactures all of its machines in The Netherlands, simplifying logistics for shipping, installation and maintenance throughout the UK, Europe and beyond”
"Potential investors should take into account these criteria when considering which machine to buy, along with reliability and consistency, overall running costs and return on investment, compact footprint and ease of use.
“It goes without saying that back-up and support are also high on the Hollanders list of priorities, with its high standards of service enabling users to maintain superlative output quality for the best, most consistent results.
"Another important consideration is that Hollanders Printing Systems develops and manufactures all of its machines in The Netherlands, simplifying logistics for shipping, installation and maintenance throughout the UK, Europe and beyond.”
