Mimaki to launch UV DTF solution at FESPA

Mimaki Europe is set to showcase its first UV direct-to-film (DTF) printer at FESPA Global Print Expo 2025 as part of the company’s 50th anniversary celebrations.

FESPA Global Print Expo, which is co-located with the European Sign Expo, is heading to Berlin for 2025 with a range of manufacturers and suppliers.

The UJV300DTF-75 integrates previous technologies from Mimaki into a single solution, combining its sustainable UV technology with its DTF textile printing capabilities.

The manufacturer’s latest entry aims to produce high-quality, customisable prints on items of varied shapes and sizes, including those with uneven or rounded surfaces.

The UV DTF solution uses a transfer printing method in which the design is printed directly on a glued film which is applied to a transfer sheet before application to the object. According to Mimaki, the process can significantly reduce the risk of misprinting in comparison to other methods.

The printer incorporates a range of Mimaki’s existing technologies including automatic nozzle check, nozzle recovery, ink circulation, and anti-collision sensors. The press is also equipped with proprietary silicon film pinch rollers which aim to maintaining print stability for desired quality and accuracy.

Alongside the launch of the UJV300DTF-75, Mimaki will also introduce its next generation of UV inks, the ELS-170 and ELH-100, at FESPA.

The ink range has been developed to comply with the EU’s REACH regulations on harmful substances and is GREENGUARD Gold certified for its low emissions. The UJV300DTF-75 uses a combination of both ELH-100 hard ink for its white and clear channels, and ELS-170 flexible ink for CMYK.

Arjen Evertse, general manager of sales at Mimaki Europe, says: “Mimaki led the way with the release of its first DTF printer in 2023, which continues to be incredibly successful within the textile market.

“Building on this achievement, we are extending the core concept – printing on a film first, then transferring it to surfaces that are challenging to print on directly – to new markets. With the UJV300DTF-75, we have also leveraged our expertise in UV printing to deliver a reliable solution for object decoration, enabling high-quality, durable prints on surfaces that were previously unsuitable for direct UV printing.”

Mimaki has also announced its support of both the Girls Who Print initiative and the FESPA Foundation as part of the exhibition.

Frist founded in 2009, Girls Who Print has expanded into an international network supporting women in diverse sectors within the print industry. FESPA Global Print Expo will be the official launch event for Girls Who Print Europe, part of the organisation’s global expansion since achieving non-profit status.

The FESPA Foundation, which was announced last month by the trade association, is a new sister organisation to FESPA, dedicated to encouraging sustainable practices.

The FESPA Foundation’s first major initiative will be to collect printed materials and in-kind donations at FESPA Global Print Expo 2025. These materials will be distributed to community projects in southern Africa.

Speaking of the initiatives, Danna Drion, general manager of marketing and product management at Mimaki Europe, says: “At Mimaki, we know that true innovation comes from diverse voices, education and supporting communities. This is why we have pledged our commitment to Girls Who Print and the FESPA Foundation.

“Together, these initiatives are empowering change and building a future where different opportunities are open to all.”

Mimaki can be found on Stand B20 in Hall 1.2 between May 6th to 9th in Messe Berlin.