QPS expands ColorJet range with Vulcan Hybrid 1800
The 1.8m ColorJet Vulcan Hybrid 1800 UV press will now be distributed by its official UK distributor, QPS, addressing demand for compact hybrid print solutions
Epson has released the new ML-16000JQ, a direct-to-fabric printer developed in reaction to market demand which comes with a new double-sided printing feature
Global technology firm Epson has announced a new direct-to-fabric digital textile printer designed for jacquard fabrics, the Monna Lisa ML-16000JQ.
The ML-16000JQ prints with a resolution of up to 1200dpi and a maximum print width of 180cm. The solution aims to meet the needs of fashion designers looking to enhance their creativity by integrating print designs with intricate woven patterns.
Jacquard fabric features woven designs rather than a printed or embroidered pattern. The new Monna Lisa can automatically recognise fabric designs and produce direct-to-fabric prints on them, aiming to circumvent the laborious elements of traditional jacquard production.
The ML-16000JQ comes with a new double-sided printing feature. This capability allows the printing of separate colours and designs on each side, enhancing customisation and aiming to promote greater creative freedom for designers in textile design.
The on-demand nature of the solution has also been developed with sustainability in mind, allowing fabrics to be produced as needed rather than in large batches. This approach can minimise waste, as it reduces the surplus stock that can result from overproduction in traditional printing processes.
This sustainable focus is reportedly in direct response to growing market demands for products that minimise environmental impacts.
Incorporating 16 Epson PrecisionCore printheads and swappable ten litre cartridges, the ML-16000JQ offers eight colours across four ink families from Epson GENESTA, namely Acid, Reactive, Dispersed, and Pigment. The range of inks has been selected to deliver high quality prints across a spectrum of fabric, from natural fibres to plant-based textiles like coconut and banana.
The inks are designed to meet stringent environmental standards. Many of the inks are ECO PASSPORT certified and compliant with regulations such as GOTS and bluesign, which ensures that they are less harmful to the environment.
Phil McMullin, head of sales for commercial and industrial at Epson UK, says: “At Epson, we understand the urgency of responding to evolving market demands with products that anticipate fashion trends while minimising environmental impacts.
“The Monna Lisa ML-16000JQ embodies this ethos. Through combining high-precision recognition systems with bespoke software, the Monna Lisa ML-16000JQ detects the exact positions and shapes of jacquard fabric patterns, assigns precise colours to each area, adjusting as necessary for different fabric types, ensuring precision in pattern alignment. More than this, the precision pattern detection system ensures flawless double-sided printing with differential colouring.”
Epson has targeted the fabric and textile market with its recent machine releases.
In January, the print manufacturer released the SC-G6000 direct-to-film (DTF) printer, marking its strategic entry into the DTF market.
Epson’s development of the SC-G6000 was reportedly in direct response to market demand with what the company sees as an increasing preference for DTF over conventional textile and garment printing techniques.
