Epson will launch a new direct-to-garment (DTG) printer at the Fespa Global Print Expo in Munich later this month.

The F2200 is said to be suitable for start-up companies or medium-volume businesses that need high levels of flexibility and accuracy, with fast turnaround times.

The machine is the successor to the SureColor F2100, however Epson told Printweek the design is “clean sheet” rather than an upgrade, and will deliver “significant improvements” in many areas for customers.

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 [for light garments, and 15% for darker garments], while maintaining “extremely high print quality”.

With a compact flat top design that allows easy installation into smaller spaces, Epson said flexibility is further enhanced through the bundled GarmentCreator2 software.

Features include a transparent lid and internal light, which are said to enable easy print-status checking, while a 4.3-inch touchscreen makes operation fast and simple.

With automatic carriage height adjustment, the F2200 is said to remain stable with minimal adjustment by the user, while 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, 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,” said Heather Kendle, manager of product management, commercial and industrial at Epson Europe.

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.

The F2200 will ship from July in Europe and will be supplied as a complete package, including consumables, warranty, servicing, and support.

Pricing has not yet been revealed but Epson told Printweek to “expect the printer to be competitively priced with low running costs providing exceptional value for money”.

The variety of goods on display on Epson’s Fespa stand will demonstrate the flexible applications of the manufacturer’s digital printer range.

Items included in the company’s ‘personalisation zone’ at Fespa, will 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, plus clothes and fabrics from fashion designers.

“Fespa this year is all about demonstrating how Epson digital printing technology can produce beautiful, bespoke products that enhance our lives,” said Kendle.

“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.”

Munich-bound: Printweek will be producing the Fespa Daily at the upcoming Fespa Global Print Expo in Munich from 23-26 May. Contact us about any Fespa-related matters at [email protected].