Chinese manufacturer Sky Air-Ship has wowed visitors with the output from its SkyJet double-sided textile printer – the first time it has been shown at the Fespa Global Print Expo.

The technology can be used to print a range of products including flags and banners, backlits, and high-end luxury cottons such as scarves.

US business manager John Fontaine said: “We print with perfect registration which is something no-one else can do. Our calibration technology avoids issues with bleed.”

SkyJet printers are available in 2m, 3m and 5m widths using either Epson or a maximum of 28 Kyocera heads. The model on show is printing eight colours each side.

Fontaine said ink usage was actually reduced because of the double-sided aspect.

“People who understand it are amazed, and they have lots of different application ideas – for example vinyl mesh with a completely different image on each side.”

Pricing starts from €125,000 (£109,000).

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