Page 57 - October-November-2017

Dye sublimation

textile printer

from Epson

Alpha Ink R HD

fulfills strict GOTS

5.0 guidelines

Durst, manufacturer of advanced digital printing and
Epson has launched a new dye sublimation textile printer, production technology, has received the coveted GOTS
the 1.6m-wide SureColor SC-F9300. Replacing the existing certification in version 5.0 for its new reactive ink system
SC-F9200 flagship model, Epson's new SureColor Alpha Ink R HD. The Global Organic Textile Standard
SC-F9300 dye sublimation textile printer is designed (GOTS) is the most exacting seal of approval for the entire
primarily for fast, high-volume printing for clothing, textiles textile production chain and is also acknowledged by
and soft signage, as well as other printed merchandise. consumers to be a reliable quality standard. Introduced in
The printer features new Epson Precision Dot technology March 2017, version 5.0 of the standard must be imple-
mented within twelve months by textile manufacturers in the
for dye sublimation including a halftone module, look-up areas of bio-production, textile processing and textile
tables and micro-weave, while Epson's wide gamut CMYK chemistry; it has further tightened the environment criteria
input profile combined with UltraChrome DS inks is
right along the whole supply chain. The new guidelines refer
intended to ensure the maximum possible colour gamut, for to clothing and other textile products consisting of at least
designs.Offering print speeds of up to 108m²/h, the 70% certified organic fibers. All used chemicals including
accurate reproduction of even the most complex
dyes and auxiliary substances must fulfill stipulated criteria
SC-F9300 is designed to maximise uptime and eliminates in terms of environment and toxicology. Textiles produced
problems such as cockling and head strike with its according to the GOTS 5.0 guidelines give consumers the
improved take-up and other reliability features. necessary transparency that these are sustainable prod-
ucts, which were also made under socially acceptable
The SureColor SC-F9300 comes with Oeko-Tex Eco conditions.
Passport certification and has passed Japan's AZO test for
household products, meaning that clothing and textiles Durst is one of the first inkjet printing system manufacturers
produced on the printer using UltraChrome DS inks are to offer a GOTS 5.0 certified reactive ink system for the
completely safe to wear for adults and children, including digital production of home textiles, clothing, accessories
babies. "It’s a challenge to top a product that is already and furniture upholstery. The newly formulated Alpha Ink R
incredibly reliable, very fast and produces extremely high HD reduces ink consumption by approx. 30% compared to
quality prints," commented Epson UK sales manager Durst's existing reactive ink system.
professional printing solutions Phil McMullin. "It’s faster, with
improved handling of even very thin substrates, and all but "Following the market success of our soft pigment ink
eradicating cockling and other common feeding problems." system Alpha Ink P for sustainable, economic production
based on universal applicability and a one-step process
"Epson offers a complete solution - printer, inks, substrates, without pre- and post-treatment, we are now taking another
software and support - so everything is designed to work step forward with GOTS 5.0 certification for the classic
perfectly together. Combine that with straightforward setup cotton production", says Martin Winkler, Segment Manager
and operation, and it's the ideal solution for print companies Durst Textile Printing. "Durst's Alpha Series and our excellent
looking to move into dye sublimation, or those who want to inks offer a perfect eco-system for digital textile production."
update an earlier model," McMullin concluded. The
SureColor SC-F9300 will be available from October 2017.