EFI demonstrated at Sign & Digital UK for the first time its EFI VUTEk TX3250r 3.2 m dye sublimation fabric printer, which is a result of the growing demand from users wanting the ability to print onto greener textile materials.
Thanks to dye sublimation technology, the TX3250r dyes fiber directly so the textile retains the original look and feel that users prefer. It offers brighter colors than other textile printing methods and is completely odorless. Selected printed textiles can be folded without leaving folding marks.
EFI's new fast drying ink enables the TX3250r to print at speeds up to 100 sq.m. direct to textile and transfer paper (for dying polyester-coated rigid or flexible substrates). Flags can be printed at this high speed in high definition and with excellent colour saturation on both sides.
"We are very excited to be adding the TX3250r to our leading portfolio of superwide-format products," said EFI VUTEk's general manager Scott Schinlever. "It is an outstanding example of EFI bringing innovation to the market. The TX3250r offers unrivalled print quality and saturated colors for wide-format textile at production speeds, so our customers can tap into high-growth applications."
The new printer's industrial design makes it suitable for 24/7 operations. It evolved from EFI's original VUTEk FabriVu printer concept, which was introduced in 2002 as the first industrial inkjet textile printing solution. Designed to print direct-to-textile or indirect via a transfer process, and incorporating sublimation dyes from Hilord that produce rich, durable colours on all polyester-based materials, the new EFI VUTEk TX3250r is easy to use as the key element of an integrated production system.
Used in conjunction with the Klieverik calender, the resulting output can be used for a broad selection of end applications, including soft signs, banners, point-of-sale and flags. In addition, the new solution from EFI also accommodates the growing popularity for home and commercial décor, including wall coverings and furnishings.
Running continuous demonstrations in a production environment at Sign & Digital UK, EFI's complete fabric solution includes finishing on a Solent industrial sewing machine and is complemented by a range of textiles from leading supplier Georg + Otto Friedrich, many of which are recyclable. These are produced specifically for wide-format digital production, offering a soft hand, durability, colorful finishes, and the extra benefits of light weight and ease of installation in a variety of end applications.
Sign & Digital UK will also see EFI's latest software options for sign-makers and display producers, designed to enhance accurate, color-managed workflow. These include the latest version of the Fiery XF RIP, as well as management solutions such as PrintSmith Sign, which are designed to help businesses run more efficiently. The company will also feature full details of its families of UV-curable printers and complementary products.