Mimaki USA has introduced its TS30-1300 entry-level dye sublimation printer for light production environments. This 54-inch-wide, roll-based model is a dedicated dye sublimation transfer paper printer ideal for first-time users or design shops producing short-run pieces, samples and custom work for transfer to textiles or hard surfaces. The TS30 is best suited to just-as-needed production of apparel prototypes and custom goods. The printer is purpose-built for easy operation with features and functionality specifically for sublimation transfer printing.
According to a whitepaper published in 2015 by the International Sign Association (ISA) based on a study conducted by InfoTrends, placements of digital textile printing systems are growing on a global scale and mass customization is driving the growth of digital printing, particularly in soft signage applications. The TS30 printer supports these growth trends, said the OEM, providing textile design studios and manufacturers the ability to more quickly create new designs, and gives sign shops and those in the visual communications industry the ability to produce custom, textile-based graphics such as soft signage for exhibits.
“The TS30 printer supports the signage and exhibit industries’ growing demand for textile, delivering lightweight, easily rolled and packaged products that are more durable than many hard-surface applications,” said Tommy Martin, Textiles and Apparel Product Manager, Mimaki USA. “Exhibits of all sizes are a good opportunity for soft signage, from short-term such as tradeshows, to mid-term, such as art shows. Likewise, soft signage is attractive for retailers and brand managers because it can be used to produce windsails, dancers and other attention-grabbing applications that are also easy to handle and less expensive to ship.”
Key features of the new printer include:
- A selected set of functions designed for ease-of-use, even for novice users. The printer is bundled with Mimaki RasterLink6 RIP software, for a quick start to production immediately after installation.
- High quality. The TS30 printer utilizes variable-dot imaging along with Mimaki Advanced Pass System (MAPS) that applies ink in gradations over several passes using a blending mask pattern. This unique imaging technology reduces banding and uneven color printing.
Just-as-needed production. This 54-inch model gives designers and print shops the ability to produce only what’s necessary without the need to sub-contract, enabling them to maintain control of the quality and timelines throughout the printing-transfer-finishing process – as well as the entire revenue stream. It can achieve print speeds of up to 211 square feet (19.6 square metres) per hour in four-colour mode.- Economical dye sublimation ink and continuous printing. The TS30 printer uses Mimaki Sb54 dye sublimation inks that produce vibrant colours on polyester material. The printer can be configured to run dual-CMYK inks or in six-colour mode with the addition of light blue and light magenta. Mimaki’s Uninterrupted Ink Supply System (UISS) automatically switches to a full 440-ml ink cartridge when one cartridge is empty (in four-colour mode). An optional 2-litre bulk ink system is also available.
The Mimaki TS30-1300 dye sublimation printer will be available in the Canada, the U.S. and Latin America in May.
