Mimaki USA Introduces Its First Direct-to-Film Printer and Heat Transfer Pigment Ink

 

Mimaki USA has announced the launch of its first direct-to-film (DTF) printer, the TxF150-75, along with the new heat transfer pigment ink, PHT50, specifically designed for DTF applications. These innovations are set to hit the market in the summer of 2023, targeting the textile and apparel printing industry, particularly for wearable printing applications like T-shirts.

 

DTF printing has gained significant traction in the textile and apparel sector. The process involves printing designs directly onto a special transfer film. This film is then coated with a hot-melt powder, which is subsequently heated and dried to form a transferable ink layer. The final step involves transferring the ink layer onto fabric using a heat press, resulting in a finished product.

 

The Mimaki TxF150-75 is an advanced inkjet printer capable of producing DTF print transfer sheets with a maximum width of 80 cm (31.5”). Complementing this printer is the new PHT50 heat transfer pigment ink, available in five colors (CMYK and white). The PHT50 ink is anticipated to receive the ECO PASSPORT certification by March 2023, ensuring compliance with the OEKO-TEX international safety standards for textile products.

 

To address common issues such as ink ejection defects and white ink clogging that have affected previous DTF printers, Mimaki has implemented a degassing ink design in their new system, promising improved reliability and performance.