Mimaki TS34-1800A production dye sub printer launch

Mimaki is set to launch a new 1.8m wide, production dye sublimation printer. The TS34-1800A has been designed specifically for the sublimation printing market with high speed and quality in mind. Sublimation transfer printing is widely utilised for sportswear applications due to the elasticity and quick-drying capability of polyester material as well as in the growing market of soft signage applications, such as flags, retail point of sale and exhibition graphics.

With a staggered array of two newly developed print heads, the Mimaki TS34-1800A is capable of printing up to 32sqm/hr at 540 x 720 dpi. In addition to this significant production speed, the machine can achieve a printing speed of 17.7sqm/hr in six colour mode at the same resolution, where customers have a requirement for superior quality prints, with smooth gradations of tone and colour. These features make the TS34-1800A suitable for both large-sized soft signs and apparel applications, which respectively require a quick response and fine image quality.

In addition to this increased print speed and quality, various practical functions also contribute to the improved productivity of the machine by enabling automated continuous operation. Mimaki's UISS function enables the setting of two ink cartridges per colour in four colour mode. When an ink cartridge is depleted, the system switches automatically to the second cartridge of the same colour, preventing the printing process from stopping.

The optional Mimaki Bulk Ink System (MBIS) provides large volume continuous ink supply with two litre ink sacks. As a result, overall ink costs along with users' environmental footprint are substantially reduced. Mimaki also offers an optional drying fan which increases the ink drying speed significantly, enabling continuous media take-up even during high speed printing.

Commenting on the launch of the machine, Hybrid's marketing manager, Duncan Jefferies said: "The new Mimaki TS34-1800A delivers a competitively priced solution at a popular width and with powerful production capabilities. The response from our specialist textile resellers suggests they're already confident the dye sub market will very quickly adopt this machine for volume output."

Using aqueous ink to print to polyester ensures the Mimaki printing solution has excellent green credentials and the TS34-1800A, packaged with Mimaki's RasterLink Pro RIP software, will be available from early 2012 through Hybrid's authorised reseller network.

For further information telephone Hybrid on 01270 501900 or visit www.hybridservices.co.uk