Epson has introduced its first direct-to-garment printer, the SureColor SC-F2000. Epson’s entry into the textile industry is marked by a large format printer that was wholly designed and developed using Epson’s proprietary technology – from its newly developed PrecisionCore print head to its UltraChrome DG ink – and even in the pretreatment liquid used in the process.
Online t-shirt shops, production t-shirt printers, and even corporate users will benefit from the SC-F2000, with its crack-resistant ink that is soft against the skin. Users can configure the system to suit their needs by choosing from two sets of CMYK ink for white garments or up to four white inks for color garments.
While this is Epson’s first direct-to-garment printer to be unveiled, the printing solutions leader is no stranger to the textile industry. Epson has been an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) for the direct-to-garment industry for more than 10 years.
According to Jino Carlo Alvarez, head of Epson Philippines’ Commercial & Industrial Department: “This printer is unique to this industry, in the sense that this is the first system where the entire printer has been designed and manufactured by a single brand. The hardware and ink are designed to work together and users benefit from the reliability and high-quality output that Epson is renowned for.”
Featuring Epson’s durable PrecisionCore Thin Film Piezo (TFP) printhead, the SC-F2000 is capable of quick production without sacrificing print quality.
The PrecisionCore TFP printhead is an evolution of Epson’s Micro Piezo printhead technology, which gives Epson inkjet printers its award-winning print quality. PrecisionCore allows for a greater nozzle density and increased ink droplet placement control which, in turn, allows for greater printing quality and speed.
When used in conjunction with Epson’s UltraChrome DG Ink (available in 250 or 600ml cartridges), the SureColor SC-F2000 excels on dark fabric, because it’s white ink is tough. The white ink is circulated within the system and has been designed to reduce clogging, which increases productivity, allowing deadlines to be met consistently.
The SC-F2000 offers a resolution of up to 1440x1440dpi for accurate dot shape and placement, while its wide color gamut produces vibrant colors, sharp contours, and smooth gradations.
Despite its ability to create a lasting visual impact, Epson’s UltraChrome DG ink is kind to those it comes into contact with. The eco-friendly ink has been awarded a part certification from Oeko-Tex Standard 1001, which means it doesn’t contain any harmful substrates.