Epson is launching a new direct to garment (DTG) printer, the Epson SureColor F2100, to replace the existing SC-F2000 model with a number of enhancements and new features.
Epson says the new printer has improved speed and reliability, lower targeted TCO (total cost of ownership) and the ability to create print designs using Epson’s Garment Creator software.
The SC-F2100 is being aimed at anyone who wants to add direct-to-garment printing to their services, including production t-shirt printers, online t-shirt retailers, high and low-volume print companies, as well as corporates who want to produce their own branded workwear or promotional items.
The company says the printer is being released internationally from March. List price in Australia is not yet known but will likely be less than $30,000.
The SC-F2100 is said to offer speedier results than its predecessor, with additional fast print modes and improved ink circulation for quicker start-up, and incorporate improved screening for smoother reproduction of images and a wider gamut. Epson says the SC-F2100 also has an auto-maintenance mode with a separate cleaning cartridge to reduce scheduled maintenance, as well as a dust catcher to prevent fluff and dust on the printhead. The company says it comes with an optional fabric platen grip pad and platen grip tool to make garment placement easier.
Epson says its first direct-to-garment printer was a success, so following it up was always going to be a challenge. With the SC-F2100 it says it has managed to improve in every area – claiming faster, higher quality and more versatile, with software that makes it easy to create designs.
The company says the printer is capable of making high-quality full colour prints on various items including t-shirts, sweatshirts, polo shirts and tote bags.
The company says the new DTG printer provides a complete Epson solution including printer, printhead, ink, software and warranty, meaning the user can be assured that all parts have been designed and extensively tested to work optimally together.
Along with the printer, Epson is offering its Garment Creator utility, software allows users to add text and multiple images, create user presets for image adjustment, and provides a hot folder and CMYK image support.