Water-based sublimation transfer inkjet printer
"The evolution of production printing"
Nagano, Japan, August 29, 2018
Mimaki Engineering Co., Ltd. (Mimaki, headquartered in Tomi City, Nagano; President, Kazuaki IKEDA) announced the release of a NEW 1.8m (5.9 ft.) Roll to Roll water-based sublimation transfer inkjet printer.
The "TS55-1800" which realizes high productivity, stable long-time operation and low running cost, will be available from October 2018.
In the textile/apparel market, digital printers which can produce small to medium runs of various designs in a short period of time have recently attracted rising attention. Especially within fashion industry where time to market as well as smaller production runs are more important nowadays. “This is where MIMAKI's digital dye-sublimation printer TS55-1800 comes into the game. With various print modes suitable for any work provided, ranging from high-speed print with a maximum rate of 140 sqm/h (1,506 sq.ft/h) focusing on productivity, to quality-oriented print with enhanced picture quality, our new printer is the right option to achieve all these customer requirements,” says Kazuaki Ikeda.
By newly enabling the use of "MAPS (*1)" in high-speed mode (70 sqm/h;753 sq.ft/h) printing, TS55-1800 achieves both high productivity and highest print quality. Furthermore, new optional units -- "Mini jumbo roll unit" and "10kg Ink-supply unit" were adopted to allow for stable and continuous operations during high-speed printing.
The "mini jumbo roll unit" is a feeding unit to load [Mimaki Vision Jet-X] transfer paper with a length of about 2,500m (8,202 ft). When running the printer at its maximum speed (140 sqm/h;1,506 sq.ft/h), a 150 meter (492 ft) roll of transfer paper runs out in approximately 2 hours. The system was therefore incapable of coping with extended continuous operation such as overnight printing in the absence of operators. The combination of "Mimaki Vision Jet-X" and the mini jumbo roll allows for unattended printing for a long time. The mini jumbo roll also contributes to reducing the running cost with lower paper costs per square meter in comparison to normal plotter rolls.
The "10kg (22 lb) ink supply unit" is a unit to set a 10kg ink tank for a single color. The larger quantity tank allows for extended continuous operations. Compared with the conventional 2L ink pack, it significantly reduces the ink unit price per quantity.
The "TS55-1800" achieves both high productivity and stunning print quality while ensuring reliable long-time continuous operation and cutting the production cost when equipped with its optional units.
*1 Mimaki advanced pass system: Function that reduces banding and uneven color
Overview
- Maximum output speed of 140 sqm/h (1,506 sq.ft/h)
- Option units provide for the achievement of low running cost and long-time continuous operation
- Newly developed heads to ensure high-quality print even at a high speed
- "NCU" and "NRS" technologies for stable operation
- Sophisticated "TxLink4 Lite"(*2) RIP software that has been further advanced
*2 You may choose either "TxLink4" or "RasterLink6Plus" as a standard provision when purchasing the product. - Spot color inks (light black/fluorescent inks (*3)) that enable more beautiful and unique expression
*3 Scheduled to be available in November 2018 - Transfer paper enabling long-time continuous operation -- "Mimaki Vision Jet-X"
Main features
1. Maximum output speed of 140 sqm/h (1,506 sq.ft/h)
Incorporates various print modes suitable for any work, ranging from high-speed print with a maximum rate of 140 sqm/h (1,506 sq.ft/h) to practical quality print with output speed of 55 sqm/h (592 sq.ft/h) and finally, quality-oriented enhanced picture quality print speed of 31 sqm/h (333 sq. ft/h). The practical quality mode achieves approximately 140% (*4) higher productivity in comparison with our conventional model (TS300P-1800).
*4 Comparison using TS55-1800:600x600dpi, 2pass and TS300P-1800:720x720dpi, 4pass, Hi (in the practical quality mode)
2. Option units provide for the achievement of low running cost and long-time continuous operation
Mini jumbo roll unit
This is a feeding unit to load [Mimaki Vision Jet-X] transfer paper with a length of about 2,500m (8,202 ft). Reduces the cost per square meter and shortens the downtime due to media replacement in comparison to smaller transfer paper rolls.
10kg (22 lb) ink supply unit
This is an ink supply unit to set a 10kg (22 lb) ink tank for a single color. Compared with the conventional 2L ink pack, the running cost is much reduced and the downtime due to ink replacement is shortened.
Extended heater
This is an extended heater installed to the lower part of the standard heater. The heater enhances the ink-drying capability and prevents the "blocking" of medium (caused by still wet ink obstructing the feeding of the media during high-speed print), thus ensuring stable production.
3. Newly developed heads to ensure high-quality print even at high speed
The "MAPS" functionality providing gradation to printed pass boundaries maintains stable print quality by reducing banding and uneven color. The "TS55-1800" equipped with newly developed heads enables the "MAPS" in the high-speed mode, which has been unavailable so far. The technology allows the simultaneous pursuit of both high speed and high quality.
4. Technologies for uninterrupted reliable printing operation
Mimaki's unique automatic nozzle check unit ("NCU") is mounted. When the NCU detects a missing nozzle, it automatically performs cleaning to solve the problem. When the missing nozzle is still unsolved even after the cleaning, "NRS" is used to continue printing by switching to another nozzle. The print can be restarted to maintain productivity, without the need to wait for a service representative.
5. Sophisticated "TxLink4 Lite" RIP software that has been further advanced
A 16-bit rendering realizes beautiful gradation expression.
Rendering upgraded from 8bit to 16bit enables more beautiful gradation expression. (*5)
*5 An 8-bit rendering is used depending on the file format or color space.
Parallel RIP and load balancing functions make production more efficient.
The RIP process for multiple pieces of print data can be performed in parallel. In addition, thanks to the load balancing function for print jobs, jobs can be assigned to vacant printers automatically, allowing efficient production when multiple printers are connected (*6,7).
*6 Identical printers / identical ink-set printers
*7 Additional printer licenses corresponding to the number of connected printers are required.
Parallel RIP function
RIP processes can be performed in parallel, making production that uses multiple printers (*6,7) efficient.
The parallel processing capability can handle up to 8 jobs.
Load balancing function
Print jobs are pooled and automatically assigned to multiple printers (*6,7).
Variable print function tailored to applications for apparel is provided.
Variable data such as uniform numbers and player names can be directly imported from CSV file to create print jobs. Text can also be processed using methods such as text outline fills and arched text layout.
6. Spot color inks (light black/fluorescent inks) that enable more beautiful and unique expression
Light black ink enables stunning gray-scale expression.
Because sublimation transfer print uses a high-density black ink, graininess or tone jump may occur in some cases. Light black ink adds to smooth print expression without graininess or tone jump.
Fluorescent inks enable unique expression.
The demand for fluorescent inks is rising in products such as uniforms and other sports apparel, fashion apparel representing Japanese cute pop culture, and eye-catching bright soft signage. To use fluorescent inks as the complementary colors of process colors, not to mention as spot colors, a multi-color mode (*8) is provided. The fluorescent inks complement magenta and yellow to realize brighter colors.
*8 Only available in TxLink4
7. Transfer paper enabling long-time continuous operation -- "Mimaki Vision Jet-X"
"Mimaki Vision Jet-X" mini jumbo rolls featuring approximately 2,500 meters (8,202 ft) of transfer paper is scheduled for announcement concurrently with model "TS55-1800". When running the "TS55-1800" printer at its maximum speed (140 sqm/h; 1,506 sq.ft/h), a 150 meter (492 ft) roll of transfer paper runs out in approximately 2 hours. The system was therefore incapable of coping with extended continuous operation such as overnight printing in the absence of operators. The combination of "Mimaki Vision Jet-X” and the mini jumbo roll allows for unattended printing for a long time. The mini jumbo roll also contributes to reducing the running cost with lower paper costs per square meter in comparison to normal plotter rolls.
Specifications
| Item | "Mimaki Vision Jet-X" mini jumbo roll |
|---|---|
| Code | MTW-350-162-2500 |
| Width | 1,620 mm |
| Length | 2,500 - 2,575 m |
| Weight | 232 kg |
| Dimension | 500 mm |
| Basis weight | 57 g/sqm |
| Thickness | 0.082 mm |
| Print surface | Outside |
TS55-1800 Specifications
Unit
| Item | TS55-1800 | |
|---|---|---|
| Print head | Head Assy Stagger layout | |
| Print resolution | 480/600/1,200dpi | |
| Max. print width | 1,940 mm (76.4 in) | |
| Max. media width | 1,950 mm (76.8 in) | |
| Media weight | 45 kg (99.2 lb) or less | |
| Ink slot No. | 8 | |
| Ink set | 4-colors / 6-colors / 7-colors / 8-colors | |
| Ink | Type/Color | Sb610 (Bl/M/Y/K/Lbl/Lm/Lk/Fy/Fp) |
| Capacity | 2L ink pack | |
| Safety standard | VCCI Class A / FCC Class A / Compliant with IEC 62368-1, ETL / CE Marking (EMC, Low voltage, Machinery directive, and RoHS)/ CB Report / REACH / Energy Star / RCM / EAC |
|
| Interface | Ethernet 1000BASE-T (Recommended) / USB 2.0 Hi-speed | |
| Power | Single phase AC100 - 120V/ AC200 - 240V x1 | |
| Power consumption | (AC100V) 1.44kW or less / (AC200V) 1.92kW or less | |
| Operational environment | Temperature: 20-30 degrees, Humidity：35-65% Rh (Non condensing) | |
| Dimensions (W × D × H) | 3,240 x 713 x 1,857 mm (127.5 x 28.0 x 73.1 in) | |
| Weight | 202 kg (445.3 lb) | |
Mini jumbo roll unit (Option)
| Item | Mini jumbo roll unit | |
|---|---|---|
| Roll media size | Max. weight: Winding 100 kg (220.5 lb) / Feeding 300 kg (661.4 lb) Max. diameter: Winding 290 mm (11.4 in) / Feeding 600 mm (23.6 in) Max. width: 1,910 mm (75.1 in) / Max. printable width: 1,900 mm (74.8 in) |
|
| Power | Single phase AC200-240V x 1 | |
| Power consumption | (AC200V) 1.0kW or less | |
| Dimensions (W × D × H) | Unit size: 2,770 x 905 x 600 mm (109.0 x 35.6 x 23.6 in) Size with the main unit: 3,240 x 1,850 x 1,857 mm (127.5 x 72.8 x 73.1 in) |
|
| Weight | 100 kg (220.5 lb) | |
10kg ink supply unit (Option)
| Item | 10kg ink supply unit | |
|---|---|---|
| Ink set | 4-colors / 6-colors / 7-colors / 8-colors (*9) | |
| Ink | Type/Color | Sb610 (Bl/M/Y/K/Lbl/Lm/Lk/Fy/Fp) |
| Capacity | 10kg ink pack (per color) (*10) | |
| Dimensions (W × D × H) | Unit size: 824 x 1,035 x 383 mm (32.4 x 40.7 x 15.0 in) Size with the main unit: 4,108 x 1,035 x 1,484 mm (161.7 x 40.7 x 58.4 in) |
|
| Weight | 35 kg (77.2 lb) | |
*9 The 6C, 7C and 8C are scheduled to be available later. *10 Lk, Fy and Fp are by 2L.
Extended heater (Option)
| Item | Extended heater | |
|---|---|---|
| Power | Single phase AC100-120V / AC200-240V x 1 | |
| Power consumption | (AC100V) 1.0kW or less / (AC200V) 1.0kW or less | |
| Dimensions (W × D × H) | Unit size: 2,336 x 108 x 236 mm (91.9 x 4.2 x 9.2 in) Size with the main unit: 3,240 x 775 x 1,857 mm (127.5 x 30.5 x 73.1 in) | |
| Weight | 15 kg (33.1 lb) | |
* Specifications, designs and dimensions stated in this list may be subject to change without notice due to technical improvement etc.
Contact
MIMAKI ENGINEERING CO., LTD.
Global Marketing Department
1628-1 Shigeno-Otsu, Tomi-city, Nagano 389-0512 JAPAN
Tel: +81-(0)268-80-0078 / Fax: +81-(0)268-80-0041