With a new Managing Director at the helm in Craig Heckenberg and more new product releases at one show than ever before, Epson Australia showed new technologies covering dye-sublimation, bulk ink-feed solvent and technical printers and high-speed digital inkjet at PrintEx.
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| Craig Heckenberg - new MD at the helm of Epson but a seasoned Epson veteran |
For the first time anywhere in the world, the new SureColor F560, a 24-inch (610mm) benchtop dye-sublimation printer with integrated bulk ink system was shown.
The SureColor F560 has been designed to replace small-format screen printing. When used in conjunction with a small-format heat press it provides a very low-cost solution for custom and short-run imaging on a wide range of materials and promotional products.
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| Epson's new F560 benchtop dyesub printer |
It prints using Epson’s PrecisionCore printheads at up to 2400x1200 dpi and, as it the characteristic of the dye-sub process, final colours are extremely vivid and durable on fabrics with 50% or more polyester and items such as ceramic, glass, metal, wood, certain plastics, fibreglass and polycarbonates, that can be treated with a polyester priming coat.
A range of sublimation transfer papers will be made available in both sheets and rolls. The SC-F560 also incorporates a pop-up multi-page cut sheet tray that will accept A4 and A3 stock and will auto-switch between the roll and sheet format. For customers that have higher production requirements there is an optional stand that incorporates a media bin.
The UltraChrome DS ink is held in a convenient tank system, similar to the ‘Eco-Tank’ office printers, that is refilled using cost-effective 140 ml bottles, with refilling possible while printing is underway.
The SureColor F560 is expected to be commence shipping in November 2019 with pricing to be announced in September.
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| Epson's new bulk ink system for sign printers |
Also new on the dye-sub front was the SureColor F6360, 44-inch dye-sublimation printer created for soft signage, merchandise, custom décor and clothing manufacturers.
Commenting on how Epson manages colour in the dye sub process, Business Marketing Manager Gordon Kerr said it is essential to measure and profile the final colour on the chosen material once sublimated to control the ‘variables’ of using an intermediate carrier paper, heat and pressure. “Consistency throughout the process is needed and printers need to be linearised,” he said.
The new bulk (1.5 litre per colour) ink-feed SureColor S60660L and S80660L 64” signage printers were there to be seen, with the 60660L being a dual CMYK printer for extra speed and the S80660L being a ten-colour including white UltraChrome GS3 inkset printer for superior colour effects. Both use twin PrecisionCore TFP piezo printheads and feature the bulk ink feed system using 1.5 litre pouches instead of 700ml cartridges.
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| Integrated scanner on new T5460M |
Epson also released its first integrated scanner CAD/GIS/AEC printer, the T5460M which can also be used for good quality CMYK posters from the UltraChrome XD2 pigment ink. This is a fast 36” (915mm) printer producing A1 technical drawings in as little as 22 seconds.
Pride of the fleet must be the new SurePress L-6534VW label press which now features two PrecisionCore lineheads per colour which is CMYK + White and a digital varnish. Maximum resolution is 600 x 1200dpi. Speed has increased to a maximum of 50 linear metres per minute. It’s a roll-to-roll machine with finishing offline.
As always, the Epson stand was very well patronised and it is clear that the company sees growth in industrial and textile ‘Printwear/Promotional’ printing sectors.
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| Pride of the fleet - Epson's new SurePress L-6534VW digital label press |
