As its latest entry into the digital textile printing segment, Epson has introduced its new hybrid SureColor® F2270 printer. The SureColor (r) F2270 printer offers direct-to film (DTFilm), as well as direct-to fabric (DTG). The SureColor F2270 is also capable of transfering to a wide variety of materials including unique-shaped items.
“The SureColor F2270 is a mid-level printer, slotting between the SureColor F3070 high volume printer for production houses, and the SureColor F2100 for mid-level volume printing, such as 100 shirts for an event. The SureColor F2270 reaches into a more commercial lower level,” Tim Check, senior product manager, Professional Imaging, Epson America, Inc., noted.
The estimated MSRP is $18,995.
Check noted that the SureColor F2270 is Epson’s third-generation mid-level DTG system, and the improvements were based on customer feedback. He noted that beta testing had shown the ease of use.
“What we heard from our customers is the importance of doing it right the first time, reducing waste and demand for resources,” said Check. “You don’t want 80% to be usable. You want sellable print quality the first time every time, whether it’s on a tote bag, a T-shirt or shoes.”
The SureColor F2270 hybrid printer implements Epson’s new PrecisionCore® MicroTFP printhead with Nozzle Verification Technology, which should make the printer’s life easier.
“We are focusing on how we build for quality and having the system run reliably,” Check said. “The latest of our PrecisionCore printheads are self-aware with Nozzle Verification Technology, which knows where every droplet goes, and it will compensate if there are some nozzles out. It knows what color needs to be cleaned and what the optimal level of cleaning on which color needs to be done, so it doesn’t go through a whole cycle if it isn’t needed.”
As for inks, new UltraChrome® DG2 ink offers vibrant colors and sharp detail at up to 20% faster when printing on dark garments, compared to the previous generation model with printing 13.6” x 16.0” dark garments at default print quality, the company noted.
“UltraChrome DG2 is a new ink chemistry, designed for greater clarity and reduced bleed,” Check reported. “It offers a CMKY+White ink set, which produces bolder colors. The inks comply with Oeko-Tex’s ECO PASSPORT, and are packaged in sealed ink packets rather than cartridges. The pack comes in an ink pouch, so there is 70% less landfill space.”
The automatic garment thickness optimization is a new feature for the mid-level line. It measures the thickness of the garment using multiple sensors while the load process is in progress. The printer can then determine the garment profile and adjust the printhead to achieve optimal print quality.
“Epson has had garment thickness optimization on our industrial lines and is now bringing it to mid-level printers,” Check said. “The printer creates a height map for what you want to print on, such as a shirt pocket.”
Software-wise, Epson Garment Creator 2 increases processing time and improves high-resolution processing. Epson Cloud Solution port allows print shop managers to monitor and track production in real time. In addition, SureColor F2270 is equipped with a 4.3 inch touchscreen interface and ergonomically placed control keys.
“Our Epson Garment Creator 2 software makes it easy for users,” said Check. “And the updated Cloud Solution PORT cloud-based system monitors the printers and offers remote support. Additionally, Epson sells the SD-10 color spectrophotometer, that’s compatible with the SureColor F2270, for color selection and color matching.”
It is important to design vibrant, attractive designs that will appeal to customers and reduce waste.
“The SureColor F2270 is designed for users and suppliers alike,” Check said. “Our goal is to create fashionable garments that people are going to love. This allows designers to come up with cool designs, and if you do it right and the customers want those products, you end up with a lot less waste, save a lot of time and money, and the customers are less likely to throw these items away.”