Mimaki announced the availability of its Tiger-1800B printing system in the Americas. The Tiger-1800B is described as a high-production inkjet printer capable of direct-to-textile or transfer dye sublimation output.
It is designed to deliver both large-scale production at manufacturing sites and small-scale production at on-demand sites, explains Mimaki, making it well suited for digital textile applications.
The 74.8-inch Tiger-1800B includes an adhesive belt transport system with belt washing technology and in-line heat drying unit for what Mimaki describes as an all-in-one process for direct-to-textile printing.
For high-volume production, it features 16 print heads in a staggered array for the direct-to-textile model, or 8 print heads for the transfer dye sublimation model, resulting in print speeds of up to 4,144 square feet per hour. Usable quality can be achieved even at these high print speeds to meet volume demands, explains Mimaki, or to quickly produce shorter-run projects such as for regional or seasonal fashion requirements.
Its print speeds are supported by what the company describes as a sophisticated textile transport system, achieved through twin pressure roller shafts attached to the edge of the transportation belt. Textiles are transported onto the belt through the rollers. Wrinkle and Media Jam sensors detect textile wrinkling or creasing early in order to minimize potential damage to the print heads from collisions with raised or jammed textiles.
As previously mentioned, the Tiger’s belt washing mechanism prevents stains on fresh fabric from ink remaining on the belt. It is equipped with two squeegees to prevent splash-back, and two heaters to dry and re-activate the belt surface. A cleaning liquid is automatically applied to each wiper before and after head cleaning. This liquid enhances the head cleaning process, explains Mimaki, and reduces daily maintenance time by providing a clean wiper.
The Tiger-1800B printer features Variable Dot Printing and a standard Degassing Module reduces clogging by removing air bubbles in the ink, and an Ink Circulation ensures stable ink supply by constantly circulating the ink.
Options for the direct-to-textile model include: a Roll Media Centering Unit featuring a feeding unit with a centering device and tension bar; a Jumbo Roll Unit; a Plaited Unit; and a Drying and Take-Up Unit for high density printed fabrics. The dye sublimation model includes the Jumbo Roll Unit as a standard feature.
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