Ricoh has announced what it describes as a ‘digital industrial garment decoration first’ in the form of the Pro D1600 direct-to-film printer and shaker/dryer system capable of printing at over 20sqm/hr.
To be officially launched at Fespa Global Print Expo in Amsterdam, Netherlands from 19 March 2024, the new printer has been developed in Europe and will be supported by Europe-sourced film. Ricoh says the printer has been designed to help screen printers and large- and medium-sized textile printing specialists make the transition from analogue to digital printing.
The Pro D1600 uses three Ricoh printheads and supports film up to 1600mm wide. It prints CMYK plus white with newly-developed DtF-optimsed Ricoh Pro DTF Ink which is said to support high-speed jetting and high white opacity. Ricoh also notes that is certified by the Global Organic Textile Standard Accreditation programme (GOTS), a voluntary accreditation programme that requires all raw materials to be certified organic to a recognised international or national standard. This covers processing practices, inputs and requirements for environmental management, social responsibility and safety in addition.
Axel Stuhlreiter, head of textile solutions, Graphic Communications Group, Ricoh Europe, said, ‘This latest addition to our portfolio opens up the production of high volume designs that can be printed and shipped for local, on-demand application onto garments.
‘Ideally suited to screen printers and industrial garment decorators looking to make their transition to digital or enhance their digital capabilities, the Pro D1600 is responsive and sustainably responsible. It maximises productivity with its inline powder shaker that helps eliminate a traditional bottleneck and media is delivered in jumbo rolls for fewer change-overs. We are excited to see how this high volume system will help industrial operations transform their production power.’
The unusually wide print capability – most DtF printers are in the 60 – 75cm range, though some exceed a metre – suggests that as well as high volume garment decoration, the D1600 may suit a host of emerging non-textile DtF applications.
The Ricoh Pro D1600 is available immediately and is also available for testing, along with other Ricoh textile printers, at Ricoh’s Textile Competence Centre in Frankfurt, Germany.
