Epson Launches SureColor F2270 Textile Printer For DTG, DTFilm Market
The digital printing of textiles is advancing faster than ever in the last few years. This has been made possible by new inks and printers. Epson leads innovation in the textile sector as a market leader.
As its latest entry into the digital textile printing segment, Epson has introduced its new hybrid SureColor® F2270 printer. SureColor’s F2270 printer can be used for both direct-to garment (DTG), and direct-to film (DTFilm). It offers DTFilm capabilities while minimizing environmental impact. SureColor F2270 can also be used for transfers to various materials including unique shaped products.
“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.
In August 2023, Epson Authorized Professional Imaging resellers will offer it at an estimated price of $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. Its ease-of-use has been demonstrated in beta testing, he said.
“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. These inks comply with Oeko-Tex’s ECO Passport and are packaged in sealed packs rather than cartridges. The pack comes in an ink pouch, so there is 70% less landfill space.”
The automatic garment thickness optimizer is a new feature for mid-level models. It measures the thickness of the fabric using multiple sensors while the load process takes place. The printer can then determine the garment profile, and adjust the height of the printhead to achieve optimal 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 times and improves high resolution processing. Epson Cloud Solution port allows the manager of the print shop to track and monitor production in real time. The SureColor F2270 has a touchscreen with ergonomically placed buttons.
“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.”
The most important thing is to create designs that the customers want and eliminate 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.”