By Marc Verbeem, Supervisor Product Management, Mimaki Europe

Since launching the first UV printer with white ink in 2004, Mimaki have been a trailblazer in the development of innovative UV-LED technology. Our range of UV printers grew as recently as September last year, with the introduction of the UCJV330-160 and the UJV100-160Plus. In this blog, Marc Verbeem will detail how using UV-LED printing, you are not only upgrading the quality of the print but also meeting sustainability targets the entire industry is striving towards.

Better, faster and for longer

Striking, high-resolution prints are naturally the number one priority for any printer in any industry, and a switch to UV can not only elevate your designs but also expand your printing possibilities. The layered printing functions of our new printers allow for gloss, matte or other textured finishes to be added during the printing process, giving designs an almost 3D effect. As well as this, UV inks dry instantly, without any smudging or colour bleeding, leaving you with a print that not only boasts vivid, photo-realistic image quality but is ready for use immediately.

The removal of the drying process drastically increases the production speed, something that is crucial when keeping up with increased demand. Looking at the sign industry as an example, according to Keypoint Intelligence’s research, more than 60% of large format print jobs need to be turned around in less than 24 hours[1]. Having a UV printer will help supply keep up with demand, and also save money in investing in additional printers to do so.

UV printing is incredibly versatile, with the ability to be applied to a wide range of traditionally hard-to-print surfaces, such as paper, plastic, glass, metal, wood and more. This is a massive advantage in the luxury packaging industry, where bottles and containers can be irregular shapes and be made of a variety of materials. Another advantage of UV, in comparison to traditional methods, is the durability of the inks. UV inks are more resistant to scratches, fading and abrasion, which makes them particularly suitable for outdoor applications, for example, car wrapping.

Leaving your mark in print, not on the planet

While the immediate focus of printers is providing high quality prints to customers, there is an underlying long-term goal to make the industry more sustainable. By using UV-LED, you can make significant reductions in your waste and carbon emissions, while improving the quality of your print.

As mentioned previously, there is no curing and drying process with UV, which subsequently means there is no accompanying curing heater. By removing this part of the process, you can reduce energy consumption by 90%, thus significantly reducing your carbon footprint.

Another way that UV-LED printing is more sustainable is through use of waterless inks. There is a myth that water-based inks are better for the environment, however, health and safety data show that 35% of chemical make up in latex inks, for example, are harmful and toxic to humans and the environment. The remaining 65%, which is made up of water, requires significant heat to evaporate, leading to more power consumption in the drying process. Water is the most valuable resource on the planet, the less we use the better and so using waterless inks is a fantastic way to reduce the amount of water we use.

Not only does UV-LED printing use less water and energy, but it also produces less waste. Traditional thermal print heads for latex printing need replacing regularly, however, UV printing uses Piezo electric print heads which have much longer durability. These print heads do not suffer thermal stress like thermal print heads do, which means they experience less degradation and also provide a more stable print quality. Over the lifetime of the printer (approximately five to seven years if well maintained), with a Piezo print head, you will only go through two to three print heads. When you compare this to thermal print heads, which you may need to replace over fifty times in a two-year period, UV-LED will not only save on money spent on print heads but also significantly reduce waste.

For printers looking to both create stunning prints across various sectors and applications, and for a solution that aligns with their own and their customer’s environmental objectives, UV-LED printing is an ideal fit. This innovative and reliable technology offers a safe pair of hands to ensure both your prints and the planet are better off moving forward.

The layered printing functions of our new printers allow for gloss, matte or other textured finishes to be added during the printing process, giving designs an almost 3D effect

[1] Source: Keypoint Intelligence: Global printed signage market

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Mimaki Engineering Co., Ltd. (Head Office: Tomi-city, Nagano, Japan; President & CEO: Kazuaki Ikeda), a leading manufacturer of industrial inkjet printers, cutting plotters and 3D printers, announces that two of its products, the “UJV100-160Plus”, UV curable inkjet printer and the TxF series “TxF150-75” and ”TxF300-75” DTF (Direct-to-Film) printers have received the “EDP Awards 2024” from the European Digital Press Association (EDP).

The EDP Awards honour innovative products in the digital printing industry, selected by the EDP Technical Committee, which consists of independent consultants, editors, engineers, and other graphic industry-related experts. In its 17^th edition, the EDP Awards recognised Mimaki in two categories: “Best Roll-to-Roll Printer Less Than 170cm” and “Best Textile Printer Direct to Transfer”.

The Award-Winning Products

• UJV100-160Plus – UV Curable Inkjet Printer

The UJV100-160Plus, won the “Best Roll-to-Roll Printer Less Than 170cm” award. With a maximum power consumption of 0.5kW, the printer uses approximately 20% or less power^* than eco-solvent and latex printers, reducing both energy costs and CO₂ emissions. New features like the ink-saving function and maximum 3-layer printing enhance its capabilities, helping customers to lower their running costs and expand application possibilities.                     

• TxF series: TxF150-75 and TxF300-75 – DTF Printers

The TxF150-75 and TxF300-75 won the “Best Textile Printer Direct to Transfer” award. These DTF printers have been rapidly gaining popularity in the printwear market due to their stability and reliability, overcoming common issues of DTF printers in the market such as ink clogging and ejection failures. Mimaki’s advanced technology ensures consistent performance over long periods, making them ideal for various printing needs such as custom t-shirts, sportswear, and promotional items.

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TxF Series – EDP Award Winner 2024

UJV100-160Plus – EDP Award Winner

From left – Arjen Evertse – General Manager Sales Mimaki Europe, Jean Poncet-Vice Chairman of the EDP Association, Marc Verbeem-Product Manager Mimaki Europe and Danna Drion-General Manager Marketing Mimaki Europe

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An effective design is one that can catch the eye of the passer-by. However, the design or message can be missed if the final print is not dynamic and striking enough to draw the attention of the intended audience. Nowadays, advanced printing methods allow users to achieve striking results, through special effects, such as glossy or matte surfaces and glitter effects. When combining print layers with special textures, the results get even more eye-catching. Multi-layered printing can take your designs to the next level, by printing coloured, white, black, and clear layers over the top of each other, it allows for more interesting textures and colours, allowing your signs to reach their full potential.

Why UV?
Efficiency is a key benefit of UV printing. UV LED ink is cured immediately, meaning there is no drying time, so your sign and decorations will be ready as soon as they are printed. By curing immediately, there is no need for a drying heater, which reduces energy consumption and makes it the more sustainable printing option. In addition to this, UV ink can be used on a wide range of materials such as cloth, paper without a receptive layer, and PET film, which are difficult to print on using traditional latex or solvent, making UV LED printing not only more sustainable and effective but also more versatile than traditional methods.

Mimaki has been at the forefront of UV LED printing, with its latest UV printers, the UJV100-160Plus and the UCJV330-160, both excellent options when looking to multi-layer print. Based on the UJV100-160, the UJV100-160plus is the definitive entry-level model for sustainable sign and graphic printing with low running costs, versatile expression, and ease of printing for everyone. It has the basic functions of the conventional UJV100-160 with several additional features, most notably the pull-back printing function, which enables multi-layer printing up to three layers for a wide range of applications. The UCJV330-160, available from the beginning of 2024, implements many new features and innovations based on Mimaki’s proprietary UV printing technology and feedback from customers and resellers. It offers multi-layered printing up to five layers and its new generation of high-precision print heads means it is capable of incredibly detailed prints and high print speeds.

Discover our latest UCJV330-160 UV LED printer:

Single and two-layered printing

Printing on a single layer is the fastest method of printing and can be used for general signage. On a single layer, the print layer construction can only be colour, white, or clear. Colours can still be vibrant and dynamic; however, this method is limited and will not make use of the full capabilities of Mimaki’s UV printers.

Adding a layer can level up your backlit or window sign. When printing with one layer for a backlit sign, the colours look too dark when the backlight is off, however, when printing on two layers, the quality of the print when the backlight is off is far better. It also allows an additional clear layer to be added, which can give the sign more texture and a glossy effect.

For window signs, printing on just one layer will result in poor visibility due to the colour transparency, however with two-layer printing, having a white layer underneath will allow the colours to be more vivid, making the decoration more vibrant and brighter.

Three Layered Printing

While printing on two layers can bring out more vibrant colours for signs and decorations, it can be taken a step further with three-layer printing. Returning to backlit signs, while two-layer printing can keep the sign looking bright with the backlight switched off, some parts of the image are clipped white when it is on. Three-layer printing, which adds a white layer in between two coloured layers, can maintain the beauty of the image even when the backlight is off.

Returning to window decoration, two-layer printing only gives great visibility from one side, with the back being all white. By having a colour layer under and on top of the white layer, window prints can be colourful and vibrant from both sides.

The UJV100-160Plus pull-back feature allows for multi-layer printing regardless of the ink set. So, depending on the sign you are trying to create, you can either print white over colour, colour over white, or clear over colour. Alongside the pullback, another new feature of the UJV100-160Plus is the RasterLink7 software and its Tilt Compensation Function. Should the media be slightly skewed, the printer will be able to scan for any misalignments and will print the final layer per these misalignments. Guaranteeing quality printing even after the pullback.

A feature the UCJV330-160 can offer on three layers is watermark printing, allowing for two types of image expression on a single sign. Images and symbols printed with clear ink can appear once the backlight is switched on due to the different densities of the white layer printed under the colour layer. This can give these images and symbols a stylish ‘hidden’ or ‘invisible’ effect that livens up your design.

Three-layer printing, which adds a white layer in between two coloured layers, can maintain the beauty of the image even when the backlight is off.

The Simple POP software is compatible with the Mimaki UCJV150 and UCJV300 series

UV 2.5D effect at Drupa 2024

Four Layered Printing

By adding a fourth layer, you add a layer of black ink as well as white, colour, or clear. This unlocks the eye-catching ‘day and night effect’, where the image can change appearance depending if the backlight is on or off. For example, you could display an image of a car, which once the light turns on can reveal the engine and the interior of the vehicle. Or, more literally, display a city or town during the day with the light on and at night with it off.

It can be achieved by first printing a coloured layer, this is what will be displayed when the backlight is on, known as the ‘floating colour layer’. Over this a black layer is printed, to hide the floating layer while the light is turned off. This is then followed by a white layer, which increases the density of the fourth and final layer, the coloured layer that will display when the backlight is off. While it may sound complicated, thanks to the four-layer printing capabilities of the UCJV330-160 and its RasterLink software, stunning day and night designs can be created easily.

Five Layered Printing

The primary objective of a sign is to display information, and standard signage can display a single message to a single audience at one time. However, what if you wanted to display different information, to different people, at the same time? For example, a café would want to display to passers-by that they are open or advertise their products to entice people in. However, once they entered, the café may want to inform them on the free Wi-Fi they have on offer.

Five-layer printing allows the printing of two different images on the front and back of the same sheet. Printing colour, white, black, white, colour creates two high-quality images for the front and back. This is perfect for shop window stickers, as the side facing out can advertise the products, while the side facing in can display important information for customers.

Summary

Multi-layered printing is a great way to add some style and uniqueness to your signs and displays, with new possibilities at every layer. Mimaki’s UJV100-160Plus and the UCJV330-160 are not only great options for multi-layered printing through their versatility and innovative Mimaki technology, but by using UV they are also the most sustainable options for your sign and display.

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Mimaki launches eco-friendly carton ink cartridges to the global printing industry, significantly reducing plastic usage and improving recyclability.

This latest solution is another initiative by the company to support printers in reducing their environmental impact.

Mimaki Engineering Co. Ltd., a leading manufacturer of industrial inkjet printers, cutting plotters, and 3D printers, are proud to announce the global launch of its carton ink cartridges. This revolutionary move replaces traditional plastic cartridges with an environmentally friendly paper alternative, marking a significant stride towards sustainability in the printing industry.

The carton ink cartridges were initially introduced to the Japanese market in May 2023, and roll-out to the rest of the world starts as of today. Availability in the EMEA market is expected this summer. Designed for use in Mimaki’s eco-solvent printers, these cartridges retain exceptional performance while significantly reducing environmental impact.

By transitioning from plastic to paper, Mimaki has achieved a remarkable 68% reduction in plastic usage per cartridge. This innovative approach is projected to eliminate approximately 44 tons of plastic and 65 tons of CO2 emissions annually, underscoring Mimaki’s commitment to a greener future.

Moreover, the lighter weight of carton ink cartridges translates to an estimated 8-ton reduction in CO2 emissions during transportation, further contributing to a decarbonised society.

Recognising its groundbreaking design and eco-conscious packaging, the ink cartridge received the prestigious Industrial Packaging Category Award at the 2023 Japan Packaging Contest.

Innovating for a Greener Future

In alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Mimaki continues to champion resource-recycling management and technology.

Mimaki are also working towards sustainable solutions in various sectors, with the latest innovations including:

• Neo-Chromato Process: This innovative technology facilitates material recycling, leading to a substantial reduction in CO2 emissions through the reuse of textile materials.
• TRAPIS: The textile printing pigment transfer system enables printing on fabrics without the need for specialised techniques or expertise, promoting efficiency and sustainability in textile production
• M2COA: An automated packaging system for industrial product printing, which addresses labour shortage issues in the print service business by streamlining operations.

In addition to these solutions, all of which will be on display on its drupa 2024 stand, Mimaki has implemented environmental measures such as reducing cushioning material in 2L ink packs across all ink-producing plants as of March 2023.

Arjen Evertse, General Manager Sales EMEA at Mimaki Europe commented “We remain committed to innovation in all parts of the production process, from the ink cartridges to the technology itself, in pursuit of a positive environmental impact. To respond swiftly to social and environmental needs, we see the importance of advanced technologies such as automation, high-efficiency and high-speed printers, and waterless textile technology.

“Through all these sustainable initiatives, we continue to be dedicated in making a positive contribution to the global print community and fostering a sustainable future for generations to come.”

For more information on Mimaki’s ongoing sustainability initiatives, please visit: https://www.mimakieurope.com/sustainability/

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• The Italian company has chosen Mimaki technology to drive its growth in the textile digital printing market.
• With the addition of a cutting-edge Mimaki Tiger-1800B MkIII, Quicksilver achieved high-volume productivity and further expanded its application portfolio, winning back its market leadership position.

Trends in fashion are ever-evolving and unpredictable. For those companies working on the manufacturing side of these dynamic sectors, being at the forefront of the evolution and able to keep up with the rapid changes is key. Among others, dye sublimation printing technology has grown to become a must-have manufacturing tool when producing fashion. Why? Arguably, it enables users to achieve top quality with vibrant, consistent colours. It’s productive, efficient, cost-effective, easy to handle, and sustainable. To sum it up in one phrase, it ticks all the boxes.

Digital sublimation printing is at the core of Italian company, Quicksilver. Specialised in manufacturing digital printed fabrics and garments for different textile market segments, the company has leveraged cutting-edge sublimation printing solutions to diversify and strengthen its production and achieve a leading market position. Quicksilver seamlessly moved from screen print transfer to inkjet transfer printing thanks to the extensive range of Mimaki technologies on offer. The company has now successfully built a healthy business, working side by side with fashion laboratories serving high-end fashion brands, as well as with premium sportswear brands. More recently, the company was faced with an increasingly competitive global market and all the changes and disruptions caused by COVID-19. To overcome the challenges, Quicksilver opted for a Mimaki Tiger-1800B MkIII, a cutting-edge industrial printer that brought in higher speeds, higher productivity, and unmatched quality, enabling the company to explore new opportunities and take the business to the next level.

Discover our latest Tiger600-1800TS high speed sublimation printer:

Surfing inkjet sublimation printing technology

Quicksilver was established in 1987 in Padua (Italy) as a specialist in sublimation transfer through screen printing. Faced with this evolving market and the advent of inkjet technologies, the company quickly seized the opportunity and embraced the most advanced inkjet technologies to reshape and refresh the product portfolio and make its print applications more competitive and in line with market demand.

“We identified the opportunity inkjet printing posed and knew we needed to go in that direction. Mimaki was our first choice – the JV Series was known at the time to be one of the best transfer printing options in the market and already featured a wide format size compared to competitors. And that has proved to be the right move”, explains Plinio Cecchin, founder and owner of Quicksilver.

The company invested in its first Mimaki inkjet sublimation printers in 1997 through Bompan, an exclusive importer of Mimaki for Italy. Since then, Quicksilver has kept a keen focus on inkjet sublimation printing and continues to make further investments to this day, with Mimaki technologies at the forefront of its production processes. “Over the years we have explored all the options in the market and tried a few, but Mimaki remains the best choice for us. The innovations they constantly bring are perfectly in line with our needs and with the market demands.”

Quicksilver discontinued screen printing about five years ago and now focuses on inkjet printing exclusively. With the objective to become a more versatile business and explore different textile applications, Quicksilver installed the Mimaki TS500-1800, a high-volume sublimation printer, and two Mimaki TS55-1800 – with one unit equipped with 10-litre tanks. Leveraging those printers, the company was able to increase its competitive edge and customer reach through a strong, diverse product offering and improved customer service.

“Competing in the textile market is not easy for a mid-sized company. This is why selecting and choosing the right equipment was so crucial,” explains Mr Cecchin. “We achieved unprecedented production efficiency in the first instance, due to the extremely comprehensive firmware from Mimaki, which provides the printing information in real time, enabling extreme efficiency and reducing risk of error. Mimaki cares about every detail, and this reflects in their product performance. This way, we have elevated our own service, which is now top quality, accurate and punctual.”

Quicksilver has now consolidated its position as a leading supplier in sportswear, fashion, high-end fashion accessories market segments, as well as in the gaming and soft signage space. Its product portfolio ranges from technical sports clothing, printed apparels and garments, printed fabrics for luxury accessories like umbrellas, printed fabrics for gaming tables and soft signage applications. Besides a diverse product portfolio, the company also offers all-round services ranging from ‘print and transfer’, the supply of sublimation printed paper rolls and the transfer process only.

A high-speed industrial sublimation textile inkjet printer, the Tiger-1800B MkIII features Mimaki’s advanced print technology to deliver highly stable performance, market-leading print speed, and stunning print quality for both direct and transfer printing.

Quicksilver invested in a Tiger-1800B MkIII unit to efficiently increase the production volumes, while ensuring the high-quality standards the company is known for are met.

The Era of the Tiger

With a wealth of products and services on offer and a strong, reputable standing in relevant markets, Quicksilver looked to take the next step to overcome the new challenges posed by the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Higher volumes were in the company’s sights, so the management went on the hunt for an industrial, robust textile sublimation printing system.

After exploring the different options available in the market, Quicksilver turned to the Mimaki Tiger-1800B MkIII and purchased a unit in May 2021 through Mimaki Bompan Textile, a joint venture between Mimaki and Bompan specialised in providing digital printing solutions for the textile and apparel market. According to Plinio Cecchin: “The ever-evolving textile printing market requires continuous investment. After the COVID-19 pandemic, the market changed dramatically and we felt the need to strengthen our competitive edge. We needed to efficiently increase the production volumes, while ensuring the high-quality standards we are known for are met. The Tiger-1800B MkIII fits all our requirements, and so did the customer service from Mimaki Bompan Textile.”

A high-speed industrial sublimation textile inkjet printer, the Tiger-1800B MkIII features Mimaki’s advanced print technology to deliver highly stable performance, market-leading print speed, and stunning print quality for both direct and transfer printing. “Not only can we achieve consistent top quality at a higher speed, but also the printer features a robust body and an advanced conveyor belt engineered to transport the transfer paper, enabling safe loading of the jumbo rolls and higher image quality and precision,” explains Mr Cecchin. “The Mimaki Tiger-1800B MkIII proved extremely cost-effective, reliable, and efficient. In fact it has allowed us to produce higher, industrial volumes and so has completely transformed our business. We estimate that we have been able to cut the energy cost due to increased production efficiency. Additionally, using 10-liter ink tanks has generated savings of up to 25% on the costs of the inks, and likewise the jumbo rolls – which are extremely efficient to load and unload – further contributing to reducing production time.”

Looking back over the past two years since the investment, Mr Cecchin adds: “Overall, the Mimaki Tiger-1800B MkIII has allowed our company to become more competitive in high-volume productions, which means that today we can address all the markets where we were not competitive in before”.

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Avery Dennison selects Mimaki’s UV Printer to launch the TrafficJet Xpress Print System, a solution set to redefine traffic sign production with UV printing technology

Mimaki Engineering Co. Ltd., a leading provider of advanced digital printing and cutting technologies, is proud to announce that Avery Dennison, a global leader in materials science and digital identification solutions, has selected its UV-curable inkjet printer for its new model of traffic sign printing system, the TrafficJet Xpress Print System. This new solution will debut at INTERTRAFFIC AMSTERDAM 2024 (Amsterdam, April 16th – 19th).

The TrafficJet Print System is a digital print platform designed for printing on reflective sheeting for traffic signs, vehicle marking, and traffic devices. Set to redefine traffic sign production, it offers the advantages of UV printing to sign shops at all production levels. A major advancement in the industry, it offers unmatched efficiency and quality in traffic sign printing.

Since introducing its first system in 2013, Avery Dennison has been at the forefront of digitalizing the traffic sign manufacturing process globally. In 2020, the company expanded its offerings with TrafficJet Pro, a high-speed printer for high-volume production that utilizes UV-curable ink, enabling immediate post-processing without ink drying time and providing a more environmentally friendly printing solution. With a focus on quality and durability, Avery Dennison also offers a long-term digital sign warranty of up to 15 years for outdoor exposure.

Arjen Evertse, General Manager Sales from Mimaki Europe comments, “We at Mimaki are excited to collaborate with Avery Dennison, combining our advanced UV printing technology with their expertise to create the TrafficJet Xpress Print System. The selection of our product by Avery Dennison to create this solution gives promising added value for customers in traffic sign production.

“Mimaki and Avery Dennison are both dedicated to expanding this collaboration further for the benefit of our customers’ business growth.”

Avery Dennison has selected Mimaki’s UV Printer for its new TrafficJet Xpress Print System

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Mimaki to showcase engineering excellence with innovations and initiatives that are set to future-proof the sign graphic, industrial, and textile industries, whilst driving environmental and social sustainability

Mimaki Europe, the leading manufacturer of inkjet printing and cutting technologies, has today announced that the company will be exhibiting at drupa (Dusseldorf, Germany, 28^th May – 7^th June 2024) alongside its global counterparts and the overarching brand, Mimaki Engineering Co. Ltd. In line with the drupa theme “We Create the Future”, Mimaki is using its booth (Hall 9, Stand A04) to demonstrate its innovative approach to the printing market, under its own theme “We Are the Future of Print”. Renowned for bringing some of the most pioneering technologies to the international market, Mimaki offer visitors an insight into its engineering excellence and showcase technologies and solutions that support the future productivity and profitability of the sign graphic, industrial, and textile industries.

“We are the future of print”

The bold, engaging theme chosen by Mimaki – “We Are the Future of Print” – highlights the company’s pioneering role in shaping the course of the digital printing industry over the past 20 years and marks its renewed commitment to drive innovation in the years to come, as Mimaki Europe celebrates its 20^th anniversary. As such, alongside its cutting-edge technologies, Mimaki will demonstrate how the company’s solutions can be integrated into the most advanced Industry 5.0 production environments for improved automation, with robotics and other smart machines working alongside people.

Sustainability will also be central to the Mimaki show at drupa. Sharing its vision for the industry’s future, the company will present its latest innovations, initiatives and practices aimed at supporting a sustainable development of the industry and substantially improving the environmental footprint of both customers and Mimaki itself.

Technology highlights at drupa 2024

Mimaki’s vision for a more sustainable future will be evident throughout the product line-up at drupa. The company will showcase its very latest in pioneering UV print technologies, designed to help users reduce energy consumption, minimise VOC emissions and generate less waste. Among the technologies from the current Mimaki product portfolio is the recently launched UCJV330-160, an integrated sign printer/cutter that features innovative 2.5D printing function to create embossed effects.

Also central to the Mimaki booth will be the JFX600-2513 flatbed UV printer and CFX-2513 cutting plotter, demonstrated as a complete industrial print-and-cut solution. Expanding Mimaki’s cutting plotter portfolio, the CFX-2513 is a high-end cutting solution which operates with increased speed and efficiency.

With the trend of customization on the rise, Mimaki will also showcase its range of direct-to-object solutions, including the UJF-6042 MkII e, which will demonstrate 360-degree printing with the Kebab HS unit. Notably, two industrial-grade UJF-7151 plusII UV printers will be working alongside a robotic arm, highlighting Mimaki’s commitment to addressing future trends in printing, particularly automation, and showcasing how Mimaki solutions can seamlessly integrate into automated workflows.

For the textile segment, Mimaki will feature the TxF300-75 for direct-to-film (DTF) printing, which has been gaining traction in recent years. Additionally, Mimaki will exhibit its revolutionary Neo-Chromato Process, a world first in cyclical textile technology. Allowing the re-use of previously dyed polyester textiles, this process eliminates the need for incineration and reduces energy consumption associated with recycling by decolourising polyester textiles that have been dyed using dye sublimation technologies.

The recently launched UCJV330-160, an integrated sign printer/cutter featuring innovative 2.5D printing function to create embossed effects, will be among the technologies from the current Mimaki product portfolio on display at drupa

At drupa, Mimaki will showcase a fascinating display of inspiring, vibrant, and high-quality applications created with the company’s most advanced, energy-efficient UV solutions and other cutting-edge technologies

The JFX600-2513 flatbed UV printer will be demonstrated as a complete industrial print-and-cut solution together with the new CFX-2513 cutting plotter

Mimaki stand promises to ‘wow’ visitors

In addition to technology innovation, sustainability, collaboration and inclusivity are also key to the Mimaki vision, one example being the company’s work with Indian foundation, Tiny Miracles. The foundation, created to employ and support women in local communities, will produce environmentally friendly, Mimaki branded cotton bags especially for drupa, beautifully designed to encourage reuse.

Additionally, a fascinating display of inspiring, vibrant, and high-quality applications will be showcased in Mimaki’s very own ‘shopfront’, created especially for drupa. The shelves will be packed with new samples, real-life applications and products people may not even realise Mimaki’s technology is behind.

Working Towards a Sustainable Future

Mimaki’s comprehensive and inspiring goals driving sustainability across the industries in which it operates will be at the core of its drupa presence. Marc Verbeem, Product Management Supervisor, Mimaki Europe, will be speaking at the Touchpoint Textile Forum (Hall 4 – Digital Textile Micro Factory) on both the 4th and 5th June at 14:30-14:50 on ‘Textile Transformation: Pioneering Sustainability through Digital Printing’.

Danna Drion, Mimaki Europe’s General Manager Marketing and Product Management EMEA, is hosting a drupa cube discussion, titled ‘The Diverse Benefits of an Inclusive Workplace’ on 4th June at 13.45. From the challenges women can face in male-dominated fields to engaging a younger generation, Drion discusses how Mimaki, and the print industry as a whole, can foster inclusivity and diversity.

“As well as previewing our exciting technology, we also understand that the lasting prosperity of our business and the businesses of our customers hinges on the well-being of the people and communities we serve,” comments Danna Drion. “Sustainability for us encompasses social and economic aspects too, including advocating for equitable labour practices and empowering communities.

“There are many reasons to visit Mimaki this drupa and we are so excited to welcome our customers and prospects from around the world. It is Mimaki Europe’s 20^th anniversary, so it seems very fitting that we have this opportunity to celebrate Mimaki’s innovative approach on this global platform. The products on display are enabling success and innovation today and the technology being previewed offers an insight into Mimaki’s aim of transforming the industry of tomorrow. We’re looking to the next 20 years but, right now, we’re also counting down to the exciting, innovation-packed show that drupa promises to be.”

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How green certifications play a key role in reducing your business’ environmental impact,

By Mustafa Okanovic, Senior Product Specialist, Mimaki Europe

Despite a growing commitment to sustainability, the textile industry remains one of the most polluted sectors globally. The extensive use of chemicals, water, and energy in textile manufacturing processes contributes significantly to pollution, waste, and carbon emissions. However, amidst these challenges, adopting green certifications has emerged as a crucial strategy for driving positive change.

Green certifications provide a framework for assessing and verifying environmental performance, encouraging companies to adhere to stringent sustainability standards. By obtaining reputable eco and sustainable certifications, companies active in the textile industry can demonstrate their commitment to reducing environmental impact, promoting transparency, and ensuring the welfare of workers throughout the supply chain.

As part of a long-term strategy that sees the company committed to improving its sustainable footprint, Mimaki has recently achieved bluesign® approval for its dye-sublimation inks. This marks another milestone for the company, positioning Mimaki at the forefront of sustainable textile printing and enabling it to provide customers with a responsible choice, without compromising on quality or performance.

Becoming planet-certified

bluesign® is the most stringent sustainability certification in the textile industry. It goes beyond simply regulating harmful substances; it evaluates the entire production chain, from raw materials to finished products, ensuring responsible use of resources, minimal environmental impact, and worker safety.

Achieving the bluesign® approval positions Mimaki at the forefront of sustainable textile printing, and also validates the company’s long-term sustainability approach. Additionally, Mimaki’s bluesign® approved dye sublimation inks meet the most stringent chemical management standards (ZDHC Level 3) for textiles. Being recognised within the ZDHC Chemicals to Zero Framework is also a testament to Mimaki’s strong commitment to sustainable development and careful management of chemicals.

So, what are the benefits for the textile industry of using Mimaki’s bluesign® approved dye-sublimation inks?

• Reduced environmental impact: Choosing bluesign® approved dye-sublimation inks is an effective and trusted way for textile producers to significantly reduce their environmental footprint. The use of approved inks and cutting-edge sublimation printing technologies can guarantee lower water consumption, reduced energy usage, as well as minimized CO2 emissions.
• Regulatory compliance to access major markets: As environmental concerns grow, so does the amount of stringent environmental regulations and the bluesign® certification can help meet those new rules. With leading textile brands demanding sustainable practices be a key part of production, Mimaki’s bluesign® approved inks help textile companies unlock new partnerships with eco-conscious businesses.
• Improved brand image: As well as across businesses, consumers are also increasingly demanding sustainable products. The use of bluesign® approved inks not only validates sustainable practices, but also empowers consumers to make informed choices, driving demand for eco-friendly products and incentivising further industry-wide improvements.
• Future-proof investment: Sustainability is not just a temporary concern. Given the damage already done to our planet, it is hard to envision a future where sustainability is not a top priority. By investing in bluesign® approved inks now, brands are getting ahead of both market and regulatory trends of the future.

Mimaki Sb411 inks are provided in a 10kg ink tank supply unit for enhanced efficiency and sustainability

Broadening the textile application possibilities for print service providers, the system can print on a wide range of materials, including natural fibres

The Tiger600-1800TS, Mimaki’s industrial-volume sublimation printer, uses bluesign-approved MLSB510 inks

A bluesign® for a Green Future

To conclude, green certifications play a pivotal role in catalyzing the transformation of the textile industry towards a more sustainable and responsible future. Choosing Mimaki’s bluesign® approved inks is a trusted way of getting your sustainability goals on track. As a company that highly values sustainability, this approval represents a significant milestone in efforts to enhance the green performance of printing companies and ultimately help create a more sustainable textile printing industry.

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• The new Kebab HS enables 360-degree direct printing on cylindrical objects, now extending to both sloping and tapered shapes

• Named ‘HS’ after its high speed, this entry is three times faster than the previous Kebab MkII, making it an ideal efficient and high-quality solution for handling medium volumes

Mimaki Europe, a leading provider of industrial inkjet printers, cutting plotters, and 3D printers, has announced today the launch of the brand-new Kebab HS, debuting worldwide at FESPA Global Print Expo 2024 (Stand F10, Hall 12). Serving as an optional system for Mimaki’s renowned UJF series of flatbed UV printers, the Kebab HS enables seamless 360-degree printing on cylindrical objects, such as bottles and tumblers. This latest solution can also print directly on tapered objects, including glasses and cups.

The Kebab HS is the latest entry into Mimaki’s Kebab Series of optional systems for the UJF Series of flatbed UV printers. With over 1,600 Kebab units already installed in EMEA and an average of 1 out of 5 UJF users choosing to add this optional system to their existing workflow, UJF flatbed printers equipped with a Kebab option can achieve three-dimensional direct-to-object printing, furthering the variety of print applications possibilities.

Building on the capabilities of the Kebab MkII, the new Kebab HS takes productivity and performance to the next level.  Three times faster than the previous model, the Kebab HS significantly increases production efficiency and takes approximately 10 minutes to print per material, ideal for users handling mid-volume orders with a single printer. It also broadens application possibilities in UV printing further, by allowing personalisation on both cylindrical and tapered items with sloping sides¹.

Arjen Evertse, General Manager Sales, Mimaki Europe, comments, “Here at Mimaki, we look to constantly innovate our existing products and create added opportunities for print service providers, and the launch of the Kebab HS is one of the latest examples of this. As an optional solution, it allows the users of our popular UJF Series printers to add another dimension to their product offering and up their competitive edge.”

The option can be quickly installed, requiring only the attachment of the main unit to the UJF series print table, certified service engineers are on hand to provide a seamless installation experience for all users. The current Kebab MkII and Kebab MkII L will remain available and are recommended for customers printing on small-diameters (50mm or less) and materials longer than 280mm.

Tapered cup printed on using Mimaki’s Kebab HS

Mimaki’s new Kebab HS fitted on the UJF-3042MkII e printer

[1] Maximum slope angle of 7.5 degrees

The post Mimaki takes digital print beyond shape limitations with the Kebab HS appeared first on Mimaki Europe.

• Mimaki’s new textile pigment transfer printing system, named TRAPIS, makes significant savings on wastewater compared to conventional methods

• Latest innovation also broadens application possibilities for print service providers, with the ability to print on a multitude of materials, including natural fibres

• System to be demonstrated with Mimaki’s inkjet printer, the TS330-1600, in Mimaki’s booth at FESPA Global Print Expo 2024 (Stand F10, Hall 12)

Mimaki Europe, a leading provider of industrial inkjet printers, cutting plotters, and 3D printers, announces the commercial release of its textile pigment transfer printing system, named “TRAPIS”. Following the preview of the technology at ITMA 2023, this commercialised version, available later this year, offers an environmentally friendly and easy to operate solution for textile applications – saving almost 90% of wastewater compared to conventional methods.

TRAPIS provides a simple two-step process, consisting of an inkjet printer and a calender. The design of choice is printed by the inkjet printer with a dedicated ink onto transfer paper, which is then transferred to the application via a calender. Unlike both analogue and digital conventional dye-printing methods, TRAPIS generates almost no wastewater, only that which is produced during the printer’s automatic maintenance. Due to no pre-treatment or washing of the fabric being needed, this saves around 14.5 litres per square meter of water when compared to digital dye printing¹.

Additionally, this eliminates the need for wastewater treatment facilities, which can be both expensive and constrictive when it comes to where the solution is installed. Due to the smaller size, it is possible for the TRAPIS system to be installed in a limited space, or even at the front of a printshop.

TRAPIS also offers print service providers an easy-to-use option for textile printing. As the process only involves printing and transferring, it does not require specialised skills to operate when compared to the more complex seven- or eight-step system for digital and analogue conventional printing. The lack of a fabric conveyor belt in the system further minimises the need for time intensive maintenance.

Mimaki TS330-1600

Broadening the textile application possibilities for print service providers, the system can print on a wide range of materials, including natural fibres

Mimaki’s TRAPIS solution provides a simple, environmentally friendly two-step process, consisting of an inkjet printer and a calender

Further simplifying the process, TRAPIS is able to print on a wide range of materials, including natural fibres like cotton and silk in addition to blended fabrics, with just one type of ink. Due to this, the process can be flexible and adapt to customer demand, even with multi-material short runs. The accompanying ink has also achieved the ZDHC MRSL Lv.3^*2 certification and is bluesign® APPROVED, to ensure that it is both worker and consumer safe, as well as an environmentally friendly product. Like with Mimaki’s existing textile solution portfolio, the prints produced with TRAPIS maintain stretchability and colourfastness, without impacting aspects like breathability and water absorbability, important for sectors like home textiles, activewear and fashion.

Arjen Evertse, General Manager Sales, Mimaki Europe, comments, “After the positive reception we received when we initially showcased the technology last year, we’re pleased to now announce the release of this solution commercially at FESPA. Conscious of the evolving sustainability standards and customer demands, we created TRAPIS as an innovative and seamless system for print service providers looking to produce high-quality and vibrant textile applications, while keeping cost, time and environmental impact to a minimum.”

To register for FESPA 2024, please click here and use the promo code EXHX24 to take advantage of a limited-time discount.

[1] According to Mimaki’s original research, digital dye printing generates significant amount of wastewater by textile printing conveyor belt washing and fabric washing after dye fixation (steam).

[2] ZDHC is a non-profit organization based in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, that works to eliminate the emission of hazardous substances in the textile and leather industry.

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