Drupa 2024: Epson displays latest direct-to-fabric single-step pigment ink textile printer

Epson is showcasing its new Monna Lisa 13000 on stand D20, Hall 5 at drupa in Dusseldorf from 28 May to 7 June; an affordable single-step digital direct-to-fabric textile printer with compact footprint that delivers in-line printing using more sustainable pigment inks.

The Monna Lisa ML-13000 is an innovative textile printing solution that requires no additional equipment for pre and post treatment, steaming and washing. The new direct-to-fabric printer comes equipped with three types of pre and post processing chemicals (pre-treatment, over-coating, and density enhancer) in addition to seven colour inks. This makes it possible to integrate pre and post processing in a single step printing solution and contrasts with other conventional textile printers that require separate processes.

Pre and post chemicals are used only on the print area (dot-on-dot), enabling prints that bring out the texture of the fabric. The ML-13000 also enjoys a much smaller footprint compared with conventional textile printing equipment, allowing it to be installed in more confined and convenient working environments.

Environmental Benefits

The ML-13000 offers a far more sustainable approach to fabric printing. The traditional textile industry is responsible for approximately 20% of industrial wastewater worldwide[1], however the ML-13000 can significantly reduce water consumption by up to 97%[2] by eliminating pre and post processes required by conventional dye-based printing methods. It is also estimated that 35% of all materials in the textile supply chain end up as waste[3] however digital on-demand textile printing allows one to print just the right amount and therefore reduce stock waste and manage excess inventory. Epson’s ML-13000 pigment inks and pre and post treatment chemicals meet environmental standards including ECO PASSPORT certified, bluesign® approved, ZDHC MRSL Conformance Level 3 certified, and GOTS approved by ECOCERT.

Advanced Epson Digital Printing Technologies

The ML-13000’s superior image quality is delivered through Epson’s high-quality PrecisonCore printheads. Epson precision-dot technology reduces banding and graininess, and its multi-layer halftone technology, which randomizes the halftone dot pattern on each layer, reduces image degradation caused by dot misalignment. The ML-13000 also features symmetrical colour alignment for consistent colour overlap during bidirectional printing, and accurate belt position control technology automatically detects the belt feeding distance to ensure highly precise fabric feeding. The result is optimal quality and productivity, with superb reproduction of color gradations, fine details, and complex geometric patterns.

Stable Operation with Minimal Downtime

Stable operation with unprecedented usability is realized with the advanced cleaning mechanisms and automated adjustment functions. Nozzle verification technology detects missing dots that indicate nozzle clogging and adjusts ink delivery to maintain image quality and reduce printing errors. An easy-to-replace fabric wiper roll continuously wipes the printhead nozzles clean automatically, reducing daily manual maintenance work. An ink-mist extraction system helps prevent ink-mist from adhering to the nozzle surface. Thanks to high accuracy of printhead alignment technology and an automatic calibration function by an RGB camera, printhead replacement can be carried out including adjustments quickly.

Easy Operation

Ease of use is enhanced by a 10.1-inch LCD touch panel that displays current printer status, operating instructions, and regular maintenance procedures, and by built-in & hot-swappable, dual 1.6 litre ink cartridges that allow uninterrupted production. GENESTA pigment ink and pre and post processing chemicals provide flexibility to print on a variety of fabrics such as natural, synthetic and blended fabrics for a wide range of applications.

Epson Software and Local Service Support

Epson Edge Print PRO X series RIP software supports Adobe PDF Print Engine (APPE) - the industry’s leading technology and new 16-bit rendering and includes step and repeat, hot folders, print cost analysis tool and colour adjustment for matching spot colours. Epson Cloud Solution PORT provides a live view of printer fleet production[4], equipment utilization, and service information to better manage efficiency and optimize printing workflow. Epson has sales offices, demo/solution centers and local service teams around the globe to support customers.

ML-13000 Key Points

Printheads: 13 Epson PrecisionCore MicroTFP printheads.

Productivity: Print speed of 131 sqm/h (600x600 dpi - 2 pass[5]), 87 sqm/h (900x600 dpi - 3 pass⁵), 63 sqm/h (1200x600 dpi - 4 pass[6])

Resolution: up to 1200 dpi.     

Width: 185 cm.

Ink colors: 7

Inks: Genesta pigment ink (black, cyan, magenta, yellow, red, green, orange), pre treatment liquid, over-coating liquid, density enhancer liquid

Ink capacity: 1.6 liters. (Dual 1.6L hot-swappable vacuum-packed degassed ink packs)