DTG Digital, based in Sydney, Australia, is launching its new Q1 T direct-to-film transfer printer at the FESPA trade show which takes place from May 31^st to June 3^rd 2022 at  Messe Berlin in Germany.

The Q1 T is a roll-to-roll direct to fabric (DTF) transfer printing system for fabric decoration. It prints transfers onto a translucent PET film before passing through an in-line powder glue station and curing unit.

The in-line system prints, polymerises and cures the ink and glue layer ready for heat transfer application onto a broad range of natural and synthetic fabric types, including cottons, polyesters, poly-cotton blends, tri-blends, spandex and nylon.

The Q1 T simplifies the transfer printing process while simultaneously boosting production capacity and application versatility. With dual print heads for faster print speeds and eight ink lines dedicated to both white and colour inks, users can produce up to five times the volume of comparable garment decoration methods.

The colour configuration is CYMK + white + flush liquid with inks available in user-replaceable one litre bags.

The ink system is pressurised with re-circulation with white ink management which stops settlement of pigments in the ink, which in turn reduces print head maintenance. The A.I.R-ink refresh feature manages ink line, capping station, damper and print head maintenance with push button control to draw the flushing liquid around the system to reduce blockages and minimise maintenance downtime.

The system can take PET film rolls up to a width of 460mm x 100 metres in length. The film and adhesive glue powders are designed for cold peel transfer and manufactured by Kodak. The translucent PET transfer film makes it easier for positioning onto the garment which remains visible through the transfer sheet for final positioning prior to heat pressing. The PET film’s thickness of about 0.75mm allows for better transfer characteristics including a short 10 second transfer time.

“The DTG Digital Q1 T transfer printer is creating a new standard for professional garment decoration and we are excited to launch it at the upcoming FESPA event in Berlin,” said Steve Richardson, CEO of Pigment Inc, DTG’s parent company. “The system is designed for 24/7 operation and perfect for any garment decorator looking to expand and simplify the entire transfer printing process. One of its big advantages is its ability to produce large volumes of transfers at speed and which are suitable for more than just garment decoration. It prints indirect transfers suitable for decorating an endless array of both natural and synthetic fabrics, including backpacks, umbrellas, hi-vis workwear, rainwear and caps.

“The DTF transfer system will make the ultimate addition to any garment decorator’s equipment line-up by expanding the range of products that can be decorated with indirect transfers and a standard heat-press for application. It will open up new revenue streams and complement existing technology – whether screen, embroidery, DTG or other garment decoration processes. The shorter transfer heat press time and production capacity is what makes this new technology so innovative. You can produce brilliant full-colour prints on virtually any type of fabric in any placement on a wider range of substrates.”

www.dtgdigital.com