The field of textile sublimation printing is a promising one. Printing is first carried out on paper by plotters that enable fully customisable designs. The paper is then sublimated onto polyester media through a hot press (manual or calendar). From sportswear to furniture, satisfying and versatile user experiences are guaranteed.
Personal World 38 srl, based in the Republic of San Marino, have invested in a Mimaki Bompan Textile transfer printer. ‘High resolution of the images, optimisation of production times and reliability of the processes even without an operator. These are the three strong points that make us satisfied with Mimaki Bompan Textile,’ said Christian Giardi, owner of Personal World 38 srl, summing up the choice offered by the Mimaki TS55-1800 sublimation transfer printer. Providing flexible technology for small runs as well as for large productions, it is placed in the market at mid-range for textile machinery by Mimaki Bompan Textile: a company founded in 2017 in Tradate in the province of Varese, thanks to the joint venture between Mimaki and Bompan Srl.
With sublimation printing, in addition to bandanas, the company also produces mousepads and personalised cups; small surfaces that require a great definition of image and a sharp and precise resolution. Most T-shirts are digitally printed, except for a few sports T-shirts that they make in sublimation. ‘The bands are born as white tubular bands, first printed on one side and then on the other, and the double pass is a real plus of this machine. Mimaki allows a perfect calibration of the amount of ink, which for us is essential; this avoids ruining the product with the ghost effect, which often occurs due to an excessive amount of colour penetrating the other side,’ continued Giardi.
‘By using water-based inks, our product has the advantage of being ecological, a fundamental aspect in the case of fabrics in contact with the skin, and in terms of health and safety. Moreover, the price of inks that Mimaki guarantees us is really competitive. This is also thanks to an option installed on the printer which allows us to use 8 tanks of 10 kilos in double four-colour, instead of two-litre ink packs, with cost savings of around 30%. From the options, we have also chosen an additional heater to speed up the drying of the product, which is already fast.’
The company is now thinking about the implementation of the Mini Jumbo Roll to print continuously, even over 2500 linear metres of paper, exploiting the night hours more and more. A prerogative for which we very much appreciate Mimaki products is in the complete reliability of the printing process, even in the absence of an operator, allowing us to run the machine continuously for 24 hours without jamming the work, and with the peace of mind of a perfectly printed roll in the morning. The new TxLink4 software, specifically designed for the textile sector, allows the launch of several RIPs and the linking of several productions, thus meeting the most varied production requirements, from long runs to small samples,’ added Giardi.
The Mimaki TS55-1800 has a user-friendly and intuitive system, with many options that can be activated or not: for example, the end of work report with production data that orients the company programming in view of Industry 4.0. To avoid the banding effect, Personal World 38 srl can also activate the Mimaki Advanced Pass System algorithm that assists with ensuring homogeneity of colour between passes. The company uses it more frequently in the more precise jobs, such as with cups. Then there are the functions of control and rebalancing of the colour nozzles, as well as programmable maintenance checks, made easier by a convenient infographic display.
‘Sublimation textile printing evolves at great speed. The most eco-friendly aspect of this process, which uses water-based inks that are non-toxic, non-polluting and easy for companies to dispose of, should not be underestimated. Just think of the technical sportswear, where sublimation has the advantage of not blocking the pores of the fabric, leaving them free to breathe, as well as polyester towels, to which recent technologies have also ensured a pleasant ‘cotton touch’ effect, a feeling of softness and greater absorbency. The same applies to large soft signage at the perimeter of football pitches or trade fairs; where heavy PVC banners were once used, they are now printed on fabrics which are lighter and do not fade in the sun,’ concluded Giardi.
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