Epson enters direct-to-garment market

Epson has announced the launch of the SureColor SC-F2000, its first direct-to-garment t-shirt printer.

The latest in its portfolio of textile devices, the SC-F2000 incorporates the manufacturer’s own Garment Creator software, TFP printheads, chassis and Ultrachrome DG inks, marking its first fully designed and manufactured textile printer.

The €20,800 device can print on a range of items, such as t-shirts, caps and fabric bags up to 25mm, and offers resolutions up to 1400dpi.

The system, for which full spec details have not yet been released, can be configured with two sets of CMYK ink for white garments or CMYK with up to four white ink channels for coloured and dark garments.

It can print white t-shirts in 27 seconds in dual colour mode and dark garments can be produced in less than two minutes using a white and coloured ink mode. Epson’s Ultrachrome DG inks are available in both 250ml or 600ml cartridges.

Phil McMullin sales manager, professional graphics at Epson, said the F2000 would be particularly attractive to customers because it was a "complete Epson solution".

"There are a lot of units out there that are using Epson technology already but not that are a complete solution from a manufacturer like us. This meets customer demand for something that is fully integrated with our proven reliability and quality," he added.

McMullin said that the device was aimed at a broad cross-section of businesses, including high street and micro-businesses as well as larger businesses that were looking to offer added services for customers.

The SC-F2000 will be ready for shipping in November and McMullin said that the manufacturer is currently in talks with potential resellers for the device.

"We are looking for partners with deep knowledge in this industry and already have access to the pre-treatment and finishing technologies used with this kind of process," he added.