Roland DG launches dual-capability dye-sub printer

Roland DG has launched the Texart RT-640M, the first machine in its Texart range that is capable of printing both direct-to-fabric (DTF) and dye-sub onto transfer paper.

Available as of this month, the dual-function textile printer is the third to join Roland’s Texart family and will be priced at £17,499. The price includes the ErgoSoft Roland Edition 2 RIP and a full care package.

The RT-640M is capable of facilitating transfer sublimation onto a diverse range of materials, including rigid boards, ceramic tiles, stretch fabrics and polyesters, as well as having the ability to be paired with a 3D vacuum oven to create 3D sublimated objects such as mugs and other promotional items.

Roland head of sales for UK and Ireland Rob Goleniowski said: “While the RT-640M is not entry-level by any stretch, it offers a flexibility for companies on the brink of making that step into sublimation printing and that versatility makes the transition easier.

“We have heard from customers who are interested in moving into the textile market, but the investment costs are prohibitive as investment is required in printers, software and heat presses. This machine is a reasonable investment but represents greater value.

“It can suit a broad spectrum of customers from the traditional to the more unconventional. The main jump is that it allows people to go from printing on transfer paper to going direct-to-fabric which improves ink density and show-through on finished products.”

Roland DG’s Texart RT-640M can print media up to 1.6m wide and 1mm thick and comes in a four-colour configuration, as well as an eight-colour version that adds orange and violent along with either light cyan and light magenta, or fluorescent pink and fluorescent yellow.

It can print at a maximum resolution of 720dpi and runs up to a speed of 32.6sqm/hr.

Using the DTF setting, it is capable of printing onto a variety of fabrics including flag, mesh, backlit, voile, block out and banner.

After receiving a soft preview at both Sign & Digital and Fespa this year, the RT-640M has now been officially released to market and is available for demonstrations at Roland DG’s UK headquarters in Clevedon.

Future developments to the Texart technology will be conceptualised based on reception to its existing portfolio – which includes this new addition alongside the RT-640 and the XT-640 transfer printers – in the coming months.