The Dutch wide-format textile printer manufacturer signed with distributor Digital Graphics Solutions (DGS) based in Wollongong, New South Wales, yesterday (20 May), which has also bought a ColorBooster 250 2.5m textile machine for its showroom.
The unidirectional and bi-directional machine prints at speeds of up to 64sqm/hr with 600x300dpi, 600x600dpi and 900x600dpi using up to six Ricoh MH5420 heads. It can be configured four, six or eight colours and has a variable drop size of seven to 21pl. It can handle rolls of up to 100kg with 240mm diameter.
DGS managing director Peter de Maagd said his company pioneered dye-sublimation in Australia and he liked Hollanders high-quality products and ink technology.
The ColorBooster range, launched at last year’s Fespa, also prints double-sided and on heavier fabric with improved UV resistancy – an important feature under the strong Australian sun.
“They’re very serious about consistency and reliability and ease of operation,” de Maagd said. “In Australia we have problems with humidity. This machine has a humidifier built in which means consistent jetting.”
He added: “Other players in the market such as ATP and Mimaki have to run calendars. There are lots of in-line Chinese solutions but a lot of the smaller players start with these machines and then they realise if they want to step up for productivity they need to get something more professional.”
As in Europe the market for printed textiles is being developed around branded sportswear with a growing demand for soft signage, home furnishings and decoration.
Hollanders international sales manager Joost Verpoort said that so far Hollanders had only sold four or five machines direct to one client in Australia but he thought there was potential for growth.
“Peter has a technical support network like us. He will do more business for us. I’ve worked in the industry for 25 years and worked for many companies, Agfa, Gandy, Oce and this is a very nice product to sell, very reliable. You just push the button and it works,” he said.
De Maagd added that the deal was especially sweet for him because of his Dutch heritage.
DGS also distributes AEG printers.
