The eight-colour printer, which can print at a speed of up to 600sqm an hour, offers print resolutions to a maximum 1056x600dpi.

Durst's new system has been built on company's QuadroZ print-head technology and prints using water-based inks developed for piezo inkjet multi-pass printing.

Featuring a maximum printing width of 195cm, the Kappa 180 incorporates the company's Quadro Array technology, which makes it possible to print on textiles by way of a specially hardened, fray-resistant nozzle plate with a drop size of 7-21 picoliters. The 6,144 jets per colour produces a resolution of up to 1680 dpi, while a single automatic nozzle cleaning system ensures uninterrupted operation.

Rajesh Kapila at MMT (Digital) based in Mumbai, a Durst partner in India, said the Kappa 180 is "innovative, economical and ecological" as it reduces water and power consumption compared to the conventional methods and at the same time offers "total flexibility for customers".

He added: "With the launch of the Kappa 180 in industrial textile printing, Durst has shown its commitment as a serious player in this segment and based on the fact that Durst is a market leader in other industrial segments. It’s obvious advantages as compared to traditional flatbed screen printing, this product will soon set a benchmark in industrial textile printing."

The Durst Kappa 180, which will be launched later this year, will be premiered at the forthcoming ITMA 2011 trade show in Barcelona.