The Alpha series is available in two widths; the 1.9m-wide Alpha 190, for fashion applications, and the 3.3m-wide Alpha 330, for decor textile applications.
The machines can be configured with up to eight colours (CMYK plus special colours, dependent on ink type) and 64 Alpha-S printheads that achieve a native resolution of 600dpi and a print speed of 460m/hr (linear) on the Alpha 330 and 610m/hr on the Alpha 190.
The Alpha series machines are available to order with immediate effect and the first installation will be in January 2016.
Prices range from €400,000 (£281,000) to €600,000 for the Alpha 190 and from €600,000 to €800,000 for the Alpha 330, all prices are dependant on the configuration.
Durst said the digital technology behind the Alpha series gave them a significant benefit over traditional screen-printing presses.
The manufacturer believes the Alpha series has the advantage of more economical, more efficient and more reliable printing technology, compared with the single-pass trend.
The Alpha machines provide continuous ink circulation in all ink circuits in order to guarantee constant ink quality and reliable stand-by availability.
In the event of a printhead failing, an automatic emergency mode will deactivate the affected printhead row and continue printing with the maximum possible number of heads.
A new intelligent feed system has been developed for the Alpha series that adapts automatically to different textiles and roll diameters while an integrated spray system allows materials to be chemically pre-treated before printing.
Pigment-based, water-based acid, water-based reactive and water-based disperse dye ink configurations are available for the series.
A new pigmented ink, Alpha Ink P, can be used on a wide variety of textiles. The manufacturer said this gives users greater flexibility and efficiency in production. In addition, no pre- or post-treatment is required for standard materials such as cotton or polyester.
“The Alpha series makes digital textile production more economical and efficient,” said Martin Winkler, textile printing segment manager at Durst Phototechnik.
“Super multi-pass technology allows us to achieve similar production capacity as with screen printing and provide 24/7 reliability that is not possible with single-pass technology. It’s not just about pure print speed but the simplification of printing processes so that the user can start production immediately.”
He added: “The Alpha series combines new process technologies in order to make the interaction between printhead, ink system, material and type of fabric as well as pre- and post treatment manageable and reproducible at all times.
“The printhead technology also ensures high fail-safe performance and permanent availability. Furthermore, with the new pigmented ink, we are also offering users a universal solution for standard materials in order to increase flexibility and efficiency in production.”
Durst premiered the Alpha series at ITMA, held in Milan, Italy earlier this month. The manufacturer, which exhibited the Alpha 330 at the event, said the reception was “excellent” and that more than 20 orders were received directly at the show.
