The Tx500-1800DS direct sublimation printer offers 1,200dpi resolution and speeds up to 150m2/h on pre-treated polyester fabrics with six on-demand piezo printheads (three staggered) and, according to Mimaki, achieves 150% faster print speed than its conventional models.

The device can be specified with four- or six-colour ink configurations and uses a new sublimation ink, Sb300.

The Tx500-1800DS has a maximum print width of 1850 mm and aside from the Sb300 ink, special features include an MDM-20 degassing module designed to eliminate bubbles in the ink and an auto media feeder with roll-up media capacity of up to 60kg and 300mm in diameter.

Mike Horsten, general manager, marketing EMEA for Mimaki Europe said: “High speed meets high productivity with this innovative textile printer,” said Horsten. “It features the new Sb300 ink that is more affordable than conventional ink, as well as increased print speed for polyester fabrics.”

Meanwhile the company will also feature its JFX200-2513 entry-level UV inkjet flatbed, first unveiled as a prototype in November 2013, on its Fespa Digital stand (A1-110).

The event in May will mark the launch of the device’s European commercial availability.

The CMYK-plus-white machine can print at up to 25sqm/hr on sheets of 2.5x1.3m and up to 50mm thick.

It uses a range of different ink options: LH-100, a hard UV cure ink with high rub and chemical resistance, LUS-150, a low-cost UV cure ink with suppleness that according to the manufacturer extends to 150% with no cracking to allow it to be applied to curved surfaces while primer ink PR-100 can be used as a pre-treatment agent to improve ink adhesion on difficult substrates.

Horsten said: “Mimaki is pleased to be able to bring to the show two solutions that will hopefully challenge the creative minds.

"Fespa Digital 2014 is a creative show requiring an imaginative outlook and we are ready to meet the visionary expectations of visitors to our stand at the show.”