The new R-Series models of the Avalanche Hexa and the Avalanche 1000 use the same recirculating ink technology that is used in the manufacturer’s Storm series as well as its Allegro and Vulcan printers.
This technology is said to optimise print quality and ink efficiency, enabling faster system availability after the start-up process.
“The Avalanche Hexa and 1000 always had features such as the battery back-up system and integrated air humidifier, which aimed at making the system a reliable and robust system for the mass production of individualised garments,” said Kornit Digital EMEA marketing director Oliver Luedtke.
“The recirculating ink system keeps the ink in motion all the time, optimises reliability and reduces overall ink consumption by up to 20%. Our mass-customisation customers all rely on the Avalanche series so the upgraded versions are critical improvements to a strategic product.”
The R-Series models are commercially available with immediate effect and have replaced the current Avalanche systems. Both machines cost just under €400,000, though the sterling price is yet to be set.
Kornit said users of the existing Avalanche Hexa and Avalanche 1000 printers, which were launched in 2013, can upgrade their machines for around €60,000 to take advantage of the new capabilities of the R-Series.
The Kornit Avalanche Hexa R-Series, which was shown in public for the first time earlier this week at C!Print in Lyon, France, includes six colour channels plus white, for a wider gamut and improved spot colour handling.
Kornit said this device can therefore be used to reproduce the true colours of licensed sports teams and accurately match corporate logos.
The Avalanche 1000 R-Series, which is used for the mass production of garments, has dual pallet industrial production capability and is designed for heavy-duty use.
The machine’s 'double bridge' architecture enables the white and the colour print phases to run in parallel, for "optimised and unique dark garment efficiency". This device can print up to 220 light and 160 dark garments per hour.
“70% or 80% of what goes through these systems is probably t-shirts but you can print any kind of garment with them, like trousers, hoodies, jackets or cotton bags,” said Luedtke.
Both systems feature a print area of up to 900x600mm and 120mm-wide pass printing. An automatic height adjustment mechanism allows the kit to print over buttons, zippers and other protruding objects.
The machines also feature Kornit’s NeoPigment process, which meets environmental regulations including Oeko-Tex Standard 100 and Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) pre-approval. Kornit said NeoPigment prints have a wide gamut of bright colours, long-term durability, washfastness and “excellent hand feel”.
Kornit equipment is available in the UK from distributors Adelco and Sabur Ink Systems, which was appointed last year.
