The ValueJet 405GT, a desktop direct-to-garment printer, the ValueJet 1628X, a 1.6m-wide eight-channel Eco Ultra printer with white and metallic inks, and the ValueJet 1938WX, a 1.9m-wide dye-sublimation printer, will all be debuted at the event on the firm’s stand (Hall 6, T30).
The ValueJet 405GT is the manufacturer’s first desktop direct-to-garment printer. The five-colour (CMYK and white) engine has been specifically developed for direct printing onto items such as t-shirts, caps and canvas bags.
Mutoh’s water-based pigment direct textile inks for the machine will allow for printing onto high-cotton blends and 100% cotton garments.
The ValueJet 1628X, which is developed for sign and display applications, is specifically targeted at digital print businesses requiring a wide-format printer with the ability to create durable outdoor applications that offer CMYK and speciality white and metallic inks for special effects and finishes.
The ValueJet 1938WX is suited for both digital transfer and direct printing on polyester-based fabrics. The VJ-1938WX is the wider version of Mutoh’s VJ-1638WX model, which was launched early last year.
The machine features two piezo drop-on-demand print heads mounted in a staggered configuration. It is suitable for the digital production of home textiles, high-quality deco fabrics, fashion, sportswear and soft signage.
Mutoh commercial marketing manager Nick Decock said: “As far as we are concerned, Fespa is one of the best opportunities to present new products and display new opportunities. It’s the most international platform, it’s one of the biggest shows this year and, moreover, it is the worldwide edition.
“With the direct-to-garment printers, we want to extend our textile range. We do already have some roll-to-roll textile printers, at least for direct disperse printing on non-stretch closed and open fabrics, so this is an extension.
“We want to stay strong in sign and display printing and also gradually extend our portfolio to more industrial types of applications and also provide digital printing solutions to the more traditional industries.
“Digital is more and more mature for specific applications compared to offset printing and screen printing. For lower volumes we already have nice solutions, and that is what we want to show at Fespa.”
The ValueJet 1938WX will be available immediately at launch. Commercial availability of the other two new devices, as well as pricing for all three machines, has not yet been confirmed but Decock said more details will be available at the show.
Mutoh will also show its entire ValueJet printer range for sign and display applications at Fespa, as well as its recently launched RJ-900XG dye-sublimation printer.
Visitors will also be able to see the Mutoh LED UV printer range for industrial applications; the VJ-426UF and VJ-1626UH.
Mutoh will also have a booth at the Fespa 2015 Printeriors zone (Hall 9, booth Z105) where it will show interior decoration applications made with Mutoh ValueJet printers.
Furthermore, contestants taking part in Fespa’s World Wrap Masters competition will wrap with prints made on 3M vinyl by a Mutoh ValueJet 1638X loaded with Mutoh Universal Mild Solvent inks (Hall 6, T85).
Fespa 2015 will take place in Cologne, Germany from 18-22 May.
