Print quality

Print quality is the essential ingredient in every digital textile printer, and most people assume - incorrectly - that print quality begins and ends at the printhead, says M&R. While high-quality printheads are essential, the supporting hardware and software is what makes the difference between mediocre prints and great prints. And this is where i-Dot excels, it claims.

i-colour RIP software

i-Dot's proprietary i-Color RIP software quickly converts data files into printed images with maximum sharpness and colour accuracy, while minimising print time, says M&R. In addition, i-Color RIP precisely calculates the need for white underbase when printing on black garments. Since i-Color RIP recognises black areas in the image file, it prevents the printheads from laying down a base of white in those areas and then printing over the white with black ink. This can substantially reduce the consumption of white and black ink, significantly increase print speed; and provides superior shading and gradations, says M&R.

Absolute Position

M&R claims its exclusive Absolute Position Technology (APT) gives i-Dot the industry's highest level of repeat registration. "While most competing printers rely on low-resolution encoders, APT uses M&R's proprietary high-resolution servo encoder," it says.

"APT's custom-designed firmware from Mitsubishi integrates flawlessly with M&R's i-Color RIP software. Absolute Position Technology also includes a servo amplifier, PLC controller, and an accurate servomotor-driven linear actuator. The combined power of the elements in the APT system working together - rather than its individual parts - enable i-Dot to print multiple layers of ink on dark and colored shirts with unmatched layer-to-layer accuracy."

Print engine

i-Dot uses a new high-performance print engine designed specifically for industrial production. Although the printhead is capable of 2880 x 2880 dpi resolution, i-Dot is able to reduce ink consumption while producing high quality images at speed at a resolution of 1440 x 1440 (or lower).

"With i-Dot, you get the results you want without slowing production or using excess ink," claims M&R. "And high-volume operations can reduce ink costs further with i-Dot's optional i-Pak bulk-feed system."

i-Dot's printhead has eight separate ink channels with 180 nozzles per channel. It produces variable-size droplets as small as 3.5 picolitres, and precisely controls the curvature of every ink droplet prior to release onto the substrate. This enables i-Dot to reduce print time while delivering sharp text and line art with blending and photographic transitions. i-Dot also features laser-guided substrate placement to help avoid costly misprints. Youth-size pallets and shirt-sleeve pallets are available for i-Dot, and i-Dot pallet mounts are compatible with many M&R pallets.

"With the ability to print images up to 41 x 51 cm (16" x 20"), i-Dot is the ideal printer for profitable short-run printing," adds the company.

UK agent: Dave Roper at D. ROPER LTD

Tel/Fax: +44 (0)1299 409 288

Email: dave@daveroper.co.uk

Web: http://www.mrprint.com/

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