Epson launches first dedicated wide-format Direct-to-Film printer
The SureColor G6060 opens new doors for fabric, apparel and merchandise production with enhanced quality, reliability, and efficiency
AUCKLAND, 23 January 2025 – To address the growing demand for fabric and merchandise customisation, Epson has launched a new range, the SureColor G-Series and its first ever wide-format printer designed exclusively for direct-to-film (DTFilm) production – the SureColor G6060.
Designed to meet the requirements of garment creators and merchandise manufacturers, the SureColor G6060 expands on Epson's extensive range of fabric printers and is the first model dedicated to direct-to-film production. Aimed at volume production, it has been designed to deliver consistent quality output with a low running cost, minimum maintenance and a high duty cycle.
Epson Australia Business Marketing Manager for Professional Print Solutions Gordon Kerr explained, "Epson has many years' experience in the fabric market and has grown to be one of the world's largest providers of print solutions. We understand that quality and consistency is important for customer satisfaction. We also understand maximising reliability while minimising parts and labour expenditure are key to profitable business. The new SureColor G6060 ticks all these boxes and complete with its new designation, is a perfect fit within our fabric line-up."
In practical terms by employing the DTF process the SureColor G6060 makes adding images and logos to shirts, pants and accessories simple and straightforward and thus enables imaging on a much wider range of material.
Garment manufacturers seeking a dedicated DTFilm production system can now easily and cost-effectively create custom workwear and teamwear. They can produce event and show merchandise alongside value-add clothing and a wide range of other items including coasters, umbrellas, notepads and binders.
The SureColor G6060 features a compact design with all-front-loaded consumables. It supports film in rolls up to 900 mm wide and 250 mm in diameter. It incorporates an auto-cutter for sheet-based production and can be used 'in-line' with a range of third-party powder shaker/oven machines for roll-based production.
A 1.33" 8 channel PrecisionCore Micro TFP printhead supports print speeds up to 17 m2/hr in colour + white and 32.6 m2/hr in white or colour only1. Ink-less nozzle status monitoring, auto-head cleaning, auto cap-cleaning and continuous white-ink recirculation ensure consistent high-quality output with maximum productivity and minimum waste.
The printer uses 1.6L UltraChrome DF ink packs that are cost-effective to order, easy to agitate, quick and mess-free to load. Epson Precision Dot image processing ensures the SC-G6060 can produce accurate and consistent prints with bright colour and an enhanced gamut.
The SC-G6060 has been purpose-built for fast and efficient production. It is designed to operate with minimal operator oversight and minimum manual maintenance. It requires only a few minutes each week to ensure smooth and reliable operation. It features a high duty cycle and ships with a comprehensive warranty that includes the print head. Service cover can be extended with CoverPlus up to a total of five years for a low total cost of ownership.
Finally, the printer features integrated support for Epson's Cloud Solution PORT2 service. This free web-based service can be accessed from desktop PCs for direct management as well as Android and iOS devices for remote monitoring. The PORT service provides advanced reporting and costing tools while facilitating enhanced support and service for maximum uptime.
Gordon Kerr concluded, "The SureColor G6060 is a great addition to Epson's fabric range and should be well received by manufacturers with volume DTFilm production needs. For users with lower requirements and/or those who wish to produce a mix of DTG and DTFilm we will continue to recommend our SC-F1060, SC-F2260 and SC-F3000 models."
Additional features of the SureColor G6060 include:
The new SC-G6060 will ship with a comprehensive warranty that includes the printhead. It is expected to have a retail price of AUD $27,495 and NZD $30,295 including 5-year CoverPlus, ink and software.
The new SureColor G6060 will be demonstrated on the Epson stand at PacPrint 2025, 20 - 23 May at the Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park.
For more on the new Epson SureColor G6060 go to: www.epson.co.nz
What is DTFilm?
The DTFilm process involves prints made onto polymer film. After printing, powder is applied and adheres to the ink. The film is then placed in an oven which melts the powder. If multiple images have been printed together the film can be cut down to produce single pieces of artwork. When ready for use the film is placed into a heat press together with the garment or merchandise and the image transfers. After cooling the film is peeled off and the item is complete.
Why DTFilm?
DTFilm is similar to DTG and indeed it can often be produced using similar printer and ink technology (Epson's existing F1060, F2260 and F3000 printers all support DTG and DTFilm with dedicated modes for each). While DTG requires fabric with a 50% or greater natural content, DTFilm works on a much wider range of fabrics including polyester, nylon and neoprene. DTFilm can be used on a range of other materials including cork and artificial leather. Unlike DTG, fabric generally doesn’t need to be pre-treated before imaging which saves time and money. Multiple images can also be applied to a single piece of film, increasing productivity. DTFilm prints can be produced in advance and applied in minutes when customers choses their garment, further improving productivity. DTFilm prints can be stored for a period of time and can be transported easily in a tube.
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*This product uses only genuine Epson-brand ink packs. Other brands of ink packs and ink supplies are not compatible and, even if described as compatible, may not function properly or at all.
1Production speeds will depend on the individual application and print quality requirement but can generally be expected to be less than the maximums quoted.
2This system requires connection via Ethernet to a network with Internet connection.
3ECO PASSPORT by OEKO-TEX is a system by which textile chemical suppliers demonstrate that their product can be used in a sustainable textile production. UltraChrome DF Ink is certified by the ECO PASSPORT. This is an international safety standard in the textile industry. It is certified to be safe for adults and children, including babies.
EPSON, Epson Cloud Solution PORT, PrecisionCore, SureColor, TFP and UltraChrome are registered trademarks of Seiko Epson Corporation.
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