Digitally Driven is now offering the Heatwave DFP (direct fabric printer)

The new HeatWave DFP-64 direct-to-fabric digital printer is a complete solution that prints directly onto polyester fabrics and other substrates for flawless results. The system features precision media handling components and an advanced on-board sublimation unit that together ensure outstanding image quality and rich, saturated colors for flags, banners, textiles and soft signage that maintain their natural drape and texture.

"We designed the DFP-64 to reach this new price point without compromising on the capabilities of the feeding system or the quality and consistency of the sublimation output," said Keith Faulkner, President of Splash of Color. "In addition to flags, banners and soft signage, the DFP-64 is engineered with a cork covered cylinder that enables shops to print on stretchable fabrics such as Lycra®, Spandex and other sports textiles. As a complete solution including printer, sublimation unit, bulk ink system and RIP software, the DFP-64 makes it easier than ever for shops to address the fast-growing textile printing market.

Reliable Image Quality Through Long Production Runs
Featuring four advanced piezo print heads and Roland's Intelligent Pass Control™ technology, the DFP-64 prints at speeds up to 230 sqft./hr. for impressive image quality through the longest production runs.

The DFP-64 features an intelligent fabric handling system that communicates directly with the printer's motherboard to ensure accurate control of the media. This Italian engineered system features two precision stepping motors that automatically fine tune the fabric feeding process to ensure precise movements with every pass of the print head. Once printed, the fabric passes through a temperature-controlled heated calender system equipped with an infra-red thermometer. The heated calender design is unique to the HeatWave and insures consistent heating across the entire calender surface resulting in accurate, consistent color.

• HeatWave DFP-64 Fabric Printer Features:
• Complete 64" direct-to-fabric digital printing solution
• Roll-to-roll operation provides an efficient workflow
• Outstanding results on a wide range of polyester fabrics
• HeatWave sublimation inks ensure rich, saturated colors
• Bulk Ink System with 1 liter reservoirs
  
• Precision fabric handling system for flawless performance
• On-board sublimation unit quickly sublimates inks
• Flexible design enables printing on transfer paper for special projects
• Intelligent Pass Control™ technology delivers exceptional image quality
• Up to 1440 x720 dpi resolution with variable dot printing
• Print speeds up to 230 sqft./hr.
• Optional air filtration system for removal of fumes, oil and dust particles
• VersaWorks RIP Software
• Variable Data Printing
• Spot color matching with the Roland Color System
• Max Impact Preset for richer color contrast
• Powerful Roland VersaWorks RIP Software Included

Roland VersaWorks RIP offers advanced features including a new Max Impact Preset color management, the Roland Color Matching System for spot color matching and variable data printing for easy, custom prints with variable data. The Max Impact Preset produces deeper, more vivid blues and reds, the fundamental colors for outdoor graphics, while preserving the overall color balance required for beautiful, photorealistic images. Built on the latest Adobe Postscript engine, VersaWorks is compatible with Windows® XP Professional, 2000 and Windows Vista™.

Epson, Mimaki, HP wide format printers for Textile and Eco Solvent/Solvent

Epson, Mimaki and HP Printers also available from Digitally Driven. With Digitally Driven, you know you'll get support because that's our background. We want you to be successful so we have dedicated ourselves to be able to provide solutions that will work for you. We also understand that you want to be unique. We won't give you a run of the box solution. We'll customize it to fit your needs and give you a competitive advantage.

We deal with printers utilizing Epson's Micro Piezo technology. Epson, Mimaki, Mutoh, and Roland all have printers with these printheads. Epson's printheads will offer the best resolution in the industry and when used with J-Teck sublimation inks, the best runability as well. Mimaki is probably the most widely used for such as their chip systems are easily bypassed. Roland makes some of the best equipment and Mutoh makes a printer with excellent resolution though internal parts seem to not last as long. Epson would be our primary pick as parts from Epson would be the cheapest and the Epson's were built for photographic quality. The chip systems however are difficult to bypass and as of June 2010 they do not have a 64" printer that we can recommend.

Dye Sublimation printers are generally 64" wide, with the exception of Epson's printers at the 44" print width. Mimaki makes a 120" dye sublimation printer and Roland has a 74" dye sublimation printer. Each come with obsticles in bypassing the chips so be careful in selecting the printer that best meets your needs. Please contact us if you need help in determining the best direction for your company. As our primary goal is meet solutions of our clients we are not tied to a specific model or manufacturer of equipment. We want to find a solution that works for you, not the other way around. Be leary of any salesguy telling you something works without proof. We have seen many instances where clients have been told that a specific printer is working great with their ink and have found out after installation that this is not the case. In many of these instances we have also been able to find solutions that even the manufactures don't know.

If you're looking at getting into grand format dye sublimation then look at the Mimaki JV5-320S or JV5-320DS grand format printers. You'll be glad you did. Other equipment will cost you twice the price and give you less resolution and only comparable speed to the Mimaki.