Digital printing of textiles has come a long way in recent years, as new printers and inks are taking the technology further than ever before. As a major leader in the textile segment, Epson is among the companies leading the way in innovation.

As its latest entry into the digital textile printing segment, Epson has introduced its new hybrid SureColor® F2270 printer. The SureColor F2270 runs both direct-to-garment (DTG) and direct-to-film (DTFilm) printing, offering DTFilm printing capabilities with minimal environmental impact and waste. The SureColor F2270 also can be utilized for transfer to a variety of materials, including uniquely shaped items.

“The SureColor F2270 is a mid-level printer, slotting between the SureColor F3070 high volume printer for production houses, and the SureColor F2100 for mid-level volume printing, such as 100 shirts for an event. The SureColor F2270 reaches into a more commercial lower level,” Tim Check, senior product manager, Professional Imaging, Epson America, Inc., noted.

It will be available in August 2023 through Epson Authorized Professional Imaging Resellers with an estimated MSRP of $18,995.

Check noted that the SureColor F2270 is Epson’s third-generation mid-level DTG system, and the improvements were based on customer feedback. He pointed out that beta testing has shown its ease of use.

“What we heard from our customers is the importance of doing it right the first time, reducing waste and demand for resources,” said Check. “You don’t want 80% to be usable. You want sellable print quality the first time every time, whether it’s on a tote bag, a T-shirt or shoes.”

The SureColor F2270 hybrid printer implements Epson’s new PrecisionCore® MicroTFP printhead with Nozzle Verification Technology, which should make the printer’s life easier.

“We are focusing on how we build for quality and having the system run reliably,” Check said. “The latest of our PrecisionCore printheads are self-aware with Nozzle Verification Technology, which knows where every droplet goes, and it will compensate if there are some nozzles out. It knows what color needs to be cleaned and what the optimal level of cleaning on which color needs to be done, so it doesn’t go through a whole cycle if it isn’t needed.”

As for inks, new UltraChrome® DG2 ink offers vibrant colors and sharp detail at up to 20% faster when printing on dark garments, compared to the previous generation model with printing 13.6” x 16.0” dark garments at default print quality, the company noted.

“UltraChrome DG2 is a new ink chemistry, designed for greater clarity and reduced bleed,” Check reported. “It offers a CMKY+White ink set, which produces bolder colors. The inks conform to Oeko-Tex ECO PASSPORT and come in sealed ink packs, not cartridges. The pack comes in an ink pouch, so there is 70% less landfill space.”

One new touch for the mid-level range is the automatic garment thickness optimization, which measures thickness using multiple sensors during the loading process. This allows the printer to determine a garment height profile and automatically adjust the printhead height for optimal print quality.

“Epson has had garment thickness optimization on our industrial lines and is now bringing it to mid-level printers,” Check said. “The printer creates a height map for what you want to print on, such as a shirt pocket.”

On the software side, the Epson Garment Creator 2 software improves processing time and high-resolution processing while the Epson Cloud Solution PORT allows the print shop manager to track production and monitor in real time. In addition, the SureColor F2270 hybrid printer has a 4.3-inch touchscreen interface with ergonomically placed control buttons.

“Our Epson Garment Creator 2 software makes it easy for users,” said Check. “And the updated Cloud Solution PORT cloud-based system monitors the printers and offers remote support. Additionally, Epson sells the SD-10 color spectrophotometer, that’s compatible with the SureColor F2270,  for color selection and color matching.”

One of the most important aspects is creating vibrant designs that customers will want while eliminating waste.

“The SureColor F2270 is designed for users and suppliers alike,” Check said. “Our goal is to create fashionable garments that people are going to love. This allows designers to come up with cool designs, and if you do it right and the customers want those products, you end up with a lot less waste, save a lot of time and money, and the customers are less likely to throw these items away.”