14 www.signlink.co.uk Issue 258 - April / May 2025 KIT & MEDIA / NEWS Mimaki launches two new textile printers Mimaki has announced the launch of two new direct-to-textile (DTT) printers, the Mimaki Tx330-1800 and Tx3301800B. The new DTT solutions will be introduced to the UK market by Hybrid Services, Mimaki’s distributor for the UK and Ireland, later this year. The Tx330 series has been designed to print on a variety of materials with minimal wastewater. The machines work in contrast to many textile printing processes that require pre- and post-processing equipment, aiming to streamline production into a more space-efficient solution. The Tx330-1800 allows for printing on both fabric and paper in one machine, supporting the production of both textile signage and interior fabrics. Mimaki says the Tx3301800B uses a belt conveyor to print on fabrics with varying thicknesses and elasticity, designed to produce short-run and varied apparel in small spaces such as offices, schools, and retail stores. Both printers are equipped with dual ink set capability, allowing operators to switch between textile pigment inks and dye sublimation inks. Unlike conventional dye inks, the solutions offer a simplified and combined printing and heat fixation procedure. This aims to eliminate the need for facilities for water supply, drainage, and wastewater treatment. The procedure has also been developed with easeof-use in mind, reducing the dyeing expertise needed to operate the machines. Recently Hybrid Services added two new authorised partners to its existing channel of Mimaki resellers. The company has appointed Colourbyte in England and Trimwel in Ireland to its channel, bolstering an established network of reseller partners which already includes Soyang Hardware, CMYUK, and Signmaster Systems. The Tx330-1800 hybrid model enables printing on both fabric and paper Inkcups’ Nano Pin Curing technology released to market Direct-to-object (DTO) print manufacturer, Inkcups, has announced the commercial availability of its Nano Pin Curing technology for the Helix range of cylindrical DTO UV printers. The patent-pending technology debuted at the PRINTING United Alliance trade show in September 2024, receiving a PRINTING United Alliance Pinnacle Award in the technology category at the event. The technology enables printing on transparent cylindrical vessels such as glassware, clear plastic bottles, wine and spirit bottles, candle holders, and assorted drinkware without the need to first fill the vessel with a UV-blocking substance or stuffing agent. The removal of this process aims to reduce production time and maintain a sterile environment on the inside of the bottle. The Nano Pin Curing technology was first demonstrated at PRINTING United Alliance 2025 KGK Genix expands into small-format printing Konica Minolta Business Solutions UK has partnered with design and print specialist KGK Genix, to add small-format print production to the company’s in-house offerings. Chiefly known for its retail graphics and display activations, KGK Genix has expanded its offerings to include a range of brand projects such as corporate brochures and packaging designs. Konica Minolta supplied and installed an AccurioPress C12000 at KGK Genix’s recently expanded production facility in Essex, as part of the company’s new production line. Along with finishing equipment from Morgana, KGK Genix’s investment in the C12000 enables it to control small-format jobs on-site, delivering a new revenue stream alongside its core wide-format production. [L to R] Hayden Cooper and Kyle Plumridge, from KGK Genix with the new Konica Minolta press Fine art printer installs swissQprint to boost output Fine art specialist, Harwood King Printmakers, has installed a new swissQprint Nyala 4 at its production facility, to handle growing demand for high quality fine art prints. The family-owned East Sussex-based firm first installed the machine at the start of January. Harwood King has opted for a six-colour white, varnish, and orange version of the Nyala 4 incorporating six-inch diameter roll-to-roll shafts. The version was chosen by the business to more accurately handle thicker paper stocks designed for the fine art market. The Harwood King team first saw the Nyala 4 at a visit to swissQprint’s demonstration site in Bracknell. Harwood King’s managing director, Casper Harwood-King, was impressed by the machine’s quality, flexibility, and efficiency. Casper Harwood-King, managing director of Harwood King Printmakers, with the newly-installed Nyala 4 MUTOH releases new roll-to-roll printer MUTOH Europe has announced the release of the HydrAton 1642, a 64-inch roll-to-roll printer featuring its latest water-based UV technology. First showcased at drupa 2024, the HydrAton 1642 utilises a new ‘AQUAFUZE’ UV-curable ink technology. AQUAFUZE has been designed to adhere to a wider range of substrates including non-porous materials, without the need for primers or adhesion promoters. The ink film has been developed to offer high scratch resistance without requiring an overcoat, making it ideal for wallpapers, retail décor, indoor signage, and public space applications. The printer is powered by MUTOH’s VerteLith RIP software and includes a range of automation features. The HydrAton 1642 operates at relatively low temperatures of 30°C to 50°C By Jonathan Pert signlink signlinkmagazine
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