UNDER THE HOOD / KORNIT APOLLO 25 Issue 255 - October / November 2024 email: news@signlink.co.uk dependent element of the machine is running to optimum levels to ensure the products are dried ready for dispatch post-production. All in One Solution What needs to be considered with the detailed process above is each of the steps is being taken concurrently with each pallet being loaded. The machine is garment hungry as this is a continuous process with the operator needing to have the unprinted sheet piled ready to scan and load. Previously if you were seeking to print high volumes of garments the logistics would have been quite demanding having to print, stack, and dry them individually. Added to that, maintaining quality across the batch with a manual set of processes would be equally as problematic. Whilst the actual production is all contained within the machine, ensuring maximum efficiency levels, the Apollo DTG printer comes with Kornit’s exclusive RIP solution. Clearly there are a number of different software platforms available but K-RIP is designed to enhance production on garments meaning customisation is easy, and that colour accuracy for brand spot colours can be guaranteed. The Kornit Apollo DTG machine takes production to a whole new level of quantity and quality whilst maintaining excellent levels of sustainability and user safety. Whether your production is 1,000 T-shirts for a large publicity event or kit for the local football team across a range of sizes, the Kornit Apollo can deliver for any occasion. Next up is the feature item, the application of colour. The Kornit Apollo Dimatrix Starfire 1024 Twinflex head applies the standard CMYK ink set but with additional channels for red and green. Added to the range of colours that can be applied, the printheads can apply the ink at 1200dpi meaning the colour quality available for a garment is as high as that for general printing. The inks themselves are the NeoPigment Eco-Rapid from Kornit and as you would fully expect, they are fully compliant with the highest eco-standards and hold the OEKO passport certification. The machine takes a far wider view of sustainability as it also holds the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) and is a Bluesign System partner. As described above, the pallet now drops and starts its journey onto the drying system in the other section of the machine. Each of the loaded pallets move quickly and seamlessly under the printing section which then rise to the other side so the top of the garments are ready for unloading. No operator intervention is needed to unload the garment as the pallet releases the product with the four corners delicately held as the machine moves the printed, but uncured garment, onto the drying conveyor. The large drying tunnel features Tesoma drying technology meaning the energy Each garment is prepared, precoated, and printed automatically meaning quality is totally consistent Brian Sims Principal Consultant, Metis Print Consultancy, www.metis-uk.eu
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