Bordeaux has launched the Velvet Jet direct-to-fabric printing system, a 70.9-in. modular combination of pretreatment, textile printer, heater, and takeup system. Each piece of hardware is available separately and can be set up in one production line or individually throughout a production space. The full line spans roughly 20 ft. Possible applications include short- and medium-sized runs of fashion, home décor, and sportswear.

The Velvet Jet PD185 padder applies pretreatment on any fabric in a single step. Then, the Velvet Jet PB180 printer leverages Bordeaux’ new CMYKcmOG Eden PG pigment ink, which prints on any textile. Print speeds reach up to 1290 sq ft/hr with four printheads, but the machine is also upgradeable to 8 or 16 heads. A sticky belt is designed to handle any type of fabric.

A synchro-unit maintains media tension in transition from the printer to the HT180 heater for inline users. Drying is completed in 3 min at 300 F, and no other finishing is required, according to the company. Fabric can then be rolled onto the TU165 takeup system.

Bordeaux also reports the system allows shops to almost eliminate water consumption and reduce electrical consumption up to 85%.