Splash of Color debuted the HeatWave DFP-104 fabric printer, a 104-in. direct-to-fabric printer that’s based on Roland’s HeatWave sublimation technology. It’s designed to image polyester fabrics and other polyester substrates (coated as well as uncoated), and produce applications that include flags, banners, textiles, and soft signage that need to maintain a natural drape and texture.

The machine utilizes six piezo printheads and prints at speeds up to 337 sq ft/hr and offers a top resolution of 720 x 720 dpi. The DFP-104 features include precision media-handling components (two precision stepping motors and synchronized dancing rollers that automatically fine tune the media-feeding process, as well as a special cork-covered cylinder used when printing on stretchable fabrics), an on-board sublimation unit, and Roland’s Precision Firing Pattern. The HeatWave is designed to easily print on open mesh fabrics without marking the backside of the fabric with “blow-by” ink. The specially designed ink trough with sponge pad will absorb any ink that passes through the fabric.

The DFP-104 also boasts a high-capacity bulk-ink system for unattended printing and automatic sleep (with user-adjustable intervals). The standard VersaWorks RIP includes: variable-data printing for production of custom prints; a Max Impact color-management preset that produces deeper, more vivid blues and reds while preserving the overall color balance; spot-color matching with Roland Color Matching System; and more than 150 ICC profiles. An air-filtration system, to remove steam, fumes, dust, and small amounts of oil, is optional.

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