Mutoh Introduces Viper TX Textile Printer

Mutoh Europe introduced its new Viper TX printer at FESPA this summer.
The printer will initially be sold only in Europe, but according to Mutoh Europe's Nick
Decock, at a later stage,
will be released in the US.

The Viper TX joins Mutoh's family of
dye-sub/textile printers. It is a
direct-print textile printer (unlike the
Viper 65- and 90-in. dye-sub printers
released earlier this year in the US) using
water-based disperse dye inks.

Available in 65- and 90-in. widths, the
Viper TX will print directly onto nonstretchable
fabrics”?with open or closed
structure, such as PES flag, cotton, cotton/
polyester blends, and silk. It prints
with drop-on-demand Micro Piezo Inkjet
heads (with 360 nozzles per head) and
offers 8 ink channels. Inks can be set up
as: 2 x 4 CMYK (same ink type), 4 + 4
CMYK (mixed ink type), 6-color (mix of
process and spot possible), or 8-color
(mix of process and spot possible).

The printer offers print resolutions of
360, 720, and 1440 dpi. Maximum print
speeds reach 425 sq ft/hr, with typical
production speed averaging between 75
and 301 sq ft/hr.

New Viper TX features include: ink gutter
with waste drain to collect the ink not
absorbed by the textile; an additional
cylinder for even fabric tensioning; a
heavy-duty unwinding/winding system;
and adjustable head height (from 1.2 to 4
mm) that allows the user to print onto
sensitive media or media with long fibers,
without risking a head-strike. An optional
standalone infrared dryer is available for
post-printing drying.

Applications include one-off sample
creation to small production runs, as well
as soft signage, flags, wall murals, tradeshow
exhibits, fashion textile, shop
awnings, outdoor advertising, home furnishings,
curtains, and wallpaper.

Price: 65-in. model, “??40,490($48,000
US); 90-in. model, “??49,490($59,000 US);
shipping soon, Europe only. (Mutoh Europe: www.mutoh.be)