Companies producing short runs of digitally printed textiles now have a new option in steaming equipment. A German-based company called SETeMa (Scientifically Engineered Textile Machines) has introduced the Portafix Universal Steamer. The compact, mobile stainless steel unit is available in three versions: 3m, 6m and 9m capacities with output speeds of 18, 36, and 54 m/hr respectively. The device is designed to fix textile dyes on all types of manmade and natural fabrics with a color yield similar to that of high-end production steamers.
Equipped with its own steam production unit, the Portafix Universal heats up in less than 30 minutes, reaching temperatures between 212″? and 356″? F. Temperatures in the range of 100″? to 180″? C and dwell times from 3 to 3 minutes can be controlled for steam and hot-air fixation.
The steamer's “stand-by” state keeps the device at the required production temperature while minimizing energy consumption.
The wheel-mounted steamers can pass through standard doors and doesn't require soft water supplied. The Netherlands-based company 2-some is handling sales and marketing for the Portafix Universal. (Satema: www.setema.com; 2-some: www.2-some.com).