Xeikon introduces digital textile transfers

Punch Graphix has announced details of a new, exclusive co-operation agreement between its Xeikon brand, which manufactures digital printing equipment, and the Danish company Digital Screenprinting Technologies Aps (DST), based in Copenhagen.

DST provides a patented technology that combines the best of both digital and screen-printing processes. The combination of DST’s inks and process knowledge with Xeikon’s digital print know-how produces high-resolution textile transfers suitable for both short and long run applications. Because of the architecture of the Xeikon press, transfers can be produced in either roll-to-roll or roll-to-sheet form, and the digital technology offered by the print system means that variable data can be incorporated into the transfer design. This means that every transfer produced can include unique content, whether that be simply an individual name, or a more complex variation, such as a different picture element.

The process offers both water-based and plastisol-based ink solutions, which produce transfers that can withstand high-temperature machine washing, including industrial washing, and even dry-cleaning. The range of adhesives available for the process means that output can be transferred to literally any piece of fabric, including cotton, knitted and woven materials, polyurethane, PVC fabrics and films, rainwear, umbrellas, Spandex and other stretch fabrics, neoprene and polyester.

‘This agreement marries up two best-of-breed products, and supports our company strategy of providing unique solutions to all parts of the printing industry,’ said Vronique Mathias, chief marketing officer of Belgian-based Punch Graphix. ‘The result is transfers of the highest quality, produced at high speed, with the added potential of incorporating variable information within the image. We see significant opportunities for this exciting application, and see it appealing to both existing and to new users of Xeikon products.’