Israel-based digital textile printer manufacturer Kornit continues to enhance its direct-to-garment printing capabilities, expanding implementation of its new HD print engine and NeoPigment RAPID inks into a wider range of its product line. Both the HD print engine and RAPID inks are used in Kornit’s Vulcan industrial direct-to-garment system, recipient of a 2017 SGIA Product of the Year award. Earlier this year, the technology became available in the mid-range mass-production Avalanche printers. And now, it is available in a more entry-level version with the Storm HD6. We spoke with Ryan Kurek, Kornit’s North American Director of Marketing, to learn more.

WhatTheyThink:  Ryan, one of the key benefits Kornit promotes with the HD technology and RAPID ink is a reduction in ink usage by approximately 30% with an improvement in quality. This is important, of course, since ink can be one of the most costly components of any printer, from screen to digital direct-to-garment. How does the HD system accomplish this?

Ryan Kurek:  With the HD technology, it is possible due to three factors: First is the chemistry of the ink; RAPID ink droplets have about the same area coverage as they did before, but now they lie thinner on the fabric, which also produces a more refined, retail hand-feel. We increased the pigment load and therefore the color intensity. Second is the new printhead, which optimizes the RAPID ink performance. And lastly, the software is based on new features and RIP capabilities from ColorGATE.