Irvine, Calif. – Wide-Format digital printing leader Roland DGA has announced the launch of its new 64-inch Texart XT-640, an innovative, high-volume dye-sublimation printer designed for the textile printing industry.

Built specifically for dye-sublimation – a printing method that transfers graphics inversely printed on transfer paper with sublimation ink to polyester textiles or polymer-coated rigid substrates using heat – the XT-640 is ideal for creating fashion and sports apparel. With its state-of-the-art print head technology, reinforced rail and frame structure, and precise ink drop placement, the XT-640 delivers vibrant, colorful sublimated prints at speeds of up to 1,098 square feet per hour (102m²/h). Further enhancing printing accuracy is a new, more convienient Feed Adjuster at the front of the printer that ensures even tensioning and prevents skewing of the media.

The XT-640 is also equipped to take full advantage of Roland Texart inks, which are specially formulated to produce the bold, vivid colors and deep, rich blacks needed for sublimation applications. The addition of orange and violet inks increases the color gamut for exceptional reds and oranges, deep blues and rich purples, while light cyan and light magenta provide subtle gradations, beautiful skin tones and a remarkably fine level of detail.

Users will also appreciate the XT-640’s included ErgoSoft Roland Edition RIP. Powerful, feature-rich and easy to use, this advanced software was developed especially for Roland by ErgoSoft, a premier RIP provider in the textile printing industry.

Included in the long list of XT-640 features that optimize production and convenience is the Roland Ink System, which uses one-liter ink pouches to facilitate uninterrupted long-run printing. In four-color mode, the system provides two liters per color. The proprietary Roland Ink Switching System automatically switches to the backup ink pouch when the primary pouch runs out. The XT-640 also comes with the Roland Printer Assist iPad app, which further enables unattended printing by allowing users to check printing status from anywhere in the building.

According to Lily Hunter, Roland DGA’s product manager, textiles and consumables, the XT-640 is engineered to meet the output performance and image quality requirements of those producing professional fashion and sports apparel. Hunter noted, “Last year, we launched the Texart RT-640 and while that printer is ideal for a wide range of textile decorating applications, including sports and fashion apparel, the new Texart XT-640 is uniquely designed to satisfy increasing user demand for higher-volume fashion and sports apparel production.”  

Hunter is also quick to point out the market potential of the XT-640 printer. “In the field of fashion apparel, we’re seeing a shortening of trend cycles known as “fast fashion,” as well as a growing desire among consumers for personalized clothing and accessories,” she said.  “These developments are resulting in greater demand for printers that can handle custom one-offs and small-lot jobs quickly and efficiently. At the same time, in the sports apparel field, functional polyester materials with sweat-absorbing, quick-drying and dry-touch features have become extremely popular.  Businesses are also looking for dye-sublimation transfer printers capable of creating patterns and logos simultaneously, without the uncomfortable seams post-process sewing produces.” 

Prior to the XT-640’s launch, Roland earned OEKO-TEX^® Standard 100, product class I^* certification, ensuring the safety of textile items printed with the XT-640 using Texart ink. “We’re committed to providing our customers with printers and inks that not only deliver outstanding productivity and image quality, but also meet the highest standards for safety and environmental friendliness.” 

The new Roland Texart XT-640 dye-sublimation printer is affordably-priced at $29,995 MSRP (U.S.) and available through authorized Roland dealers. To learn more about the XT-640, or the complete Roland DGA product lineup, visit www.rolanddga.com.