The DTF Printing System Designed for Production
Direct-to-Film
Printing System
by ImperialDTF
If you are a production printer, or looking for industrial DTF printer, the X5 DTF is the printer and shaker for you. This system can be set up as a 3 or 5 Epson i3200 printhead configuration. Dual CMYK with 4 channels of white. The maximum width of the film is 26" and this unit can print upwards of 120 linear feet per hour. Paired with an industrial DTF conveyor dryer that includes a built in air filtration system .
More InfoFeatures
5 EPSON i3200 Printheads
The X5, when configured with 5 printheads - Epson i3200, offers a 4-pass mode with speeds reaching up to 100 linear feet per hour. This configuration maximizes production output. Please note that while the printer can exceed 100 linear feet per hour, we recommend maintaining this optimal speed to ensure the highest print quality.
6 pass mode with speeds of over 100 linear ft.
Configuring the X5 with 5 printheads allows you to maximize production without compromising print quality. While it can exceed 100 linear feet per hour, increasing the speed may impact the quality. Therefore, we maintain an optimal speed to ensure quality is never sacrificed.
Built for speed - Top & bottom heat
The industrial dryer included with this unit is built for speed and efficiency. It features six quartz bulbs on the top and four on the bottom, ensuring even curing of your prints without sacrificing production speed. Additionally, the dryer's single-phase electrical setup allows for flexible installation in various locations with minimal electrical requirements. The dryer electrical is 240VAC, 40 amps single phase.
Shaker can handle rolls up to 26" wide
The shaker and dryer setup provides for an even powder distribution and removal of the excess adhesive powder. The adjustable carriage on the bottom of the tray allows for film width up to 26". This carriage ensures that all of your prints are fully coated with powder, from edge to edge.
LED Control panel for dryer
The LED control panel provides easy access and controls for the various heating zones within your dryer. Also allowing for preference on the amount of adhesive being released on the film and maintain the proper speed and temperature of the film.
Proper film tension & traction
The X-5 DTF printing system features a distinctive media web-up process. It starts by setting the correct infeed tension on the film roll holders located behind the printer. Proper tension is essential for ensuring accurate film tracking and maintaining precise registration, even at high speeds.
Heated bed at in-feed
As the film enters the drying unit, the operator can utilize the heated bed. This is beneficial when printing heavy ink densities, as it further dries the ink, resulting in less powder absorption and a softer hand. The heated bed can be turned off to maximize powder detail without pre-drying, offering versatility when used correctly.
Industrial In-feed reel
The most important aspect of the infeed is how the film exits the printer. It free falls almost to the floor before curving back up into the printer. This creates a slack point where the film re-enters the dryer, absorbing slight tracking issues and compensating for any misalignment between the printer and dryer. This design also helps eliminate film lifting on the print bed, which is especially helpful for novice operators.
Robust take-up reel
The film as it exits free-falls nearly to the floor before curving back up into the printer. This creates a slack point that allows the film to re-enter the dryer, helping to absorb minor tracking issues and compensating for any misalignment between the printer and the dryer. This design also prevents the film from lifting off the print bed, making it especially beneficial for novice operators.
Allows for larger rolls up to 1000 feet.
More information on the in-feed and take-up reel:
The X5 is equipped with a take-up reel that includes both a tracking bar and a dancer bar. The tracking bar helps maintain consistent film tension by working against a vacuum plate, which the operator activates at the end of a print run. This vacuum control ensures that the final six feet of film exit the dryer smoothly, preventing slippage or falls and ensuring proper curing.The dancer bar, commonly found in large-scale roll-to-roll printers, measures film tension as it exits the dryer. This system automatically controls the take-up reel and ensures proper film alignment, preventing issues like telescoping. With these automated features, the operator can focus more on the printing process itself.
Wasatch Softrip 8.0 Software
Wasatch Softrip is a powerful, easy-to-use rip software that works fantastic on the X5 DTF. This software has halftone effects, or "rasterization", that provides the softest feeling print. Wasatch SoftRIP includes Shape Nesting, as well as a number of options for nesting simple pages. This mimimizes the amount of film waste, not only good for the pocketbook, but good for the landfill.
Exhaust into filtration
The X5 comes equipped with an integrated exhaust filtration system, eliminating the need for external hoses and connections. This internal setup offers a more efficient and cleaner solution directly within the dryer unit. Accessing the system is easy with a single buckle on the side of the dryer, providing quick entry to the glycol reservoir. The reservoir features a sight glass for monitoring glycol levels and a gated ball valve drain for fast and clean disposal. Above the waste reservoir, the filtration system includes a washable, reusable foam filter for primary exhaust and glycol collection, as well as a HEPA filter with charcoal beads for enhanced odor and fume removal, ensuring a safer and cleaner environment. For optimal performance, maintenance frequency varies based on printer usage, with weekly maintenance recommended in high-production settings.
Filtration System - Liquid Glycol
The built-in filtration system is designed in two parts to enhance safety in your work environment. The glycol trap is specifically designed for use after the dryer has finished its cycle. Once the dryer cools down, any vaporized glycol is captured as liquid in the dryer lid. Simply raise the lid, and the liquid will flow downhill into the waste reservoir on the side.
The tank is equipped with a float and sensor that signals when the container is near full and time to empty.
Please dispose of this waste properly, it should not be poured down the drain as it can contaminate water supplies, and damage your plumbing. Check with your local authority if you are unsure the safe disposal procedure.
Filtration System - Air born impurities
All DTF machines have a fair amount of glycol exhause main set up removes the exhaust from the dryer with three separate filters. The charcoal filter removes the odors and some moisture from the exhaust, with the bottom filter having an airfilter with a foam sponge.
The filters in this unit must be monitored periodically so they can properly remove toxins and orders from the unit. Depending on your usuage will determine how often they should be cleaned / replaced.
Exposure to high levels of ethylene glycol vapors causes irritation of mucous membranes and the upper respiratory tract. It is highly recommended to have a filtration system on the DTF dryer. Filtration systems are only affective if they are maintained properly.
Specifications
Looking for more info?
Complete the form for more information on this DTF System. We will reach out to give you as much information as we can about the system so you can make an informed decision on your investment. We have not listed the pricing on this because it will vary based upon how, you will want it configured.
Imperial DTF does not have in-house technicians, but we partner with a team of highly experienced technicians. They will handle installation, warranty packages, and service plans to custom fit your needs.
Why buy from ImperialDTF?
ImperialDTF is a team of experienced professionals with a strong background in production printing.
While we're not engineers, our deep printing expertise gives us a solid understanding of the importance of integrating new technologies into print shops. Our focus is on seamlessly combining software and hardware to improve workflow efficiency. By reducing manual intervention, we aim to help you speed up production cycles and accelerate the delivery of printed materials.
Rather than introducing newcomers to the technology, our priority is supporting established shops to enhance their DTF print quality and streamline operations. We work closely with our manufacturers every day, continuously pushing the boundaries of this technology to foster innovation.
Our goal isn't to get rich off misinformation or a lack of knowledge—it's to make a living by helping others succeed. We believe this technology is still in its infancy and will have a profound impact on how textiles are decorated in the future.