Israel-based Kornit Digital, a global market leader in digital textile printing, has introduced a new HD (High Definition) printing technology for its Avalanche platform of Direct-To-Garment (DTG) printing systems. The Avalanche HD6, the successor of the Avalanche Hexa, is equipped with Kornit’s HD Print Engine and NeoPigment Rapid Ink. This results in significant reductions in ink consumption and therefore cost per print – in comparison to the company’s existing Avalanche systems. The HD6 can reduce ink consumption by up to 30% compared to the current “R-Series” version, said the OEM, and up to 46% compared to the previous Non R-Series versions of the Avalanche Hexa. In addition, Kornit is launching an HD version of its Avalanche 1000, which will be called the Avalanche HDK. The company also emphasized that existing Kornit customers now have an upgrade path for their Avalanche Hexa and Avalanche 1000 systems.
The new systems are the result of Kornit’s 15 years of DTG printing innovation and a very large installed base of systems. The new cost-per-print levels make the new HD systems an attractive choice for screen printers for print runs between one and 500 copies. The run with 4-litre bulk ink containers of Kornit’s NeoPigment Rapid Ink. This ink, which has been specifically developed for Kornit’s HD technology, offers an improved gamut for spot colours and brand colour matching, increased opacity and saturation of the white ink, as well as improved hand feel – an important requirement by screen printers. The print quality is further enhanced by ColorGATE’s Professional RIP solution, adding advanced colour management and screening capabilities, improved white-base creation, and pre-defined colour libraries for better colour matching. Both the HD print engine and the NeoPigment Rapid Ink are used in Kornit’s Vulcan system and have been field-proven in a number of installations over the past year, the company added.
“Today’s market trends put traditional screen printing service providers under pressure, given the increased demand for short-run production with frequent inventory cycles – coupled with the online and direct-to-customer business models, demand for personalized garments, and demand for shorter delivery times,” said Omer Kulka, Kornit Digital’s Vice President of Marketing and Product Strategy. “Added to these trends is the current retail meltdown which particularly impacts fashion and apparel outlets. Kornit’s HD technology, based on our 15 years of digital textile printing experience, provides an excellent and profitable alternative for print runs of one to 500 pieces, with quick turnaround times.”
Kornit’s Avalanche platform represents the high productivity segment of its industrial DTG printing family, providing customers with “a multitude of system options for different application requirements.” The Kornit Avalanche HD6 includes six colour channels (CMYK, Red, Green) plus white, for a wider gamut and improved spot-colour matching. Users can easily reproduce the true colours of licensed sports teams and accurately match corporate logos with fiery reds, warm yellows, deep blues and greens, vivid purples and many more. Designed for the mass production of garments, Kornit’s Avalanche HD6 also includes a patented architecture of dual bridge and dual pallet, designed to achieve optimal performance in an industrial production environment – a very robust platform for heavy-duty use. The system operates at high speeds and provides excellent print quality. The Avalanche HD6 will be available for delivery during the first quarter of 2018, to be followed by the Avalanche HDK during the second quarter. Previous versions of the Avalanche Hexa and Avalanche 1000, with or without ink re-circulation technology, are field upgradeable to the new HD versions. In this way, users can benefit from the advantages of the NeoPigment Rapid Ink technology.
Kornit launches new HD printing technology for its Avalanche DTG series
