Epson has launched SureColor G9000: high-production Direct-To-Film printer that aims to tap into the growing demand for textile transfer printing by delivering a device that enables users to have greater productivity.
In recent years, one of the fastest growing parts of the print sector has been in textile transfer printing. The fashion for garments and accessories with printed logos or designs shows no signs of slowing any time soon, and many businesses are now looking to expand their presence in or move into this market to capitalise on its growth.
Printer manufacturers are also responding to this increasing demand for direct-to-film (DTFilm) printing. This includes Epson, which has been active in this market for years, and has recently launched its latest model for this sector, the SureColor G9000, a high-production DTFilm printer designed to meet growing global demand for flexible and efficient textile transfer printing.
The SureColor G9000 joins Epson’s DTFilm line-up alongside the SC-G6000. The SC-G9000 introduces enhanced speed, reliability and ease of maintenance for commercial garment decorators and textile producers.
DTFilm printing creates heat-applied transfers that can be applied to a wide variety of fabrics, including cotton, polyester, nylon, blends, leather and rigid surfaces.
Epson note that the SC-G9000 offers a complete Epson solution as it has an Epson-manufactured printer and printhead, as well as inks and software. This, say Epson, ensures optimal quality, system compatibility and long-term reliability.
Range of features
As you would expect, the SC-G9000 has a range of features that commercial garment decorators and textile producers are looking for. For instance, the SC-G9000 integrates PrecisionCore Micro TFP printhead technology, a built-in front heater and large 1.6L UltraChrome DF ink pouches for sustained throughput.
Crucially for companies in this sector, which are often under time pressure to produce garment runs, the SC-GH9000 has a default 1200×600dpi resolution, which achieves faster production speeds with superior image quality compared to previous models, while a new built-in after-heater prevents ink dripping and broadens media compatibility.
The system supports automatic daily maintenance, including a fabric wiper that cleans the printhead and automated cleaning of the suction cap. This automation significantly reduces operator time and ensures maximum uptime, making it ideal for busy production environments.
The SC-G9000 also features:
➡ 2.64” PrecisionCore micro TFP printhead with symmetrical nozzle arrangement, providing high productivity while maintaining high image quality
➡ Media capacity up to 1,626mm wide rolls, supporting all common DTFilm media widths on the market
➡ User-replaceable printheads, reducing downtime and service intervention
➡ Minimal user maintenance, with an optimised fabric wiper system requiring only periodic replacement
➡ A 4.3-inch touchscreen, signal lamp, and internal print-area lighting for clear visual feedback during production.
The printer ships with Epson Edge Print Pro and Fiery Digital Factory Epson Production Edition RIP software, plus supports leading third-party ISV RIP solutions, ensuring seamless workflow compatibility. The SC-G9000 will be sold as a printer-only unit, with dedicated reseller partners supplying compatible powder shakers or curing units, along with films, powders and other consumables.
Leading a fast-growing market
The new model continues Epson’s investment in high-growth textile segments. Since 2020, DTFilm has become one of the fastest-expanding digital textile printing technologies, with 8% forecast annual growth, while traditional direct-to-garment printing volumes decline. The SC-G9000 builds on this momentum.
“With the launch of the SC-G9000, Epson is strengthening its leadership in the fast-growing DTFilm market,” said Grant Cooke, product manager, Commercial & Industrial Printing, Epson Europe. “Customers have told us they need greater productivity, more reliability and less hands-on maintenance. The SC-G9000 delivers on all fronts, giving demanding production environments a high-performance solution engineered entirely by Epson.
“Using proven technology from existing Epson platforms such as the SC-R5000 and SC-F3000, the SC-G9000 delivers the speed, reliability and image quality customers expect from Epson, all while reducing the total cost of ownership and time to market for businesses expanding into DTFilm production.”
