Epson’s Monna Lisa ML-13000 direct-to-fabric single-step pigment ink textile printer at drupa

Epson showcased the new Monna Lisa 13000 at drupa 2024. An affordable single-step digital direct-to-fabric textile printer with a compact footprint that delivers in-line printing using more sustainable pigment inks.

The Monna Lisa ML-13000 is an innovative textile printing solution that requires no additional equipment for pre and post-treatment, steaming and washing. The new direct-to-fabric printer has three pre and post-processing chemicals (pre-treatment, over-coating, and density enhancer) and seven colour inks. This makes it possible to integrate pre- and post-processing in a single-step printing solution, which contrasts with other conventional textile printers that require separate processes.

Pre- and post-chemicals are used only in the print area (dot-on-dot), enabling prints that bring out the texture of the fabric. The ML-13000 also enjoys a much smaller footprint than conventional textile printing equipment, allowing it to be installed in more confined and convenient working environments.

The ML-13000 offers a far more sustainable approach to fabric printing. The traditional textile industry is responsible for approximately 20% of industrial wastewater worldwide. However, the ML-13000 can significantly reduce water consumption by up to 97%[2] by eliminating pre and post-processes required by conventional dye-based printing methods. It is also estimated that 35% of all materials in the textile supply chain end up as waste; however, digital on-demand textile printing allows one to print just the right amount and, therefore, reduce stock waste and manage excess inventory. Epson's ML-13000 pigment inks and pre and post-treatment chemicals meet environmental standards, including ECO PASSPORT certified, bluesign approved, ZDHC MRSL Conformance Level 3 certified, and GOTS approved by ECOCERT.

The ML-13000's superior image quality is delivered through Epson's high-quality PrecisonCore printheads. Epson precision-dot technology reduces banding and graininess, and its multi-layer halftone technology, which randomises the halftone dot pattern on each layer, reduces image degradation caused by dot misalignment. The ML-13000 also features symmetrical colour alignment for consistent colour overlap during bidirectional printing, and accurate belt position control technology automatically detects the belt feeding distance to ensure highly precise fabric feeding. The result is optimal quality and productivity, with superb reproduction of colour gradations, fine details, and complex geometric patterns.

Stable operation with unprecedented usability is realised with advanced cleaning mechanisms and automated adjustment functions. Nozzle verification technology detects missing dots that indicate nozzle clogging and adjusts ink delivery to maintain image quality and reduce printing errors. An easy-to-replace fabric wiper roll continuously wipes the printhead nozzles clean automatically, reducing daily manual maintenance work. An ink-mist extraction system helps prevent ink-mist from adhering to the nozzle surface. Thanks to the high accuracy of printhead alignment technology and an automatic calibration function by an RGB camera, printhead replacement can be carried out quickly, including adjustments.

Ease of use is enhanced by a 10.1-inch LCD touch panel that displays current printer status, operating instructions, and regular maintenance procedures and built-in & hot-swappable, dual 1.6-litre ink cartridges that allow uninterrupted production. GENESTA pigment ink and pre and post-processing chemicals provide flexibility to print on various fabrics, such as natural, synthetic and blended fabrics, for various applications.

Epson Edge Print PRO X series RIP software supports Adobe PDF Print Engine (APPE) - the industry's leading technology and new 16-bit rendering. It includes step and repeat, hot folders, print cost analysis tool and colour adjustment for matching spot colours. Epson Cloud Solution PORT provides a live view of printer fleet production, equipment utilisation, and service information to manage efficiency better and optimise printing workflow. Epson has sales offices, demo/solution centres and local service teams around the globe to support customers.

ML-13000 Key Points

Printheads: 13 Epson PrecisionCore MicroTFP printheads.

Productivity: Print speed of 131 sqm/h (600x600 dpi - 2 pass), 87 sqm/h (900x600 dpi - 3 pass5), 63 sqm/h (1200x600 dpi - 4 pass [6])

Resolution: up to 1200 dpi.

Width: 185 cm.

Ink colors: 7

Inks: Genesta pigment ink (black, cyan, magenta, yellow, red, green, orange), pre-treatment liquid, over-coating liquid, density enhancer liquid

Ink capacity: 1.6 litres. (Dual 1.6L hot-swappable vacuum-packed degassed ink packs)