Whether on shirts or hoodies, blouses or trousers: prints often turn textiles into special eye-catchers. The Hochschule Niederrhein is now pleased to announce a significant expansion of its technical equipment in the field of textile printing technologies. The companies Multiplot and Epson have jointly donated a textile printer and an EasySteam steamer from the Italian company Cibitex to the university.
This means that students in the Faculty of Textile and Clothing Technology can now gain practical experience with the latest printing and finishing technology. In addition to the realisation of outfits for theses and fashion shows in the design field, technical textiles can also be finished in future. "With this donation, we want to make an active contribution to the practical orientation of apprenticeships at one of Germany's leading textile technology universities," explained Joachim Rees, founder and Managing Director of Multi-Plot Europe GmbH, at the handover of the equipment.
"The new machines open up new didactic and technological possibilities for us. We will use the machines not only for teaching education, but also for research projects in the field of sustainable textile production and digital printing processes," says Dr Mathias Muth, Professor of Textile Printing Technologies at The Hochschule Niederrhein. The close cooperation with industry partners such as Multiplot and Epson strengthens HSNR's role as a modern and application-orientated university.
The students and scientists can use the new Epson printer to create professional sublimation prints - even with fluorescent colours - thanks to its high printing speed and colour brilliance. "This is a printing process in which colours are transferred into the fibres using heat and pressure," says Mathias Muth. The special sublimation ink is transformed into a gaseous state by heat and thus penetrates the fibre instead of just adhering to the surface.
The Cibitex EasySteam steamer is used with the existing reactive digital printing system for cotton: "It ensures sustainable and high-quality finishing of the printed fabrics through steam treatment," explains Mathias Muth. It is characterised by simple operation and allows small quantities to be steamed without preheating - ideal for students' work.
About Multi-Plot Europe GmbH: Multiplot is a leading provider of digital printing and finishing systems for textiles. Based in Bad Emstal, the company stands for innovative solutions and close cooperation with universities, research facilities and industry.
About Epson: Epson is a global technology company specialising in the development of precision printing solutions. With the SC-F series, Epson sets standards in the field of textile printing.
