The world of Direct-to-Film (DTF) printing is evolving, and the Kraken DTF printer from American Print Supply is at the forefront of this change. After years of learning what works and what doesn’t, the company has released its newest and most advanced machine. The Kraken DTF printer is a step up from even the high-speed Hydra, representing the next generation of DTF printing technology. This is not just an incremental update; it’s a “battleship” in the DTF fleet, built for businesses that demand the highest quality and output.
Kraken DTF Printer: Unrivaled Speed And Production
When it comes to speed, the Kraken lives up to its name. It is capable of printing at speeds of over 600 square feet per hour, which is twice the speed of the Hydra machine. This incredible speed is made possible by its eight print heads and a magnetic drive system that ensures a smooth and steady feed. Unlike older, belt-driven systems that move “herky-jerky,” the magnetic drive provides a smooth motion, so smooth that you could put a glass of wine on the machine while it’s running and it wouldn’t spill.
The Kraken’s “matching duster” is also designed to keep up, curing prints at these high speeds to maintain continuous production. This machine is built for “industry printing” and is capable of running for two or three rolls a day without issue, producing thousands of square feet of transfers.
Kraken DTF Printer: Expanded Color And Precision
The Kraken’s most impressive feature is its expanded color gamut, an industry-first for a DTF printer. With 13 ink tanks, it currently runs CMYK, red, green, violet, and orange, with four additional tanks available for specialized colors like flesh tones or fluorescents. This machine has a total of eight Epson i3200 print heads, with two dedicated to white ink, four for CMYK, and two for RGBO. This expansive color palette, including the new “Super Blue,” offers the largest commercially available gamut on the market, ensuring color accuracy for better customer satisfaction.
In addition to the magnetic drive system, the Kraken also features a heated print carriage to change the viscosity of the inks, allowing them to perform at such high speeds. The dual main beam adds to the stability and precision of the machine, which is built for those who demand the pinnacle of quality and output.
Kraken DTF Printer: Built-in Efficiency and Reliability
The Kraken is designed to be a reliable workhorse, with several features that ensure smooth operation and minimal downtime. It includes crash sensors on both sides of the print head to prevent costly head strikes. The system also has circulation pumps, similar to the Hydra, to keep ink flowing smoothly. A new agitation system in the back keeps four liters of white ink constantly agitated, so it’s ready to go when it’s time to refill.
The machine also has alarms that alert the user when ink is running low. With a roll capacity of 660 feet in length, it reduces the time spent on changing film rolls, which is a significant advantage for production-focused businesses. The goal is to keep the machine “up and running, pumping out thousands of feet hopefully a day”.
A Machine For The Serious Printer
The Kraken is not for everyone, but it is the perfect solution for businesses that are ready to scale their production and demand the best in quality and speed. Its high price point means that some will need to start with a smaller system and build their business before they are ready for a Kraken.
However, for those who are ready to “sell transfers” in a serious way, the Kraken offers a comfortable and reliable way to produce a high volume of quality prints with a superior color gamut. This machine represents a significant advancement in DTF printing, offering unparalleled production capabilities and color accuracy that will surely set a new standard in the industry.
