M&R Tech Preview: Quattro
M&R’s Quattro isn’t just another piece of printing technology—it’s a revolution. As the name suggests, it’s the fourth major innovation in M&R’s garment decorating arsenal, following screen printing, hybrid (Digital Squeegee), and DTG (Direct-to-Garment). Quattro offers a seamless DTF solution, boasting automation features that make it a game-changer for print shops aiming to streamline production and minimize labor challenges.
Automation was a key focus of M&R’s presentation. Labor shortages have become a significant hurdle for the industry, and Quattro aims to address this by reducing the number of human touches required in the printing process. From automatic takeoff mechanisms to advanced XY cutting systems, this technology paves the way for faster, more precise, and less error-prone printing.
M&R Tech Preview: XY Cutter And Robotic Arm
The star of the tech preview was undoubtedly the new XY Cutter. M&R designed this cutter with flexibility in mind—it can operate both inline and offline, allowing printers to customize it to fit their existing workflows. The cutter isn’t just about precision; it’s about transforming the labor-intensive process of cutting printed sheets into something swift and automated. Whether you’re cutting out individual garment transfers or setting up a full garment’s worth of pieces—front, back, sleeves, neck labels—the XY Cutter can do it all with ease.
Another jaw-dropping feature was the robotic arm. Once the cutter completes its job, the robotic arm springs into action, stacking each piece efficiently, ready for the next stage of production. M&R envisions a fully automated future where garments can be transferred directly from the cutter to the heat press without human intervention—a dream that could become a reality in just a few short years.
M&R Tech Preview: Automating With The Slitter
M&R also showcased a sneak peek of its Slitter, another automation marvel slated for release at Impressions Expo Long Beach. The Slitter was developed to automate the otherwise manual process of cutting DTF film into precise strips, making the production process even smoother. Imagine having a heat press setup where cutting scissors are no longer needed because the Slitter does it all for you, saving time and improving accuracy. It’s just one more example of how M&R aims to kill inefficiencies in the print shop.
Why Automation Matters For DTF Printing
DTF printing has grown in popularity for its versatility, but anyone who’s tried it knows the pain points: the meticulous cutting, aligning transfers, and ensuring consistent quality across runs. With Quattro, the XY Cutter, and the Slitter, M&R is aiming to solve these pain points through automation, allowing print shops to produce high-quality transfers with minimal hassle.
Automation not only helps in reducing labor but also in minimizing errors, which means more consistent output. As Bill from M&R mentioned during the tech preview, “The more touches we can take out of the process, the faster it is, the more streamlined it is, the less expensive it is, and the easier it is to get into that mass market.” With fewer human interventions, errors like off-center cuts or mismatched transfers become a thing of the past.
Looking Ahead: M&R’s Plans For The Future
While Printing United was a sneak peek, M&R is gearing up for the full reveal of Quattro and the Slitter at Impressions Expo Long Beach. According to Bill, M&R plans to test and fine-tune these technologies further before their official launch. It’s not just about showing off new toys—it’s about creating tools that genuinely improve workflow, reduce costs, and enhance scalability for print shops.
M&R’s dedication to quality and innovation shines through in everything they do. Whether it’s reducing the need for manual labor with automated cutting and stacking or enhancing precision with barcode technology, it’s clear that M&R is committed to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in DTF printing.
DecoNetwork: Empowering The Next Wave Of Automation
While M&R is pushing the boundaries of automation in DTF printing, DecoNetwork is transforming how print shops manage their entire business. DecoNetwork’s all-in-one platform seamlessly integrates order management, artwork approvals, and e-commerce solutions, helping decorators streamline workflows just as M&R is simplifying the physical printing process.
By combining DecoNetwork’s digital tools with M&R’s automated printing technology, garment decorators can achieve a fully optimized and efficient production environment—from order intake to final print. With DecoNetwork, automation extends beyond the print floor, making it easier than ever to grow and scale a successful garment decoration business.
Request a free DecoNetwork demo to learn more!
M&R Tech Preview Shows Us The Future Of DTF Printing
M&R’s presence at Printing United Expo 2024 didn’t just demonstrate new products—it represented a glimpse into the future of the garment decoration industry. With Quattro, the XY Cutter, and the Slitter, M&R is leading the charge toward a more automated, efficient, and scalable future for DTF printing. If you’re looking to stay ahead of the curve in garment decoration, it’s time to go blue—because once you go blue, you stay blue.
Check out M&R’s website or visit their booth at Impressions Long Beach 2025 to see these innovations in action. We can’t wait to see where M&R takes us next.
FAQ: The M&R Tech Preview
What is the M&R Tech Preview at Printing United Expo 2024?
The M&R Tech Preview at Printing United Expo 2024 featured the revolutionary Quattro DTF printer, the XY Cutter, and the Slitter, showcasing automation advancements for the garment decoration industry.
What is M&R’s Quattro technology?
M&R’s Quattro is a groundbreaking DTF (Direct-to-Film) printing solution that focuses on automation, streamlining production, and minimizing labor challenges in garment decoration.
How does the M&R XY Cutter improve garment printing?
The XY Cutter by M&R automates the process of cutting printed sheets with precision, allowing for faster, error-free operations, whether inline or offline.
What is the M&R Slitter, and how does it help DTF printing?
The M&R Slitter is designed to automate cutting DTF film into precise strips, eliminating manual labor and improving efficiency in the heat press setup process.
Why is automation important in DTF printing?
Automation in DTF printing reduces labor, minimizes errors, and ensures consistent quality. M&R’s technologies, such as Quattro, help streamline these processes for better efficiency.
How does M&R’s robotic arm work with the XY Cutter?
After the XY Cutter cuts the film, M&R’s robotic arm efficiently stacks the cut pieces, reducing manual handling and making the workflow more seamless.
What are the main features of M&R’s Quattro DTF solution?
Quattro integrates automated takeoff mechanisms, advanced cutting systems, and reduces labor needs, providing a comprehensive, efficient solution for DTF garment printing.
When will M&R officially launch the Quattro and Slitter technologies?
M&R plans to officially launch Quattro and the Slitter at Impressions Expo Long Beach 2025, following additional testing and refinements to perfect these technologies.
How does the M&R XY Cutter fit into existing workflows?
The M&R XY Cutter can operate both inline and offline, giving print shops the flexibility to integrate it into their existing production workflows for improved efficiency.
How is M&R shaping the future of DTF printing?
With the introduction of Quattro, the XY Cutter, and the Slitter, M&R is pushing automation and efficiency, making DTF printing faster, scalable, and less reliant on manual labor.
