Mimaki TX300P-1800MKII - Hybride textielprinter

"Hybrid" means the TX300P‑1800 MkII supports both direct‑to‑textile printing and dye‑sublimation transfer printing (on paper) in a single machine. The user can change the platen: a vacuum platen is used when printing on transfer paper (to prevent cockling or lifting), and the regular open (or textile) platen + textile feed mechanism is used for fabric. This operation is designed to be manual and relatively quick, and does not require major downtime. This flexibility enables printing of polyester via sublimation, or natural fibres / mixed fibres via reactive, acid, or pigment inks, all on the same machine.

That depends on the fabric type, intended use, durability, and finishing:

• Sublimation inks (Sb420 or transfer Sb411) are ideal for polyester or polyester‑rich blends. They offer excellent wash fastness and outdoor performance and vibrant colours.
• Reactive dyes (Rc400, Rc500) produce vibrant colours on cotton and other cellulose fibres; very good for fashion apparel.
• Acid dyes (Ac400) are suited for silk, nylon or other protein/nylon fibres, giving bright colour tones.
• Pigment ink (TP400) offers excellent wash and light fastness, more forgiving on mixed fibres or when dye fixation is harder. Often used in interior décor, home textiles that may require frequent washing.
• Disperse dye (Dd400) is often used for polyester fabrics, especially when heavy usage, UV exposure or durability is required.

Choosing the right ink also depends on cost, required finishing (e.g. steaming, washing), and environmental/safety compliance.

The TX300P‑1800 MkII offers different print modes. In draft / low‑pass modes (for example 2‑pass, 4‑color), you can achieve high speeds (≈ 66 m²/h or more) especially with sublimation inks. As you move to more colours (6‑8 colours), higher resolution (720, 1080, 1440 dpi), or more passes, speed drops. For example, high‑quality or photographic outputs will take much longer per square metre. It’s a balance: choose mode depending on end‑use demands—if you need fast turnaround, draft modes suffice; if you need top colours, detail, durability, choose slower modes.

Media thickness up to about 1.0 mm is supported. Roll weights up to ~ 40 kg (≈ 88 lb) are allowed; media roll diameters have limits to ensure stable feeding. Also, the printer includes tension control (front and rear tension bars) to handle changes in roll diameter, and feed stability is designed into its textile feed mechanism. In addition, when printing on thicker / raised fabrics or textured surfaces, the head‑gap can be adjusted (~2‑7 mm) so that the printheads don’t touch the media, which helps prevent damage and maintain image clarity.

Mimaki has incorporated several technologies to maintain print consistency and quality. MAPS4 reduces banding by smartly overprinting or adjusting droplet deposition at problematic swath boundaries. The Nozzle Check Unit (NCU) detects clogged nozzles; Nozzle Recovery System (NRS) takes over using good nozzles where needed. The bulk ink supply system (MBIS3) with large packs helps reduce ink switching and potential variation machine to machine or within long runs. Also important are environmental control (temperature, humidity) and consistent fabric preparation. For long runs, using the same ink sets, same media, same RIP workflows will help preserve colour repeatability.

The machine requires single‑phase AC power, either in the AC100‑120 V or AC200‑240 V range (region dependent). Power consumption is approximately 1.44 kW in 100 V mode and 1.92 kW in 200 V mode. The operational environment is specified around 20‑30 °C, with relative humidity between 35‑65% RH (non‑condensing). The floor footprint is sizable: approx 3,200 × 965 × 1,857 mm (W × D × H), weight is about 260 kg. Proper ventilation and stable environmental conditions help with ink drying, fabric handling, and consistent output.

Although exact costs depend on usage, media, geography, and labour, key cost‑drivers include:

• Ink usage & type: More expensive ink types (reactive, acid, pigment) tend to cost more per litre than basic sublimation. Dual or hybrid modes may need more careful ink management.
• Media cost & finishing: Fabric pre‑treatment, post‑washing, steaming, pressing, or fixation can add cost. Also, transfer papers for sublimation modes are extra.
• Downtime & maintenance: Features like NCU, NRS, bulk ink system help reduce downtime. Consumables like print heads, wipers, filters need replacement over time.
• Utility costs: Power, compressed air (if used in finishing), heating or cooling as required.

Over the long run, the hybrid capability and large ink packs tend to reduce per‑square‑metre costs, especially if you maximize the printer’s versatility (doing both textile and transfer work) to keep it busy rather than letting it sit idle between dedicated jobs.

According to Mimaki’s website, the TX300P‑1800 MkII is listed with “Product Notice of Discontinuance” as of 15 December 2022. That means while it may not be newer stock or into full new‑production in all areas, support, spare parts, and servicing may still be available via Mimaki’s dealer network. Customers should check with their local authorised Mimaki distributor to confirm service/parts availability in their region.

This printer meets a number of international standards: CE (EMC, Low voltage, Machinery Directive, RoHS), CB scheme, REACH, VCCI Class A, FCC Class A, ETL / UL 60950‑1, among others. Some inks (Sb420, Sb411) are OEKO‑TEX certified. These help ensure safety (electrical, mechanical), reduced environmental impact, and suitability for apparel/home textiles with human contact.

The hybrid feature is one of the strongest differentiators. Many textile printers are either direct‑to‑fabric or sublimation transfer only; combining both in one machine gives flexibility. Compared to older TX300P (non‑MkII) models, the MkII adds better media conveyance, higher head gap, more ink combinations, and improved workflow options. Compared to competing brands, you must compare not just machine cost but total cost of ownership, productivity (speed, uptime), ink costs, media compatibility, support, and after‑sales service. Depending on your predominant application (volume, fabric types, finish), other machines might be more cost‑efficient—but the TX300P‑1800 MkII gives versatility that can reduce the need to buy/maintain multiple systems.