MEXAR’S NEW, UK-MANUFACTURED DTF INK SET

Mexar is a UK-based inkjet-manufacturing company that has specialised in the development and manufacture of pigment-based inkjet formulations for textile printing for over 15 years. The Mexar team is managed by Dr Andy Hancock who holds a PhD in inkjet-ink development from the University of Leeds. He has been specialising in inkjet formulations since 1999.

Mexar’s latest offering to digital-printing technology is a UK-manufactured, direct-to-film (DTF) ink set. It showcases an extremely stable and opaque white ink formulation and superb gamut CMYK (plus spots). This has allowed UK and European garment decorators to produce stunning, resilient prints on a variety of substrates. 

“We took the decision, early on, to remove all harmful glycols from our inks”

Dr Hancock explains, “Our focus over recent years has been in the development of a safe, reliable, freshly manufactured set of inks for garment decorators.” He continues, “We took the decision, early on, to remove all harmful glycols from our inks, to create a safe alternative to the garment-decorating process without compromising on quality.” 

Covid-19 and war have caused severe disruptions to supply chains worldwide, together with freighting of bulky, water-based formulations from China. In contrast, Mexar seized the opportunity to offer the European markets a product made on its doorstep. The result is its Ultra range of DTF inks. Fresh batches of white ink are made weekly to ensure maximum shelf-life for garment decorators. By comparison, Chinese-made products were often reaching Europe close to (or sometimes even out of) their shelf-life due to increased freight times.

“Mexar will be highlighting its inkjet-ink portfolio for textile printers at Fespa 2024”

Dr Hancock explains, “Safety and environmental concerns are top of our priority list, which is why, at Mexar, we have taken some major steps in producing an ink with the lowest impact possible on our production staff, the end user and the environment.”

To ensure this, Mexar has removed all harmful glycols from its ink formulations and the company’s inks (DTF, roll-to-roll [RTR] pigment and sublimation) are all covered by the ECO PASSPORT from Oeko Tex. The Mexar factory is powered by 100% renewable electricity and the glycerine used in its inks is sourced from vegetables (not palm).  In addition, the majority of raw materials are sourced from UK or EU manufacturers. This reduces the freight of bulk raw materials around the globe.

“Mexar seized the opportunity to offer the European markets a product made on its doorstep”

In addition to Mexar’s DTF offering, the company also has a range of pigment inks for RTR textile printing. Based on inkjet-grade raw materials, Mexar has inks for numerous printhead technologies which can be used for home textiles, décor and fashion applications. These pigment inks have superb colour gamut, especially when used with spot colours (red, orange, green, blue) and give excellent rub and wash fastness results. In addition to its ink formulations, Mexar has developed a post-treatment which significantly increases the colour gamut and rub fastness.

Whilst DTF has made the headlines in recent years, many users still enjoy direct-to-garment (DTG) technology. Mexar has a DTG ink set suitable for Epson printheads which provides users with soft hand feel, durable prints and excellent opacity white.

“Safety and environmental concerns are top of our priority list”

Mexar’s final ink portfolio is a sublimation set and is suitable for numerous printheads. The extended gamut CMYK is suitable for polyester-based substrates and gives excellent reliability in the printheads. An ultra-dense black gives users the ability to produce stunning images on polyester-based fabric, as well as polyester-coated hard surfaces, via the transfer-printing method.

In addition to its ink portfolio, Mexar offers bespoke inkjet ink design services. If OEMs or partners need a specific ink development, Mexar will work to come up with a solution for their needs.

To meet the team and ask any questions, visit Mexar in the textile hall (Hall 12, E43) at FESPA 24. Mexar will be highlighting its inkjet-ink portfolio for textile printers.