Kornit Brings HD Direct-to-Garment Printing to Mid-Sized Businesses with Storm HD6

Ryan Kurek - KornitIsrael-based digital textile printer manufacturer Kornit continues to enhance its direct-to-garment printing capabilities, expanding implementation of its new HD print engine and NeoPigment RAPID inks into a wider range of its product line. Both the HD print engine and RAPID inks are used in Kornit’s Vulcan industrial direct-to-garment system, recipient of a 2017 SGIA Product of the Year award. Earlier this year, the technology became available in the mid-range mass-production Avalanche printers. And now, it is available in a more entry-level version with the Storm HD6. We spoke with Ryan Kurek, Kornit’s North American Director of Marketing, to learn more. 

WhatTheyThink:  Ryan, one of the key benefits Kornit promotes with the HD technology and RAPID ink is a reduction in ink usage by approximately 30% with an improvement in quality. This is important, of course, since ink can be one of the most costly components of any printer, from screen to digital direct-to-garment. How does the HD system accomplish this? 

Ryan Kurek:  With the HD technology, it is possible due to three factors: First is the chemistry of the ink; RAPID ink droplets have about the same area coverage as they did before, but now they lie thinner on the fabric, which also produces a more refined, retail hand-feel. We increased the pigment load and therefore the color intensity. Second is the new printhead, which optimizes the RAPID ink performance. And lastly, the software is based on new features and RIP capabilities from ColorGATE. 

WTT:  In terms of the Storm printers, what is the volume range you are targeting? 

RK:  Storm customers cover the small to medium size businesses very well. They range from producing 20,000 to 100,000 prints per year. The idea was to bring that level of print quality and cost-effectiveness to this market and enable smaller businesses to easily get into the digital printing market and become more profitable.

WTT:  Will the existing Storm installed base be able to field upgrade? 

RK:  Most Storm models can be field upgraded. It takes a couple days to upgrade the system. We have an install base of Storm printers numbering in the hundreds; by upgrading to HD, they can make a huge leap in quality while experiencing an overall reduction in ink usage. The result is a more profitable printer for our customers and a more desirable finished product for their customers. 

WTT:  How much of a reduction? 

RK:  It truly depends on the individual applications, of course, but approximately 30% in savings on the Storm HD6. That’s a significant operating expense reduction. 

WTT:  Kornit was at SGIA last week. What did visitors to your stand see? 

RK:  We had all our systems here including the new Storm HD and Avalanche HD, as well as the Allegro roll-to-roll printer. We had print-on-demand kiosks connected to the Storm HD6. Visitors could pick a design, pick a phrase, or put a custom message in; choose a font; press print; and enter their phone number. The kiosk produced a barcoded armband, and we texted people when their shirts were ready. It was a good way to demonstrate the power of direct-to-garment and the on-demand manufacturing process. 

WTT:  Anything else we should know about the Storm HD6 system? 

RK:  The fact that we implemented the HD technology within the Storm platform is due to a successful Avalanche HD launch. We received tremendous positive feedback from the market, installing or upgrading over 150 HD systems since February, proving the HD technology is truly a benefit our customers want.