Stork and Lectra Aim to Provide Integrated Digital Solutions
April 14, 2000
Frankfurt, Germany – Following their partnership agreement with the firm Stork, Lectra Systemes is developing a full range of digital fabric printing systems. Recognizing the demand in textile printing for faster printing and custom products, the partners presented the Amethyst printer at Heimtextil. The machine reportedly prints 350 square meters of textiles a day.
The latest digital printing system's most attractive feature is its ability to execute intricate designs the moment they are sent from a design station. Now, designers and collection manager can produce their samples and prototypes immediately on fabric, thereby reducing costs and delays. Lectra guarantees wash-, weather- and rub-fastness of all its products.
The digital printing process began in '86. Stork and Lectra, who specialize in textile printing, have been prominent as the field has evolved. In '91 digital printing became more common and Stork launched updated versions of digital printing technology in '93, '96 and '99, according to Stork business manager digital textile print, Bert van Agen.
Digital printers have become waterboys for a market that wants small, unique orders printed quickly. ''Today, more often, customers want smaller, customized orders,'' van Agen said. Lectra has the capability to indulge them, van Agen said.
Digital printers are also concerned with the color of their products. Van Agen said that Stork and Lectra have worked to find the most efficient coloration methods. ''The value in printing is color management,'' van Agen said. ''To put ink on fabric is one thing. To print textiles with good color is something else. We are always investing a lot of money in color management.''
Lectra Systemes vice president Digital Printing Marc Debets said that the Stork-Lectra partnership aims to provide more than just fancy prints. ''We try also to provide entire solution with end results,'' he said. ''We offer printer chemicals, supply print stuff and we advise clients on how to prepare and finish. ''We offer full integration for control software, color management, job management and integration with Lectra software,'' he said.
The latest digital printing system's most attractive feature is its ability to execute intricate designs the moment they are sent from a design station. Now, designers and collection manager can produce their samples and prototypes immediately on fabric, thereby reducing costs and delays. Lectra guarantees wash-, weather- and rub-fastness of all its products.
The digital printing process began in '86. Stork and Lectra, who specialize in textile printing, have been prominent as the field has evolved. In '91 digital printing became more common and Stork launched updated versions of digital printing technology in '93, '96 and '99, according to Stork business manager digital textile print, Bert van Agen.
Digital printers have become waterboys for a market that wants small, unique orders printed quickly. ''Today, more often, customers want smaller, customized orders,'' van Agen said. Lectra has the capability to indulge them, van Agen said.
Digital printers are also concerned with the color of their products. Van Agen said that Stork and Lectra have worked to find the most efficient coloration methods. ''The value in printing is color management,'' van Agen said. ''To put ink on fabric is one thing. To print textiles with good color is something else. We are always investing a lot of money in color management.''
Lectra Systemes vice president Digital Printing Marc Debets said that the Stork-Lectra partnership aims to provide more than just fancy prints. ''We try also to provide entire solution with end results,'' he said. ''We offer printer chemicals, supply print stuff and we advise clients on how to prepare and finish. ''We offer full integration for control software, color management, job management and integration with Lectra software,'' he said.
