Me & My: EFI Reggiani digital textile printer

Please describe your company.
An international brand in the world of textiles, Sahiba was established in 1983 in Surat, Gujarat and the growth graph has been consistent ever since. The company deals with almost every segment of the textile industry — from yarns to apparel. For more than 35 years, we have made a mark in every segment of the textile world. Despite being an HUF-formed company, Sahiba has always functioned as a professional family business, and keeping growth as the constant target, Sahiba has focused not only on being a big brand but also guaranteeing a multi-directional growth.

When did you start using the EFI Reggiani?
We have been using EFI Reggiani digital textile printers since April 2013 and as of today we have 12 EFI Reggiani machines with an investment of over Rs 40-crore. Our line-up includes two Renoir Pro with 16 printheads, two Flexy with eight printheads and eight Power printers with 32 printheads. All have printing width of 180-cm. 

What properties of EFI Reggiani do you like?
EFI Reggiani is a robust machine with many features, but the key one is its proprietary ink recirculation system, with real-time recirculation control plus chiller to maintain ink temperature constant and under control. It helps us to save ink, and in addition, it increases printheads’ life and gives higher productivity for heavy blotch designs. It’s only one feature, but gives you so many multiple advantages.

Why did you decide to use the EFI Reggiani?
It’s a brand name. It comes from a manufacturing background of flatbed and rotary textile machine technology and it has been in digital technology for years. It has wide flexibility as regards to the scope of the machine and had prior installations in India at prime houses like D’décor. One of the key benefits we derived from EFI Reggiani is the highest printing quality.

Did you look at other similar fabric printer?
Yes, but nothing was as interesting as EFI Reggiani.

What are the features that tilted the favour in this?
Built-quality of machine (zero vibration), flexibility of options available for infeed and outfeed of the printer, ink package, ease of use, suitable for 24/7 machine operation and low maintenance cost.

How much have these features helped you?
With the help of EFI Reggiani, we had the opportunity to widen our brand portfolio, increase production and reduce turnaround time while delivering highest quality of print.

For what applications is the EFI Reggiani used?
For our women-wear line of in-house brands.

Is there anything that you do not like?
There is no machine in the world, which is 100% perfect. Yes, we had some teething issues, but it was pro-actively handled by EFI Reggiani’s service team.

What’s the quality like?
Shirting and yarn dyed type designs are the toughest to print in digital textile. With the help of EFI Reggiani, we can cover these tough designs as well.

How easy is it to install, use and handle?
Installation of machine was up to mark and ease of use is one of its key features as I explained before. To install an EFI Reggiani printer you need to have a basic setup of textile wet processing workflow, but it also depends on what kind of ink chemistry you will print. You can easily discuss with their sales in charge for region, Karthik Ravindranath, who will guide you as per your requirements.

Would you say that it offers value for money?
Let’s say it’s more economical to print with a shorter ROI.

Who do you think the EFI Reggiani is right for?
EFI Reggiani is very flexible and can cover various segments. If you want to enter in digital textile printing  — direct or sublimation  —  then EFI Reggiani machine is the ideal choice.