Zimmer is displaying its fastpaced nanoprinter, the Colaris NF, new to the Chinese market, in Hall N5 at Stand H04.The machine was launched at this year's FESPA show and it is now in production.

The nanoprinter can accommodate a width of 70mm and can print on four narrower tapes simultaneously.

According to Mr Etienne Steveninck, product manager at Zimmer, one interesting and unique aspect of the machine is its ability to print on both sides of the tape, with the design's mirror image on the reverse. This means the blank side can't be seen through the material.

"This can only be done in one single step, in more steps you will never get the right pixels," he explained."Another impressive feature is that the Colaris can print up to 50m per minute."

The machine is created to be compatible with the most common narrow fabric fibres: polyester, nylon and cotton.The Colaris can be used on elastics and prints using dyes with colour fasteners rather than inks.

Stuart Kugler, director of marketing, IT and administration at Zjmmer, said: "Shows are very important for us, because they include most of our customers." He added that sales of Zimmer machines were boosted when customers saw the end products at Heimtextil in January this year.

"China is a big market for us. We have three good partners here - Zimmer Machinery China, Union International and SDS -who know the market very well."

Mr Kugler explained that the digital printing sector is growing and predicted that further advancements will be seen in this field. "Rather than new machines, new technological innovations and new ideas for the market will come."