As the global textile sector moves deeper into the era of smart manufacturing, the expectations placed on printing and coating technologies have never been higher. Efficiency, precision, reliability, and intuitive operation have become essential for companies seeking to stay competitive in a market shaped by rapid innovation and shifting customer demands. At Techtextil 2026 in Frankfurt, ZIMMER AUSTRIA will present its latest advancements in Screen Printing & Coating Systems and Digital Printing Technology – solutions engineered not only for high performance but also for operator‑friendliness, flexibility, and long‑term future readiness.
Among the highlights are several coating system models from the company’s Screen Printing & Coating portfolio. The Digital Printing Systems division presents an impressive full‑scale print carriage from a COLARIS system which can be equipped with up to 96 printheads. They will further introduce as a world premiere, the all‑new COLARIS-TeX. This next‑generation digital textile printer has been redesigned from the ground up to deliver maximum usability, superior serviceability, and outstanding productivity for modern textile environments.
A Glimpse of Scale: The COLARIS Print Carriage with up to 96 Printheads
One of the most striking elements of ZIMMER AUSTRIA’s Techtextil booth will be the COLARIS print carriage, showcasing up to 96 high‑performance print heads. Used in digital carpet and towel printing systems, this print carriage demonstrates the scale and engineering sophistication required for high‑capacity industrial printing.
The full‑size print carriage highlights the enormous throughput potential of ZIMMER AUSTRIA’s digital platforms, while also emphasizing the mechanical precision and dimensional stability that ensure consistent high‑quality results. With the textile industry demanding faster turnaround times, greater design diversity, and improved production reliability, the COLARIS print carriage exemplifies how advanced engineering and smart system integration can meet these evolving challenges.
World Premiere: The All‑New COLARIS-TeX
ZIMMER AUSTRIA will further introduce their all‑new COLARIS-TeX digital textile printer. This fundamentally redesigned platform sets new standards in print quality, user experience, environmental efficiency, and machine uptime – offering a compelling vision of what future‑ready textile printing looks like.
Designed Around the Operator
One of the core development goals for COLARIS-TeX was to simplify operation. ZIMMER AUSTRIA’s engineering team focused on making the machine as intuitive and ergonomic as possible, resulting in a system where:
• Daily tasks require minimal manual intervention
• Maintenance procedures are faster and require fewer tools
• Critical components are easily accessible
• Intelligent system functions actively support the operator
This operator‑centric design minimizes the risk of errors, shortens training periods, enhances safety, and ensures consistently high print quality – even in demanding multi‑shift environments.
Maximum Uptime Through Digital Connectivity & Remote Support
Downtime can have a significant impact on productivity and profitability, which is why COLARIS-TeX integrates an advanced digital connectivity package. The machine can connect directly to ZIMMER AUSTRIA’s service infrastructure, enabling remote diagnostics, predictive maintenance, and real‑time support from the company’s specialists.
These capabilities dramatically reduce the likelihood of unexpected machine stoppages, ensuring stable production and high machine availability. For textile manufacturers, this means improved reliability, reduced maintenance overhead, and more efficient use of production capacity.
A Revolutionary Print Carriage Concept
The redesigned print carriage of the COLARIS-TeX is one of the system’s most transformative innovations. The new construction elevates both mechanical stability and user accessibility, leading to improved precision and streamlined maintenance.
Key benefits include:
• Excellent accessibility for quick, safe print head replacement
• Increased structural rigidity for long‑term accuracy
• Higher printing precision, especially at elevated production speeds
The print carriage supports up to 12 color channels and up to six printheads per channel, allowing customers to configure the system for maximum flexibility or maximum output. The use of FUJIFILM Dimatix StarFire™ print heads adds further value, offering long service life and reparability – key factors for maintaining superior uptime and reducing long‑term operating costs.
Universal Ink System for Maximum Flexibility
To accommodate the diverse needs of the textile market, the COLARIS-TeX features a universal ink system capable of handling multiple dye classes as well as functional fluids. The ability to run various chemistries in parallel enhances application versatility, enabling users to expand their product range and react quickly to market requirements.
A re‑engineered capping station complements this versatility, ensuring optimal print head protection and reliable ink management under all operational conditions.
COLARIS TuneUp System: Smart Automation for Perfect Print Quality
The COLARIS-TeX integrates the new COLARIS TuneUp System – an intelligent automation suite that significantly simplifies machine setup and improves print consistency. Its smart functions include:
• Automatic calibration based on nozzle‑level density adjustment
• Digital print head alignment for simplified replacement
• Digital banding compensation
These automated tools reduce operator workload and ensure consistently high print quality. For design-driven textile applications, TuneUp guarantees accurate reproduction across print runs with minimal manual adjustment.
New Blanket Cleaning Module and Water Recycling Options
Responding to growing sustainability demands, ZIMMER AUSTRIA developed a new blanket washing system for the COLARIS TeX that drastically reduces water consumption. When combined with the optional water treatment module, total water use can be reduced to a fraction of what comparable systems require today.
This innovative approach not only minimizes environmental impact but also lowers operating costs.
Improved Fabric Feed System & New Dryer Concept
To prevent material waste and ensure flawless printing from the first meter, the COLARIS TeX features a newly developed fabric feed system that guarantees distortion‑free material introduction. A new dryer design, capable of handling up to five fabric passes, supports consistently reliable energy efficient drying performance without requiring additional lead fabrics.
Conclusion: Visit ZIMMER AUSTRIA at Techtextil 2026
ZIMMER AUSTRIA’s innovations demonstrate a clear vision for the future of textile printing and coating. With new machine designs, advanced connectivity features, and pioneering print technologies, the company is defining the next level of digital and screen-printing performance.
For a closer look at the next generation of textile printing and coating solutions, visit ZIMMER AUSTRIA at Techtextil 2026 in Frankfurt, Germany Hall 12.0, Booth C81.