Senfa lightbox
A new fabric for transfer and direct sublimation printing from Senfa is on show at Fespa 2017.
Senfa, the Alsace, France-based Technical Substrates division of the Chargeurs Group, is targeting print businesses that use dye sublimation technology for backlit graphics applications.
‘Until now, printers using sublimation technology – either direct-disperse or transfer – have had to settle for second best by printing onto uncoated media for their illuminated displays,’ explained Blaise Humphries, Senfa-Decoprint business unit manager. ‘Previously, sublimation printing on to coated media for backlits led to problems due to a phenomenon known as ink migration whereby, after printing, the ink tended to migrate to areas on the substrate where it shouldn’t – causing disastrous results. With Sublimis, ink migration is a thing of the past.’
The new range builds on Decoprint Pearl – Senfa’s flagship product for UV-curing and latex technologies but ‘is not about replacing Decoprint Pearl,’ maintains Mr Humphries. ‘It’s been introduced to give more choice to the industry. Even as a coated media, Sublimis remains lighter than many of the uncoated textiles typically used for backlits, meaning it’s cheaper to transport and easier to install. The light diffusion is also excellent thanks to Sublimis’ unique formula and the range has passed all the necessary fire certification standards for indoor applications.’
The product will initially be launched in two different 3.1 m-wide versions: one for direct-disperse printing, and one for dye-sub transfer printing. The product line will then be expanded to widths of up to 5 m.
