SENFA Launches Sublimis Range That Relegates Ink Migration To History

Company Performance

SENFA Launches Sublimis Range That Relegates Ink Migration To History

SENFA, the Alsace, France-based Technical Substrates division of the Chargeurs Group, has launched a ground-breaking new fabric for both transfer and direct sublimation printing slated to be released at FESPA 2017 (Hamburg, 8^th to 12th May) on stand B7-D10. The innovative Sublimis range from SENFA Decoprint will open up new possibilities for print businesses that use dye sublimation technology for backlit graphics applications.

On the latest addition to SENFA’s ever-expanding product line, Blaise Humphries, the SENFA-Decoprint Business Unit Manager, explains: “It is commonly known that for backlit applications, coated fabrics improve the vividness of the colours and create a stunning white point thanks to superb light diffusion. 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.

“Previously, sublimation printing on to coated media for backlit applications 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 and printers using sublimation technology can now aspire to hitting the very best possible white point and delivering the punchy colours that only coated media can provide.”

SENFA’s flagship product, Decoprint Pearl – for UV-curing and latex technologies – has been installed in thousands of premium retail and advertising sites worldwide. The Sublimis range builds on this excellence and provides a go-to solution for direct-disperse/transfer sublimation printers.

Blaise Humphries continues: “Sublimis is not about replacing Decoprint Pearl – 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 backlit applications, 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.”

Sublimis has been developed by SENFA-Decoprint’s in-house research and development team in response to customer demand and market trends. The product will initially be launched in two different 3.1m-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 5m thanks to SENFA-Decoprint’s recent investment in a state of the art super-wide coating line at its Alsace headquarters.

Blaise Humphries concludes: “From now on – no matter which printing technology they use in-house – our customers will be able to take advantage of all the benefits offered by SENFA’s unique functionalized fabrics for graphics applications. All our products are made in France and meet the very highest standards; we look forward to further developing our presence across Europe and further afield.”