Learn the Digital Possibilities Be sure to stop by Booth 3667 to learn more about Verso’s latest printed brochure Ed #16 Digital Possibilities. The best digital print quality is now virtually indistinguishable from high-end offset. Equipment productivity and speed continues to improve overall economics. With new print techniques like metallic inks, varnishes, embossed-like dimensionality, ultraviolet ink and more, digital printing is winning over even the biggest skeptics. And with the convergence of data, GPS and other technologies, the realm of possibility has exploded for targeted, highly personalized print strategies—when it comes to reaching and motivating an audience, print works. And when smart technologies meet smart marketers and designers, print works even better than ever. Digital Textile Printing: Beyond Sublimation DBy Ken VanHorn igital textile printing has traditionally been synonymous with dye sublimation technology, used to produce wearables, soft signage, interior décor, environmental, or other applications. A resurgence in digital textile printing is being driven by the shift from traditional analog screen print to digital wide format production. For interior and soft signage specific applications, there are now opportunities available using latex, solvent/eco-solvent, UV-cure, or solvent UV inks to produce textile-based applications. • Latex ink is water-based and can be used for surface printing onto wallpaper, canvas, and coated or uncoated non-wearable fabrics. It typically requires a higher heat fixation than other ink direct-print technologies such as eco-solvent. However, it can be used to print directly to materials that cannot be post-processed using the high temperatures of a calendared heat press, which may result in distortion or discoloration. • Solvent/eco-solvent ink is the most versatile ink and widely used for outdoor durable signage, graphics, and specialty applications such as T-shirt transfers. It requires a material with a solvent-resistant coating, otherwise oils can wick and impact the base material. It does not require post-processing. Adding an overlaminate can help make colors pop. • UV-cure ink is compatible with most closed woven fabrics—canvas for example—usually with the addition of a primer layer. UV ink is widely used in flatbed printers to produce installation-ready signage onto rigid media, or in roll-based models to print onto media such as vinyl, for exhibition graphics and vehicle marking. Low-heat UV-LED curing substantially expands the range of applications that print service providers can produce by enabling them to print direct to substrate. • Solvent UV ink combines the best of both a solvent component and a UV component. The solvent component attacks the acceptance layer of the media and subsequent UV curing contributes to durability and produces vivid colors with a smooth, glossy finish. It is best for tightly woven soft signage and interior décor applications. Mimaki UJF 6042 (Booth 2644) Opportunities and growth potential Soft signage is a growth application, particularly in the exhibit industry because it is lightweight, easily rolled, and packaged, and more durable than many hard surface applications. Stretch-frame fabric lightboxes are gaining popularity as they can be made to look like design elements in a retail or office environment, or as part of an exhibit. All sizes of exhibits are a good opportunity for soft signage, from short- (trade shows) to mid-term (art shows). Soft signage is also attractive for retailers and brand managers because it can be used to produce windsails, dancers, and other attention grabbing applications that are also easy to handle and more economical to ship. Canvas and some poly fabrics can be used to produce outdoor applications using existing solvent/eco-solvent printers. Interior décor and environmental graphics for office lobbies, medical treatment rooms, hotel guest suites, etc., are desirable because of their softer feel that imparts a more welcome feeling. Wall coverings, wallpaper, flooring and mats, curtains, upholstery, wall art, and bed coverings are all items that can be produced digitally. Dye sublimation, reactive, textile pigment, latex, and some UV / solvent UV technologies can be used for these applications. Official Show Daily | PrintingNews.com GRAPH EXPO | September 15, 2015 | 39
GraphExpo Show Daily September 15 2015
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