Ink technology and substrates have been developed to enable print service providers to extend their business beyond standard paper or vinyl signage and graphics into existing digital printing applications using wide format printing equipment. In particular, solvent-based/weak solvent-based, latex-based, UV-curable, and solvent-based UV inks are used in printed fabric applications, providing new opportunities for interior and soft signage applications.

Interior decoration and soft signs are growing

Custom wallpapers, Furniture foils, wall graphics, window decorations, etc. can be printed according to the region, local conditions, seasons or personalized brands. The environmental graphics of the office lobby, hospital treatment area, hotel rooms, etc. are all suitable, and their soft texture will give a quiet feeling. Many of these applications can be printed with latex, weak solvent and solvent based UV printers.

Soft signage is attractive to retailers and brand managers because it can be used to produce sails and other appealing applications that are easy to handle and transport at a lower price. Canvas or reinforced nylon fabrics are suitable for outdoor applications such as awnings, flags, sails, etc., and can be printed using existing solvent/weak solvent printers.

Ink and substrate

Knowing which ink technology is used helps determine which applications do not have to make significant changes to the workflow when they are printed:

Solvent/weak solvent inks are the most versatile inks and are widely used in outdoor durable signage, graphics and special applications such as T-shirt transfer. It requires materials that are resistant to solvent varnish and do not require post-press processing.

Latex-based inks are a relatively new variety in the field of digital fabric printing. They are water-based and can be used for surface printing of wallpapers, canvases and non-wearing fabrics with or without coating. It typically requires more heat to cure than other ink direct printing technologies such as weak solvent inks. However, it can be used on materials that cannot be directly post-pressed by the high temperature of the calendering press (used in the dye sublimation process) (because this may cause deformation or discoloration). It is also easier to wrinkle than other printing techniques and has lower scratch resistance.

UV curable inks are suitable for the most closely woven fabrics, but may require a primer layer to retain the ink on the surface of the substrate and ensure it is properly cured. Recent developments have made UV-curable inks more suitable for wallpapers, canvases, and thick paper. UV curable inks are also optimized for their application, from rigid to flexible inks of various properties.

Solvent-based UV inks , as the name implies, combine the advantages of solvent-based and UV-based inks. The solvent component is immersed in the receiving layer of the substrate to hold the pigment. Subsequent UV curing helps to improve the durability of the ink layer and produce vivid colors with a smooth, lustrous character. This is ideal for applications such as tightly woven soft signs and interiors.

Growth business

There are more and more substrates to choose from, which means more business opportunities. In addition to outsourced processing, many jobs that require soft/fabric substrates can now be printed inside the company with familiar printing equipment and RIP software. One-time or small-volume fabric printing uses a direct printing process to enhance promotions, and now it's an easy-to-implement, high-margin way to grow your business.

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