Eco-Solvent Printing

Eco-Solvent Printing

Ultraflex’s eco-solvent printing has a big advantage over solvent the ink gives off less fumes. That makes for a better working environment, and that saves you money. There are however some drawbacks. Here’s a look at the pros and cons of eco-solvent printing.

When using solvent inks good ventilation is essential. The same goes for other display material processes like dye-sublimation printing. Without frequent air changes fumes build up, becoming a health hazard. Eco-solvent printing reduces ventilation needs, which lets printers operate out of buildings not originally set up for printing. Energy costs are lower too, especially when the workplace needs heating or air conditioning. More important, it takes away any risk of workers being sickened by fumes. That saves money on cover for absences, and avoids any OSHA issues.

In terms of quality, there’s little to choose between solvent and eco-solvent printing. (Dye-sublimation printing has the edge for printing vibrant fabric graphics.) Banners, posters and other media produced with eco-solvent printing are slightly less durable, but have greatly improved over time. This is because the more benign solvent carrying the ink lacks the “bite” of hard solvents. Carefully selecting print media to match the process makes this less of a problem. For example, these Ultraflex products were all developed for eco-solvent printing:

  • SuperPrint Plus FL
  • Normandy Pro/JetFlex FL
  • Pole Banner Blockout
  • DSS 12oz Blockout
  • UltraPoplin PES S240

When considering eco-solvent printing ask yourself, what material will I use? If the answer is almost anything ranging from PVC banners to Specialty media, it could be the way to go. If vibrant, soft, washable fabric graphics are important, dye-sublimation printing. Contact us today and Ultraflex product specialists can walk you through this decision process.

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