Leading Netherlands visual communications company Van Straaten is now the owner of the largest sublimation printer in the world with its recent installation of a Durst Rhotex 500. Durst developed the printer, capable of 5 metre-wide (16.4-feet-wide) textiles, in close consultation with Van Straaten. Up until now, these types of printers have been only able to handle a maximum width of 3.2 metres (10.49 feet). This breakthrough makes it possible to print large spreads in one run without the need for joins. Sublimation printing on this scale is also eco-friendlier, said Durst.
Van Straaten and Durst had been working together very closely for several months to develop the 500. The partnership came about as a result of Van Straaten’s desire to sublimation print larger-format soft fabrics. A second printer was recently installed and tested at Van Straaten’s production facility at Schiphol Airport. Heat-sensitive inks bond directly with the textile’s surface during the sublimation process, penetrating the material’s structure. The quality of sublimation prints is excellent because dot patterns aren’t visible. Also, prints don’t fade or damage easily and are totally odourless.
Sustainability is a major benefit too. The fabrics that Van Straaten has introduced for this sublimation printer are REACH certified and contain no heavy metals or PVCs – and the inks used are water-based. Sublimated textiles can also be folded. This means that they can be packaged, stored and transported more efficiently, resulting in leaner logistics processes for Van Straaten’s customers.
Van Straaten specializes in visual communications while offering end-to-end solutions – including concept development with high quality prints and frames, expert finishing and on-site assembly. Customers use its display solutions for retail, museums, stand construction, events and outdoor advertising. The family-owned company was founded in 1918.
World’s largest sublimation printer now in production in the Netherlands
