Durst launches P5 TEX iSUB Dye-Sublimation Printer

Durst (Bressanone, Italy) is setting “a milestone in the field of sublimation printing” with the launch of its new P5 TEX iSUB Dye-Sublimation Printer. The abbreviation iSUB stands for ‘inline sublimation.’ The technology eliminates individual work steps resulting in a significant increase in quality and efficiency for the user. The soft signage market is experiencing enormous growth rates in all areas of application – from visual communication and decor to textile clothing, said the OEM. In the period from 2017 to 2023, sales volumes will increase by more than 60% according to a forecast by Keypoint Intelligence. Converted to absolute figures, the market is expected to grow globally from around $19.2 billion in 2019 to $31.4 billion in 2023.

A number of trends in the soft-signage market are facilitating this continued growth. These include environmental friendliness through the use of water-based, odourless inks. Other user benefits include cost efficiency in logistics and low ink consumption, as well as fast project implementation and a wide range of applications. “Durst has been active in the soft-signage market since 2010, and we’ve been able to place over 250 systems from the Rhotex series on the market worldwide,” said Christian Harder, Vice President of Sales at Durst Group AG.

In tune with these current trends in the soft signage market, Durst has developed the P5 TEX iSUB Dye-Sublimation Printer, which is based on the company’s successful P5 platform with a maximum print width of 3.3 meters. At the heart of the Durst P5 TEX iSUB is the integrated inline fusing for direct printing on polyester fabrics. The advantages of this one-step process are obvious, explained Andrea Riccardi, Head of Product Management at Durst Group AG: “No investment and no floor space is required for a calender. The Durst P5 TEX iSUB is operated by only one operator, and the process acceleration also increases our customers’ ability to deliver.” Plus, the P5 TEX iSUB is not limited to direct printing. Transfer papers can also be printed and further processed in the usual way. It ‘s precisely the combination of both processes in one system that gives users enormous flexibility, Durst pointed out.

Contactless fusing technology

The Sublifix dye sublimation ink developed by Durst delivers vivid colours, even on difficult media such as blackback or backlit for light boxes or flags. A unique feature of the P5 Text iSUB is its innovative contactless fusing. The iSUB contactless technology ensures excellent colour consistency as well as extreme sharpness of detail in images and text. Blurring or bleeding of colour is virtually eliminated. A wide range of applications can be accommodated. One example is decorative fabrics with strong, brilliant colours and exact reproduction of details. Another are flags that show good print on both sides of the material even without external calendaring. Blackback applications as well as colourful light boxes round out the spectrum, while retaining the soft-touch feel.

In all these applications, the Durst RIP plays a central role, ensuring consistent colour across all media. The maximum print speed is 383 m2/hour when the 330 cm print format is fully utilized. Access to two rolls via a Multiroll option makes changing materials much easier. In addition, a Dualroll option allows two rolls with a width of 1.6 meters to be printed. Another outstanding feature of the Durst P5 TEX is the integrated finishing unit, which can be used to sew and stitch media.