New sublimation paper launched into UK market

Speciality paper manufacturer Felix Schoeller is expanding its product portfolio to include sublimation papers.

The new sublimation paper is called S-RACE and uses a microporous ink-receiving coating to offer significantly shorter drying times. Unlike many other papers that are already on the market, this coating has an innovative and unique composition that gives the paper far greater air permeability. This makes it ideal for sublimation printing, not only onto textiles but also onto hard plastic-coated substrates such as metal, glass or wood.

These papers are also able to absorb water far more quickly, which means they can be used on the latest and fastest sublimation printers without a problem and without the need for an additional drying unit. This special kind of coating can also significantly shorten the sublimation process. The transferred images or information also has very sharp detail and line definition.

The first step of the sublimation process involves using inkjet technology to print the images onto the sublimation papers. In a second stage, they are then heat transferred onto clothing, sportswear, flags, advertising or decorative articles (such as mugs or mouse pads), for example. To date, papers with swellable ink-receiving coatings were used but as processing turnaround times become increasingly faster the drying times these papers require are becoming a limiting factor.

Guido Hofmeyer, executive vice president of the Felix Schoeller Group and chief operating officer of the Felix Schoeller Division, said: “With our S-RACE sublimation papers, we are developing an entirely new product segment for the Felix Schoeller Group. The new segment is an excellent fit for our expertise and competencies and we are delighted to be able to offer the market such high-performance products.”

The sublimation paper is available in three different basis weights: 75, 100 and 130gsm. As well as plotter rolls, larger diameter rolls are also available on request.

The launch of this new product represents a move into a new product segment for Felix Schoeller, which has extensive development, product and technology expertise, including in papers for inkjet and electrophotographic imaging processes.