Soyang Europe launches first rigid substrate

Soyang Europe has announced two new wide-format substrates, including its first rigid board as well as a latex, solvent and UV printable magnetic wallcovering system.

The company, which recently launched its own range of textiles for wide- and grand-format printing, will launch rigid print and design board Sealwise and printable magnetic wallcovering So-Netic later this month.

Sealwise is manufactured in Germany from 100% recyclable uPVC. It is available in 2,440x1,220mm and 3,050x1,500mm sheet sizes and 3mm, 6mm and 10mm thicknesses and is printable on UV flatbed printers.

Soyang Europe managing director Mark Mashiter said: "We've been waiting some time for the right rigid substrate to bring to market and Sealwise has so many benefits."

Mashiter highlighted the substrate's closed cell core, which means it absorbs no moisture, making it ideal for outdoor installations. "The core is made from 100% recycled uPVC - the same material that replacement doors and windows are manufactured from, so it's got impeccable environmental credentials - especially as it's completely recyclable when it comes to the end of its life," he added.

The PVC component in the face material is also said to aid ink adhesion and scratch resistance, while the substrate can be formed into shapes after printing (when using a sufficiently flexible UV ink).

So-Netic is a two-part product comprising a magnetic lining, which is affixed to the wall, together with a thin printable film that has a ferrous element, allowing it to be easily placed, repositioned and removed from the lining.

"The positive impact this product can have in the hospitality and education sectors as well as retail environments – where there is a real need for POS graphics to remain current – is massive and it offers great flexibility," said Mashiter.

"Once the initial magnetic lining is in place, it can then be easily over-laid with repositionable drops of printable graphics which can be produced on any roll-to-roll latex, solvent or UV printer."

The self-adhesive backed magnetic lining is available in 600mm and 1,200mm wide by 20m length rolls, while the printable magnetic film is available in 1,070mm, 1,370mm and 1,520mm by 30m rolls.

Both products will be shown at Sign & Digital UK from 24-26 March at the NEC in Birmingham and on Soyang Europe's stand at Fespa 2015 in Cologne, Germany from 18-22 May. Pricing has yet to be confirmed.