#TECH I 3D : des méthodes adaptées à la toile et au cuir

L’entreprise américaine Graphixon Finishes a mis un point un procédé permettant d’ajouter des images 2D et 3D en couleur aux vêtements en cuir ou en tissu.

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–A revolutionary new technology developed by Fort Lauderdale, Florida based Graphixon Finishes (www.graphixon.com) now offers a process for enhancing leather, canvas, vinyl, etc. with high resolution 2D and 3D full color images. The transferred image is water/liquid proof, fade resistant, highly durable to wear and abrasion (exceeded 150,000 double rubs during testing). These benefits signify a breakthrough in leather printing technology which promises to transform the global multi billion leather footwear, apparel, accessories and furniture industries in much the same way that printing on fabric changed the textile industry. Graphixon Finishes has worked with Leather Research Laboratory for a full series of tests at a level of performance required for luxury automotive interiors. Test results can be made available upon request. The potential market for the technology is global and augurs a paradigm shift in the surface enhancement of materials used in the apparel, automotive, aircraft, marine, military, upholstery and just about every commercial and consumer application where pliable covering material is used to provide protection and surface aesthetics. The patent pending technology is deployed in a simple process starting with printing the desired digital image onto a Graphixon paper, via conventional printing equipment ranging from desktop inkjet printers to wide format and other commercial printing methods. Graphixon paper accommodates water, solvent and latex inks, with emphasis on water based inks in keeping with Graphixon’s ‘green’ technology philosophy. The printed graphic is then protected with a sealer and primer. Once the primer is dry to the touch the graphic is placed on the target substrate (leather, canvas, vinyl, HDPE, etc.) and subjected to modest heat and pressure via a heat press or laminator. The process takes about 30 seconds of processing time. The laminated assembly is allowed to cool down to room temperature and the transfer paper is stripped from the surface of the substrate. The graphic remains bonded to the surface beneath a protective and durable clear film with a surface finish that can be offered in any number of variations depending on the final look and feel desired in the final product. All the raw materials used in the process are fully water soluble and bio-degradable, making for an eco-bio friendly process suitable for almost any production environment.

Contacts
Graphixon Finishes
Abbas A Sadriwalla, 1-954-566-0996; 1-954-993-5301 (cell)
General Manager
abbas@graphixon.com