06.04.2015
Roland DGA has announced that parent company, Roland DG Corporation, has received OEKO-TEX Standard 100, product class I certification for its Texart SBL3 dye-sublimation inks. This Nissenken Quality Evaluation Center certification provides assurance that these inks, made for use with the company’s new Texart RT-640 dye-sublimation printer, are safe for inkjet printing on polyester fabric to create a wide variety of sublimated items, including products for babies and toddlers.
OEKO-TEX is an independent certification system for testing the safety of textile materials and chemicals at every stage of production, from raw materials to end products. OEKO-TEX Standard 100 is divided into four classes based on human ecological requirements, with class I (which ensures that printed textile items are safe for babies and toddlers) being the most difficult to achieve. Growing awareness among customers has increased the popularity and importance of this type of certification.
“Receiving OEKO-TEX certification is significant because it opens up a world of opportunities for our users looking to make and sell products for this market segment,” said Lily Hunter, Roland DGA’s product manager, textiles and consumables. “Our Texart SBL3 dye-sublimation inks are specially formulated to bring out the best in the RT-640 and our Texart Sublimation Transfer Paper to produce textiles, sports and fashion apparel, interior décor, promotional items, personalized gifts and more. This level of OEKO-TEX certification not only reflects Roland’s commitment to manufacturing environmentally-friendly products, it also delivers useful information to end users that can influence their buying decisions and help them select offerings that better meet their specific needs.”
Roland’s Texart SBL3 ink and the RT-640 dye-sublimation printer were both launched in October 2014. This was followed by the introduction of Texart Transfer Paper in March. The Texart RT-640 printer incorporates a host of technological advancements that optimize sublimation transfer output while minimizing running costs. One of the RT-640’s major innovations is its ability to take full advantage of Roland’s new SBL3 inks, which are available in both four-color (CMYK) and eight-color (Light Cyan, Light Magenta, Orange and Violet).
“In the past, colors sublimated onto fabric would appear somewhat vibrant, but at times they were off. Blacks looked dull, grays had a green tone, and there was a general lack of detail,” noted Hunter. “Roland’s RT-640 printer, variable droplet technology and rich, high-opacity SBL3 dye-sub inks changed all that. RT users can expect vivid colors and velvety blacks, as well as smooth gradations and exceptional detail.”
Correction: In a recent Roland DGA press release, it was stated that Roland’s new Texart™ SBL3 dye-sublimation inks have received OEKO-TEX Standard 100, product class 1 certification. The company would like to clarify that it is actually Roland’s dye-sublimation transfer technology, not specifically the inks themselves, that has earned this certification. The OEKO-TEX Standard 100, product class 1 certification Roland has received is for inkjet printing on polyester fabric with the company’s Texart SBL3 sublimation inks and Texart RT-640 dye-sublimation printer.
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