Knowledge · Printing processes for tension fabrics

Dye-sublimation or UV printing?

Both processes deliver a cleanly printed tension fabric for your frame. The difference is not in the design but in where the ink sits: in the fabric or on the fabric. That is exactly what determines whether you can fold the fabric, whether it smells and whether it can be used outdoors.

Where the ink sits decides everything

In dye-sublimation printing, the ink is vaporised into the polyester fibre under heat. It becomes part of the fabric. In UV printing, the ink is printed directly onto the fabric and immediately cured with UV light. It sits as a thin layer on the surface. Almost all practical consequences follow from this one difference.

Where the ink sits:

In dye-sublimation printing, the ink is vaporised into the polyester fibre under heat and becomes part of the fabric. In UV printing, the cured ink sits as a thin layer on the surface. That is why a sublimated fabric can be folded, while a UV-printed fabric can only be rolled.

Ink in the fabric

Sublimation.

The fibre itself is dyed. There is no ink layer that can crack or flake off. The fabric stays as soft and foldable as when unprinted.

Ink on the fabric

UV printing.

The cured ink forms a layer on the surface. It is opaque, rich and weatherproof, but does not tolerate sharp folds.

Both are tension fabric

Frame and keder stay the same.

The process does not change the profile, keder or mounting. You choose it when ordering the tension fabric; everything else stays as planned.

The two processes compared side by side

The table summarises what matters on site and during transport. For indoor use, both processes are available; for outdoor use, only UV printing.

Dye-sublimation printing

UV printing

Please note

Criterion	Sublimation printing	UV printing
Ink application	in the fabric	on the fabric
Rolling	yes	yes, this is how it is shipped
Folding and creasing	no problem	avoid, ink cracks off
Odour after production	odourless	slight solvent odour, dissipates
Fine details, colour gradients	ideal	good
Rich, opaque solid colours	good	ideal
Backlighting	yes	yes
Outdoor use	not intended	yes, UV-resistant and weatherproof
Mobile use, frequent setup and dismantling	ideal	transport rolled only

Applies to tension fabrics in SMP textile frames and ready-made systems. For PVC backlit banners and rigid board materials, only UV printing is used anyway.

Material width and print width

How large a tension fabric can be made in one piece is not determined by the printing process, but by the roll width of the material and the machine that prints it. This applies equally to sublimation and UV printing, and it is the first thing we check for large formats.

300 cm

Standard width.

Materials and machines are designed for this width. Anything that fits within it is the most economical and fastest option.

up to 500 cm

Special width on request.

There are materials and machines with roll widths of up to five metres. Technically feasible, but significantly more expensive than standard.

Applies to both processes

A question of material.

The width depends on the roll and the machine, not on the ink. Sublimation and UV printing have the same limits here.

Above 300 cm, it becomes a special format.

This does not rule it out; it just costs more. Raise large formats early, and we will clarify in advance whether the special width works or another solution is more economical.

Transport and odour

Most damage to tension fabrics does not happen in the frame but in between: during unpacking, interim storage and relocation. Sublimated fabrics cope with this well; light creases from transport smooth out again once the fabric is tensioned. UV-printed fabrics need a little more care.

UV printing: roll it, never fold it.

The fabric is delivered rolled and stays rolled until installation. A sharp fold cracks the ink layer; on dark areas with heavy ink coverage, this remains permanently visible as a light line.

The odour is not a defect.

Freshly produced UV prints have a slight solvent odour. This dissipates on its own after unpacking. If the fabric is to be installed immediately in a customer-facing area, choose sublimation, which is odour-neutral from the start.

Which process for which application?

Three typical everyday situations and the choice we recommend in each case.

Trade show display, mobile

System: Bruno 200 × 250 cm in trolley
Application: several trade shows per year, set-up and dismantling by in-house team
Artwork: Photo with colour gradient, fine lettering
Transport: folded in a case

Dye-sublimation printing. Foldable, odourless, brilliant gradients.

Lightbox in a shop

System: Textile tension frame Eco 90es, wall mounting
Use: installed once, graphic changed every few months
Graphic: Logo on dark background, rich brand colours
Transport: rolled, straight from the factory into the frame

Both processes are possible. UV printing for solid areas, sublimation for photographic images.

Façade, outdoor area

System: Eco 32es Out or Eco 100es Out with flat keder 14 × 3 mm
Application: year-round, wind, rain, sun
Material: Speedy Outdoor tension fabric, up to 300 cm material width
Transport: rolled

UV printing. The only process we offer for outdoor use.

Determine the location.
Outdoors: UV printing. Indoors: both methods are possible, continue with step 2.
Determine the usage.
If the fabric is frequently dismantled and reinstalled or transported in a case, sublimation is the safe choice.
Look at the design.
Photos, gradients and fine lines favour sublimation. Large, saturated colour areas and logos look particularly vivid with UV printing.
Order together with the tension fabric.
In the configurator, you select the method directly with the tension fabric. Supply your print data as usual; the keder is fitted to match the frame.

Frequently asked questions

Which method works outdoors?

Only UV printing. The outdoor tension fabric is UV-resistant and weatherproof and is produced in material widths of up to 300 cm. We do not offer sublimation for outdoor use.

Can both methods be backlit?

Yes. Both sublimated and UV-printed tension fabrics are suitable for lightboxes and textile frames with LED. For even illumination, the back panel matters more than the printing method: for the Eco 120es, we always recommend a matt white back panel.

Is sublimation more expensive than UV printing?

The price depends mainly on the format, not on the method. Tension fabrics under one square metre cost more per area because small quantities are more labour-intensive to produce. From one square metre upwards, the standard price structure applies.

Can I switch methods later?

Not for the fabric itself, but for the frame, yes. Since the profile, keder and mounting are the same for both methods, you can simply order the other method the next time you change the graphic.

What is the maximum width of my tension fabric?

With standard material, up to 300 cm material width and print width. Beyond that, there are materials and machines with web widths of up to five metres, but they are more expensive. Both apply equally to sublimation and UV printing.

Not sure which method is right?

Tell us the location, the graphic and how often the fabric will be changed. We will recommend the right method and put together the frame and tension fabric.

Open advisor