TBM launches new "LIMEX backlit film signage" made primarily from limestone, and expands compatibility with solvent inkjet printers

～Improvement of the coating process on the sheet surface enables expression of more accurate colors～

TBM Co., Ltd., Ltd. (Head office: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director and CEO: Nobuyoshi Yamasaki; hereinafter referred to as TBM) is pleased to announce that it will begin selling a new product, "LIMEX backlit film signage," for solvent inkjet printing, intended for use in illuminated posters and outdoor advertisements, from today.

Compared to plastic illumination films, "LIMEX backlit film signage" has excellent light transmission and diffusion properties that enable beautiful color development, environmental friendliness that reduces the use of petroleum-based plastics, and cost competitiveness due to the use of inexpensive limestone. The "LIMEX backlit film signage" for solvent inkjet printing, which goes on sale today, has excellent drying properties thanks to the addition of a surfactant to the coating agent on the surface that has high affinity with solvent ink, making it possible to express more accurate and uniform colors compared to conventional products. TBM will continue to strengthen the introduction of "LIMEX backlit film signage" to business companies and affiliated companies such as retail stores such as cosmetics stores, restaurants, transit advertising, and movie theaters.

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"LIMEX backlit film signage" product overview

As plastic restrictions accelerate around the world, we announced "LIMEX backlit film signage" in November 2019, which is made primarily from limestone as an alternative to the illumination film used in store displays at retail stores and posters at transportation facilities such as stations and airports, and has since been adopted by many companies. "LIMEX backlit film signage" is compatible with solvent inkjet printing as well as UV and latex inkjet printing.

Beautiful color with little uneven light
The void structure created during the sheet molding process gives the film superior light transmittance and the ability to diffuse light evenly, which is necessary for LED light sources, compared to plastic illumination films, enabling uniform surface emission.

Compatible with a wide range of printing machines
By improving the coating process on the sheet surface, the range of solvent inkjet printers that can print on the sheet has expanded.
*Compatible with some printers from Seiko Epson Corporation, Mimaki Engineering Co., Ltd., and Roland DG Corporation.

Reduce the amount of petroleum-based plastics used
The main raw material is limestone, and by switching from PET decorative lighting film to LIMEX backlit film signage, it is expected that the amount of petroleum-based plastics used will be reduced by approximately 58%. *TBM calculation

High cost competitiveness
The main raw material, limestone, is inexpensive, and because it does not use the light diffusing agents that are used in plastic decorative illumination films, it is cost-competitive and can achieve both ecology and economy.