SunChemical ElvaJet Opal SB / FLUO

SunChemical ElvaJet® Opal SB / Opal SB FLUO — Sublimation Inks for Textile Printing

Product Description

ElvaJet® Opal SB is a series of water-based sublimation inks with low viscosity, specifically developed for use in wide-format and industrial printers equipped with Epson DX4, DX5, DX7, 5113, i3200, and TFP printheads.
The inks deliver bright, vivid, and stable prints across a wide range of applications — including sportswear, fashion apparel, home textiles, banners, flags, and interior decoration.

Chemical Compatibility

ElvaJet Opal SB / Opal SB FLUO sublimation inks are fully compatible with printers from leading manufacturers such as Mimaki, Mutoh, Roland, Epson, DGI, Flora, Homer, Texart, and Monti Antonio.
SunChemical / Sensient guarantees that ElvaJet Opal SB inks provide identical print quality, consistent viscosity, optimal surface tension, and precise color accuracy, matching or exceeding the performance of OEM inks.

The water-based formulation allows safe use in systems containing aluminum, steel, and polymer components, without causing corrosion, sedimentation, or crystallization.

For the fluorescent series ElvaJet Opal SB FLUO, the same rheological and chemical parameters are applied, ensuring full compatibility with base colors (C, M, Y, K) and maintaining viscosity, pressure, and color stability during printing.

Key Features

• High color density and purity.

• Accurate color reproduction and smooth gradients.

• Excellent compatibility with various transfer papers (tacky and regular).

• Fast drying with no bleeding.

• Consistent batch-to-batch performance.

• Low maintenance requirements.

• OEKO-TEX® Eco Passport certification — confirmed environmental safety.

Technical Data

ElvaJet® Opal SB Ink Range

Compatible Cleaning Solutions (Flush)

✨ ElvaJet® Opal SB FLUO — Fluorescent Series

ElvaJet® Opal SB FLUO is a fluorescent sublimation ink range designed to complement the standard Opal SB series.
These inks produce intense brightness and UV-reactive fluorescence, expanding the color gamut and adding vibrant neon effects to sportswear, fashion, and promotional textiles.

FLUO Series Advantages

• Brilliant fluorescent glow (Fluo Yellow, Fluo Red, Fluo Cyan).

• High transfer rate and excellent color strength.

• Full compatibility with standard Opal SB inks.

• Minimal maintenance requirements.

• OEKO-TEX® Eco Passport certified.

ElvaJet® Opal SB FLUO Ink Range

User Benefits

• Easy installation and start-up with no complex setup.

• Deep black tones and precise color accuracy.

• Reduced costs through compatibility with lightweight transfer papers.

• Stable printing performance even after long downtime.

• Verified environmental and operator safety.

✅ SunChemical ElvaJet Opal SB / Opal SB FLUO — reliable, eco-friendly, and high-performance sublimation inks engineered for industrial digital textile printing, meeting the highest standards of quality, color accuracy, and printer compatibility.

INK PROPERTIES ElvaJet Opal SB / FLUO

Optimized viscosity and surface tension ensure stable ink flow through the system and uniform channel filling during printing.

High drop formation accuracy and jetting precision are maintained even at high-speed printing and during long production runs.

A wide color gamut, outstanding saturation, and high optical density deliver vivid, contrast-rich prints with minimal ink consumption.

The specially formulated sublimation chemistry guarantees maximum transfer efficiency onto polyester fabrics and coated substrates.

Excellent resistance to washing, light, water, perspiration, and rubbing ensures long-lasting image durability even under intensive use.

Minimal maintenance requirements — the inks do not dry in the nozzles and maintain stability after printer downtime.

Fully compatible with all types of transfer papers (tacky and regular), providing consistent transfer quality across various paper weights and textures.

For the fluorescent series ElvaJet Opal SB FLUO, identical rheological and chemical parameters are used, ensuring full compatibility with base colors (C, M, Y, K) and stable system performance.

ElvaJet Opal SB / FLUO is the ideal choice for professional textile and graphic printing, combining quality, efficiency, and environmental safety.

TECHNICAL SUPPORT AND TRANSFER CONDITIONS

One of the key factors in achieving consistent results with ElvaJet Opal SB inks is the correct setup of the printing and sublimation transfer process.

PRINTER-PARTS provides comprehensive technical support to its clients, including:

• expert advice on selecting the right inks, papers, and transfer parameters;

• assistance in developing and fine-tuning ICC profiles for specific printers and materials;

• full support during transitions from other ink systems;

• on-site training for operators and technical staff.

This professional assistance ensures stable print quality, accurate color reproduction, and optimal performance of your printing equipment.

ICC PROFILES AND COLOR GAMUT ElvaJet Opal SB / FLUO

To achieve maximum color accuracy and consistent results, ElvaJet Opal SB and Opal SB FLUO inks are designed in accordance with the latest principles of professional color management.
Using properly built ICC profiles guarantees stable shade reproduction and full utilization of the inks’ wide color gamut.

SYSTEM PREPARATION AND OPERATION ElvaJet Opal SB / FLUO

Proper system setup ensures stable printer performance and high print quality.
1. Before filling: clean the system from previous inks. Use Universal Flush 698100 for standard cleaning, or Conversion Flush 698200 when switching from other inks (do not leave in the printhead for more than 60 min).
2. Filling: load ElvaJet Opal SB continuously until the cleaning fluid is fully displaced. Inks are ready to print immediately after filling.
3. Printing: use the correct ICC profile, print on transfer paper, and allow to dry naturally.
4. Fixation: 210 °C / 30 sec / medium pressure — ensures full dye transfer and rich color density.
5. Printhead parking: always cap the head during idle periods; do not leave it open for more than 60 min.
6. Cleaning: use Universal Flush 698100 to clean the printhead, wiper, and capping station.
7. Storage: if the printer is idle for more than 2 days, fill with Parking Flush 698300 to prevent ink dryin

STORAGE AND TRANSPORTATION CONDITIONS ElvaJet Opal SB / FLUO

Storage:
• Temperature: +10…+30 °C
• Relative humidity: up to 80%
• Environment: dry, well-ventilated, away from direct sunlight
• Avoid freezing or overheating of inks
• Bottles must be tightly closed after use
• Inks stored for more than 3 months should be gently mixed before printing
• After opening, use within 6 months

Transportation:
• Ship in original sealed containers (1 kg or 5 kg)
• Transport temperature range: +5…+35 °C
• Avoid prolonged storage below +5 °C or above +40 °C
• Protect packaging from impact, vibration, and moisture
• During cold seasons, prevent freezing during transport or unloading

Shelf Life:
• When stored properly — 12 months from the date of manufacture
• After expiration, perform a test print before further use

Additional Recommendations:
• Keep away from heat sources, UV light, and open flames
• Do not mix inks of different series or manufacturers
• In case of freezing — do not use, allow to thaw completely at room temperature
• Do not transfer inks to non-original containers

PROPERTIES AND SAFETY ElvaJet Opal SB / FLUO

ElvaJet Opal SB and ElvaJet Opal SB FLUO inks combine advanced technological performance, high operational stability, and a safe formulation that meets modern textile printing standards. Suitable for eco-textile and children’s clothing production, where purity and safety are essential.

Main Physical and Chemical Properties
• Type: water-based sublimation ink for transfer paper printing.
• Viscosity: 2–3.5 mPa·s at 25 °C (optimized for Epson).
• Surface tension: 32–36 mN/m — stable droplet formation without misting.
• Dye type: high-grade disperse dyes with strong light and wash resistance.
• Compatibility: Epson DX4, DX5, DX7, i3200, 5113, and other piezo heads.
• Base: water-based, free from volatile organic compounds (VOC-free).
• Odor: low, non-irritating.

Safety in Use
• Free from toxic substances (formaldehyde, phthalates, heavy metals, NP/NPEO).
• Complies with EU REACH and RoHS directives.
• Certified OEKO-TEX® ECO PASSPORT — safe for skin and environment.
• Suitable for indoor printing — no harmful vapors.
• Not classified as hazardous under EU Regulation 1272/2008 (CLP).

Safe Handling Recommendations
• Use in well-ventilated areas.
• Avoid contact with skin and eyes; rinse with water and soap if necessary.
• Do not dispose into drains; store in original containers.
• Protect from heat and freezing.
• During long idle periods, flush the ink system with Universal Flush WB.

Environmental Commitment of Sun Chemical
• Reduction of emissions and production waste.
• Use of eco-friendly dyes and water-based chemistry.
• Compliance with ZDHC (Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals) program.

CHEMICAL AND ABRASION RESISTANCE ElvaJet Opal SB / FLUO

ElvaJet Opal SB and ElvaJet Opal SB FLUO inks are formulated to deliver exceptional resistance to the physical and chemical stresses encountered during the use of sublimation-printed textiles.
Their composition ensures long-lasting color performance even after multiple washing cycles, as well as exposure to perspiration, water, and chemical agents.

Chemical Resistance

• Excellent wash fastness at 60 °C — 4–5 rating according to ISO 105 C03.
• Outstanding resistance to perspiration (acidic and alkaline) — 4–5 rating per ISO 105 E04.
• High resistance to water and humidity — 4–5 rating per ISO 105 E01.
• Inks do not react with polyester fibers and do not cause staining or residue formation.
• When recommended transfer conditions are followed, printed colors retain brightness and optical density even after multiple dry-cleaning cycles (ISO 105 D01).

Mechanical Resistance

• High rub fastness (dry and wet) — 4–5 rating per ISO 105 X12.
• Excellent wear and abrasion resistance, ensuring durable prints under continuous mechanical stress.
• High light fastness — 6–7 rating according to ISO 105 B02, maintaining color stability under UV exposure.

Test Results

Fluorescent Series Opal SB FLUO

The fluorescent inks Fluo Yellow, Fluo Red, Fluo Cyan provide the same excellent chemical and mechanical durability while adding unique visual intensity and UV-reactive brightness.
They maintain vividness and color depth even after multiple washing or heat-setting cycles.

Conclusion

ElvaJet Opal SB / FLUO inks deliver an industrial-grade level of resistance, meeting the performance standards of leading global textile brands such as Adidas, Nike, Inditex, and Puma.
They are ideal for producing professional sportswear, fashion apparel, and technical textiles where long-term durability, color stability, and resistance to external factors are essential.

OPERATIONAL RECOMMENDATIONS ElvaJet Opal SB / FLUO

To ensure stable printing performance, vivid colors, and long printhead life, follow these recommendations.

Printing Conditions:
• Optimal room temperature: 20–25 °C, relative humidity: 50–70%.
• Printhead-to-media distance: 1–3 mm (depending on paper type).
• Perform color calibration and a test print before production.
• After printing, allow the transfer paper to dry naturally before heat transfer.

Recommended Sublimation Transfer Settings:

Additional Recommendations:
• Avoid overheating the fabric — excessive temperature may cause shade shifts.
• Use transfer paper with uniform coating and consistent moisture absorption.
• Let the printed paper dry at room temperature to prevent blurring.
• Maintain room conditions at 20–25 °C and 50–70% RH.
• Ensure uniform pressure and stable temperature during sublimation.
• For chemically pre-treated fabrics, perform a test transfer before production.
• Do not leave prints on paper for long — transfer to fabric immediately after printing.