Next-Gen sports floors, engineered by Trivec

Fully customizable, digitally printed floors

The sports floors can now be entirely customized with digital prints, including precise line markings—no tape or manual painting required. This significantly increases design flexibility and branding opportunities for events.

Certified safety and durability

The new UV-coated floors passed stringent safety and performance tests, meeting official standards for use at sports events. They are slip-resistant, scratch-proof, and suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.

Scalable and repeatable production process

Thanks to the integration of corona treatment, roller coaters, UV dryers, and digital printing, the entire workflow is now streamlined and reproducible—ideal for mass production without loss of quality.

The process

In 2021, a client approached Trivec with a specific challenge. They were using modular plastic tiles as temporary sports and event flooring—for basketball, hockey, and other activities. Their current method of applying lines and coatings was manual, labor-intensive, and error-prone.

They wanted a solution that would:

  • Improve visual consistency and quality

  • Save time during setup and breakdown of events

  • Ensure long-lasting markings that wouldn’t wear off under heavy use

The client turned to Trivec not just for a machine, but for process expertise. They needed a reliable partner to help modernize their production method, while ensuring compliance with sports regulations and surface safety standards.

The client’s immediate need was clear: they wanted to eliminate the time-consuming, inconsistent manual process of taping and painting sports markings on plastic tiles. Their floors were used for major annual sporting and public events, where setup time was limited and professional appearance was critical. They were looking for a faster, more efficient method that would still allow them to produce high-quality, high-durability flooring with precise lines and custom branding.

However, their requirements went deeper than speed and aesthetics. They needed a system that worked reliably with recycled plastic, which has a notoriously low surface energy and is difficult for coatings to adhere to. The finished product also had to meet strict safety standards, especially around slip resistance and durability, to ensure it could be used safely by athletes in both indoor and outdoor conditions.

While the client focused primarily on efficiency and visual quality, Trivec quickly recognized that the challenge required a complete process redesign, not just an equipment upgrade. Based on initial assessments and trials, Trivec identified that the key to success would lie in three core areas:

  1. Surface preparation – Without proper pre-treatment, no coating would adhere reliably to the recycled plastic tiles.

  2. Specialized coating chemistry – Off-the-shelf UV inks or coatings wouldn’t meet the requirements for flexibility, scratch resistance, and environmental durability.

  3. Integrated workflow – A harmonized system of pre-treatment, coating, drying, and printing would be essential to achieve the required quality and repeatability at scale.

Trivec concluded that the client didn’t just need a new machine—they needed a tailored production process, co-developed with material specialists, and fine-tuned through rigorous testing to meet the exact use-case demands of high-traffic, high-performance sports flooring.

Trivec tackled the challenge as a full process partner, not just a machine supplier. The core issue—how to achieve strong, durable prints on recycled plastic—required a holistic solution, combining surface treatment, tailored coatings, and integrated machinery.

1. Corona Surface Treatment
Recycled plastics resist coating adhesion. Trivec implemented a corona treatment unit that activates the tile surface, enabling proper bonding of each layer.

2. Custom UV Coating System
Off-the-shelf UV products weren’t suitable. In collaboration with a German manufacturer, Trivec developed a multi-layer coating system: a primer for adhesion, a base for printing, and a topcoat for protection—ensuring flexibility, scratch resistance, and outdoor durability.

3. Fully Integrated Workflow
A synchronized line was built using roller coaters, UV dryers, and a digital printer. Each machine was calibrated to deliver consistent, high-quality results suitable for mass production.

4. Project Management
Trivec coordinated the full process: testing, partner collaboration, and approvals. Their ongoing involvement ensured the final solution was not only technically sound but also compliant with sport and safety standards.

The result: a scalable, certified, and visually stunning flooring system—ready for high-performance use and custom branding.

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Next-Gen sports floors, engineered by Trivec

Questions or comments about our services? Post them here!

Or call us via +31 (0)512 510035

Next-Gen sports floors, engineered by Trivec

Questions or comments about our services? Post them here!

Or call: +31 (0)512 510035