Destination Digital
TRANSPRESS
Digital print technology is redefining what’s possible in modern transport interiors. Once limited by fixed pattern repeats, screens, and restricted colour palettes, we can now create bespoke, high-impact flooring designs that enhance passenger experience, strengthen brand identity, and streamline production.
In November, Forbo Flooring Systems exhibited at the Rail Interiors Show in Prague, where professionals from across the rail industry gathered to share insights, ideas and experiences. The event featured presentations on a wide range of topics relevant to rail interiors. As part of the programme, Jason Holmes, Head of Design Textiles at Forbo Flooring Systems, delivered a presentation focused on digital print flooring, exploring how this evolving technology is expanding creative possibilities while continuing to meet the technical, performance and durability requirements of rail environments.
In this blog, we look at what Jason discussed and explore how digital print flooring is helping designers and operators create interiors that are visually distinctive and fully customisable.
Digital print is a process that transfers artwork directly from a digital file onto the flooring surface, removing the traditional constraints of screens and fixed pattern repeats. It enables true high-resolution graphics, with the final look shaped by the characteristics of the substrate. The current printing technology allows high definition/resolution print, while the quality of the print depends on the substrate.
Flotex Vision FR
Coral Move Vision FR
The final visual depends on the underlying material, different substrates can achieve different effects:
Flotex Vision FR: Dense nylon flocking allows sharp detail and crisp definition.
Coral Move Vision FR: Longer pile creates a more luxurious, textile-like aesthetic.
This versatility makes digital print a powerful tool for replicating traditional rail textiles with even greater creative freedom
The advantages of digital print
Rescaling: Unlike traditional printing, digital print has no fixed pattern repeat. Designers can enlarge or reduce artwork freely, perfect for adapting to narrow aisles, vestibules, or bespoke carriage sizes.
Unlimited colour control: From RAL and NCS to Pantone and physical samples, digital print delivers reliable colour matching, smooth gradients, and consistent results across an entire fleet. Ideal for brand-critical environment.
High resolution detail: Micro-patterns, fine lines, and photographic imagery can be reproduced with exceptional clarity, adding depth and sophistication to interior spaces.
Textural mimicry: Digital print can replicate woven textiles, natural materials, and entirely new visual textures that traditional methods can’t achieve.
Printing to pre-defined shapes: Flooring can be printed to the exact layout, reducing waste, speeding up installation, and eliminating complex cutting.
Wayfinding & zoning: Arrows, icons, symbols, and directional graphics can be applied directly to the flooring, no more inlaid designs or post-installed signage.
Strong brand identity: Logos, colours, and visual motifs can be integrated seamlessly and consistently across all vehicles in a fleet.
Faster, more flexible production: Short lead times, low minimum order quantities, and rapid prototyping make digital print ideal for bespoke or one-off vehicles and time-sensitive projects.
Beyond Rail
Whether you are designing for a rail, marine or bus & coach project, digitally printed Flotex Vision FR floor coverings are the ideal solution offering design freedom and truly bespoke aesthetics, as well as practical benefits, product longevity and ease of cleaning.
Digital print flooring is transforming the possibilities for rail interiors, offering unmatched creative freedom, customisation, and practicality. With this technology, designers and operators can create visually engaging interiors, uniquely tailored to their brand, and fully suited to the demanding performance and safety standards of railt.
At Forbo Flooring Systems, we continue to innovate in digital print, helping bring imaginative, functional, and durable rail interiors to life. Please contact us to start your bespoke flooring journey today.