posted
I've used intermediate coated vinyl (sihl brand), but now I want to try printing some vehicle graphics so I'd like to get a few opinions on HP vinyls that I can use in my piezo wide format printer as well as names of distributors. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated!!
-------------------- Tim Whitcher Adrian, MI Posts: 1546 | From: Adrian, MI | Registered: Mar 1999
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-------------------- Jon Aston MARKETING PARTNERS "Strategy, Marketing and Business Development" Tel 705-719-9209 Posts: 1724 | From: Barrie, ON, CANADA | Registered: Sep 2000
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posted
Matty, thanks for the info, I'll give it a try. Jon, I have an OLD (probably 1992) Fuji Color Production 36 piezoelectric printer using outdoor inks (this printer was also marketed by Brady as the ColorPix 36) and uses 36" material. I currently use a coated intermediated vinyl made by Sihl and cold laminate, but this stuff is no good for exterior/vehicles. Looking for something that is not so thick and better conforming.
-------------------- Tim Whitcher Adrian, MI Posts: 1546 | From: Adrian, MI | Registered: Mar 1999
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It might be less expensive for you to outsource printing from someone using a more appropriate print technology for this sort of application.
If you are bent on printing "in-house", then 3M's TIJ (Thermal Ink Jet) materials would probably work too.
I would suggest that you see if you can find your printer/ink listed on a compatibility chart from either manufacturer first; then get some media in for a print test.
Despite Marty's experience (and with no disrespect to Marty) I wouldn't give your customers the expectation that the graphics will last 4 years...refer to the manufacturer's specs.
You might like to have a look at 3M's "Chanegable Film", which can be easily removed with no adhesive residue for up to 2 years.
-------------------- Jon Aston MARKETING PARTNERS "Strategy, Marketing and Business Development" Tel 705-719-9209 Posts: 1724 | From: Barrie, ON, CANADA | Registered: Sep 2000
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posted
Maybe I should qualify the 4 years out doors. This is based on Avery Specs and recommendations. Have a look at Averys site. Http://www.averygraphics.com Also check out their product bulletin at this link, You will need acrobat reader to view it. http://www.averygraphics.com/pls/avery/avery_ext_util.display?p_name=IPM2500.PDF Sure there are better print methods available. This system works for us and we have not had a failure yet. The secret is as described in the specs the laminate must go past the graphic and to finish of we always edge seal.
posted
Tim, I have tried several of the coated vinyls and cold over laminates with my hp 3500 and UV inks. The 3M 8522 is the best i have found so far. 3M offers the MCS warranty when using their vinyl, over laminate, and HP UV Inks...2yrs. outdoors. The coating on the 3M seems more flexible and less powdery than most others. Better conformability. It is very difficult to mechanically bond the coating to vinyl substrates. I have problems with many overlaminates actually pulling the coating right off the vinyl. You might look at the magic products. I have not tried these yet.
Scott EEI SIGNS
[ February 08, 2004, 04:44 PM: Message edited by: Scott Noe ]
-------------------- Scott Noe EEI SIGNS Snoe@zianet.com Posts: 4 | From: Las Cruces, NM | Registered: Jan 1999
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