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![]() Pressure Sensitive Films 101
By Jeff Stadelman, Technical Marketing Manager, MACtac® Graphic Products
Take advantage of the knowledge that lies with those who research, test and manufacture the materials that drive the graphics industry and enhance your ability to recommend solutions to your customers.
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The graphics industry is abundant with films. Films manufactured through casting, calendaring or extrusion processes, films designed for image protection, printing media or simple lettering - the list goes on and on. As manufacturers, printers and installers work to increase their profitability and build their reputations and customer bases, it is important to master the art of working with all film options available. When it comes to film types and recommendations, installers know what has worked for them in the past and what materials they like working with. They look to print shops for more than printing or packaging the final materials and they want you to provide solutions. Working with an experienced supplier to understand common film types and their associated end uses will help you as a print shop to better determine what makes certain films more viable for one application than another. Take advantage of the knowledge that lies with those who research, test and manufacture the materials that drive the graphics industry and enhance your ability to recommend solutions to your customers.
Keep the End in Mind in the Beginning
Pressure-Sensitive Films Other less frequently used pressure-sensitive films include polycarbonate (PC), polyester (PET) and polypropylene (BOPP). PC is the most expensive pressure-sensitive film and generally is found in higher thickness levels such as 5.0-, 10.0- and 15.0-mils and is used where stiffness and durability are the key variables in the finished graphic. PET offers exceptional clarity and BOPP has a unique quality that provides the finished graphic with a "dry-erase" surface. Whether the film type is PVC, PC, PET or BOPP, three layers typically comprise pressure-sensitive films: Face stock, adhesive and liner. These three components vary with each solution and no one part is greater than the whole.
The Face Stock
The Adhesive
The Liner
Selecting the Right Film
Economy Films
Intermediate films are designed for medium-term indoor and outdoor applications. These films are generally ideal for flat to slightly curved surfaces and feature high quality durability, cleanliness and smoothness. Typical applications include:
High-performance films are designed for long-term indoor and outdoor applications. These films are generally ideal for complex surfaces that feature curves, rivets or corrugations, or graphics seeking the highest quality - enhanced UV protection and extended durability. Typical applications include:
Communication is Key
Answering these questions will help determine the durability, adhesive, finish and paired over-laminating film (if needed) for the specific application. From the printer's perspective, these answers present clear direction on the best film printing method and inks to use in order to maximize productivity, minimize waste and efficiently produce a finished film solution. A printed graphic will only be as good as the material's printability will allow. Base films range in print capability for various printing methods from solvent-based to water-based and UV-curable inkjet to screen, flexo and offset printing. Additionally, base films offer a wide variety of finishes to achieve virtually any desired look, from high-gloss and bright white opaque to translucent, fluorescent, matte, reflective and more. It is important to seek technical information on thicknesses, peel adhesion, face stock data, shrinkage, durability, chemical resistance and adhesive qualities, as well as the following applicable testing methods*. This is an area in which your supplier can help.
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As a printer, if you can work with your supplier to understand when to recommend an intermediate or high-performance film, you will excel at servicing your customer base while leaping ahead of your competition. As an installer, if you tell your print shop that your outdoor signage application requires an extremely durable film solution with a life expectancy of five years or more - and they respond that you need a high-performance base film possibly matched with a similar high-performance over-laminating film to maximize the profitability of the job while still meeting specifications - you have a great printer partnership and will get a successful product solution.
Pairing Film to Application
Fleet and Vehicle Graphics The recommended film solution for a long-term fleet and vehicle graphics application is a high-performance 2.0-mil (or less) vinyl base film with a durable, high-performance 1.5-mil vinyl over-laminating film for added protection. Additional considerations include:
Not only does film thickness play a significant role in fleet and vehicle applications, it is also an important factor in point-of-purchase (POP) displays and retail signage. The difference is that POP and retail signage applications don't require thin, conformable films for successful applications. The thicker the film, the easier it is to work with when the graphic needs to lay flat and stay that way, both during lamination (if an over-laminating film is required) and installation. The recommended film solution for a medium-term POP display graphic is an intermediate 3.0- to 4.0-mil white vinyl base film featuring an opaque acrylic permanent adhesive, paired with a 3.0-mil flexible vinyl over-laminating film. Additional considerations include:
When seeking a proper outdoor signage graphic, one of the primary product attributes is durability. The finished graphic must last the life of the application, whether that is two years or five years. Achieving this is directly related to the environment in which the graphic is installed. The elements will determine the film chosen, as considerations include UV protection, moisture protection, substrate texture, substrate surface and more. Generally, outdoor signage graphics, including print media and over-laminating film, range in thickness from 4.0- to 8.0-mils. The recommended graphic solution for a long-term outdoor signage graphic application is a high-performance 2.7-mil white vinyl film designed for solvent based, inkjet printing that is coated on one side with a permanent, opaque, acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesive, paired with a high-performance over-laminating film to match the media and durability requirements. Additional considerations include:
Floor graphic film applications are unique in that they demand a film property that other applications don't: Slip resistance. Public safety should be everyone's responsibility - including manufacturers, printers and installers. Floor graphic applications must consider applicable national and regional building codes as they pertain to slip resistance & flame resistant material standards. This is particularly important in high-traffic public areas such as museums, bars and malls. The recommended film solution for a short-term outdoor floor graphic application is a high-performance 3.0- to 4.0-mil vinyl film with an aggressive, high-tack adhesive that features a high-performance, durable and slip-resistant over-laminating film. Additional considerations include:
When it's all said and done, it is important that the appropriate pressure-sensitive film is chosen for each graphics application. Knowledge, know-how and communication between the manufacturer, installer and printer are all important factors in achieving film and project success. By having a sound understanding of film types, end applications and customer expectations, printers and installers can benefit from each other and surge ahead - building both their bottom lines and a competitive advantage. Jeff Stadelman, Technical Marketing Manager for MACtac® Graphic Products, has served the pressure-sensitive adhesive industry at MACtac for nearly 22 years. His expertise is in new product development, product marketing and sales, technical writing and customer technical support. His extensive experience with both pressure-sensitive adhesive products and graphic applications makes him an excellent industry resource. jjstadelman@bemis.com This article appeared in the SGIA Journal, 3rd Quarter 2010 Issue and is reprinted with permission. Copyright 2010 Specialty Graphic Imaging Association (www.sgia.org). All Rights Reserved.
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