Protect Your Trade Show Graphics With Xygraphic PVC Film

Protect Your Trade Show Graphics With Xygraphic PVC Film

PVC film is an overlaminate that bonds with printed graphics and protects them from fading, scratching and UV radiation. It is thicker than simple clear coatings and provides a glossy surface that is ideal for high-resolution prints.

Unlike thermal lamination, cold laminates activate with pressure rather than heat. This reduces the risk of print damage and allows for a longer vertical warranty in harsh environments.

Durability

PVC-based overlaminates serve a number of purposes, including enhancement and protection for wide and narrow format digitally printed graphics. They protect against UV rays to preserve color vibrancy, resist stains from grease and oil, and prevent scratches, scuffs and Glass Window Film other abrasions. Some overlaminates also offer specific protection such as slip resistance for floor graphics.

Traditional PVC overlaminates come in a variety of finishes and thicknesses to fit various applications. A clear overlaminate protects graphics against damage from light, while a gloss or matte finish offers visual contrast and adds durability. Many of these laminates are paired with pressure-sensitive adhesives to bond with the base media.

For example, a 5.2 mil Expression PSA Textured – FG film provides slip-resistant qualities for wall and floor graphics. It meets U/L 410 ratings for floor graphic durability and has a moderate blue tint to brighten the graphics and prevent yellowing. It features a solvent acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesive.

A number of companies offer non-PVC overlaminate options, such as PP, polyester and polyurethane. These films have a lower cost and are environmentally friendly. They can also stretch to accommodate complex curves, while some can provide heat resistance and increased abrasion resistance. Some also have anti-slip properties for retail or trade show graphics. In addition, many of these products have an anti-scuff coating to prolong the life of graphics displayed in high traffic areas.

Gloss

In some embodiments, the present invention relates to a non-PVC transparent film comprising a top layer and a bottom layer. The top layer includes a polyurethane, a polyurethane-acrylic copolymer, or a polyurethane-acrylic blend and the bottom layer comprises a non-PVC emulsion based polymer. The monomers and other components of the top layer are balanced to achieve a desired balance of tensile properties, block resistance, scratch resistance, transparency, and gloss.

The invention also relates to a process for the preparation of such a film. The process includes placing a heat-shrinkable film in the shape of a sleeve, with a mandrel placed inside. The mandrel prevents the film from shrinking in the short time between heating and application of liquids.

The sleeve is then heated and treated with a 30% THF solution, while maintaining isometric conditions. The THF solution interacts with the PVC film for a short period of time and causes the film to swell, resulting in a hidden relief. The hidden relief may have text, graphics, or tactile (embossed) markings. The film is then analyzed using a BYK Gardner Micro-TRI-Gloss Gloss Meter for CIE L*a*b* color space to ensure the proper gloss. The measured value is within the acceptable range of 80 to 90. This measurement is then compared to the initial test sample, which was heated in the same way, but not subjected to any liquids.

Scratch Resistant

PVC film has high scratch resistance, so it can withstand a lot of physical impacts. The material is also easy to clean and maintain, making it a suitable choice for outdoor signage and other types of marketing materials. Unlike traditional methods, pvc films do not show signs of wear and tear due to weather changes, preserving their visual appeal for a longer period of time.

PVC films can be printed with solvent, xygraphic pvc film UV, and latex inks to create a durable, long-lasting product that is suitable for many different applications. Some products have a scratch-resistant surface that is more durable than others, and they are available in a variety of thicknesses. This makes them suitable for many different types of indoor and outdoor environments, including retail, schools, hospitals, and events.

Several PVC films offer additional features that can enhance a digitally printed graphic. Some have anti-slip properties to prevent the sign from moving or slipping, and they can also help protect graphics against moisture and light damage. Others are anti-static to reduce the build up of dust.

Another option is a cold laminate film that can resist low temperatures. This type of film is more flexible than standard PVC films, and it can be used in cold areas where temperatures can fall below freezing. In addition, it has a fingerprint-free coating that can make fingerprints disappear quickly.

Recyclable

Many companies choose to laminate printed graphics to increase their durability, enhance color and reflect light, and add a polished look. PVC overlaminates also serve a critical purpose in the printing world-they protect. They can prevent scratches, scuffs and UV rays to make sure trade show graphics last years and remain vivid. They can also offer more specific protection such as slip resistance.

The film’s recyclable nature makes it an excellent choice for a wide range of applications, including signage, cards and decals. It is easily printed with traditional screen inks as well as eco-solvent and UV inkjet printers. In addition, it is available in several thicknesses and finishes to meet the needs of various printing applications.

Some manufacturers label their films with a universal recycling logo and the phrase “Store drop-off” to encourage customers to recycle their materials. While this may make the product seem more eco-friendly, Quinn says it’s not a practical way to go because store take back programs are usually not designed for film. Ultimately, she believes it’s more effective to have the film collected as part of a larger waste stream rather than collecting it individually. The recycled material can then be made into composite lumber, crates, pipes, and new plastic bags and film. It can also be used to make outdoor furniture and playground equipment.