Facts about the kinds of materials we use and their purpose.
Digitally printable vinyl
Digitally printable vinyl films usually in come in 54'' or 60'' wide rolls that can be printed on using a digital printing process. They are used in a variety of applications, including signage, packaging, and labeling. There are several different types of digitally printable films, including vinyl, polyester, and polypropylene. These vinyl films can be used with a variety of printing technologies, including inkjet, laser, and thermal transfer printing. They are often chosen for their durability, versatility, and ability to produce high-quality prints.
Cast vinyl
Cast vinyl is a type of digitally printable film made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC). It is a flexible and durable material that is resistant to water, UV light, and abrasion. Cast vinyl is often used for outdoor signage, vehicle graphics, and other applications where a long-lasting, high-quality print is required.
One of the key advantages of cast vinyl is its ability to conform to curved or irregular surfaces, making it a popular choice for vehicle wraps and other applications where the film needs to be applied to a non-flat surface. It can also be easily cut and contoured to fit the desired shape, making it a versatile material for many different types of projects.
In addition to its durability and versatility, cast vinyl is also known for producing vibrant, high-quality prints with a wide color gamut and good color accuracy. It is compatible with a variety of printing technologies, including solvent, eco-solvent, latexand UV-curable inks.
Calendared vinyl
Calendared vinyl is a type of digitally printable film made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC). It is produced by melting PVC resin and then spreading it out into a thin sheet, which is then cooled and cut into rolls. This process is called calendaring, which is where the material gets its name.
Calendared vinyl is generally less expensive than cast vinyl and is often used for indoor applications where a longer lifespan is not required. It is suitable for use with a variety of printing technologies, including solvent, eco-solvent, latex and UV-curable inks.
One of the main differences between calendared and cast vinyl is that calendared vinyl is not as flexible and may not conform as well to curved or irregular surfaces. It is also not as durable as cast vinyl and may not hold up as well to outdoor elements such as UV light and extreme temperatures. However, it is still a popular choice for many indoor applications due to its lower cost and good print quality.
CAD cut vinyl
CAD cut vinyl is a term used to describe the process of using computer-aided design (CAD) software to create a design and then cutting that design out of vinyl using a vinyl cutter. The process starts by creating a design in a CAD program such as Adobe Illustrator or CorelDRAW. Once the design is complete, it can be transferred to the vinyl cutter using a USB cable or by saving it to a removable storage device and loading it onto the cutter. The cutter will then use a small blade to follow the path of the design and cut the vinyl into the desired shape. The excess vinyl can then be removed from around the cut design and the finished product can be applied to a surface using transfer tape. CAD cut vinyl is often used for creating signs, decals, and other graphics for both personal and commercial use.
Overlaminate vinyl film
Overlaminate films are transparent or semi-transparent sheets of plastic that are used to protect and enhance printed materials such as labels, stickers, and decals. They are typically made of polyester or vinyl and are applied over the top of printed materials to provide added protection against wear and tear, fading, and moisture. Overlaminate films are also used to give printed materials a glossy or matte finish, as well as to enhance their overall appearance.
There are two main types of overlaminate films: clear and matte. Clear overlaminate films are used to protect and enhance the appearance of printed materials while still maintaining their original colors and graphics. Matte overlaminate films, on the other hand, are used to give printed materials a more subtle, non-glossy finish.
Overlaminate films can be applied to a variety of different materials, including paper, cardboard, and plastic, and are used in a wide range of applications, including product labeling, signage, and vehicle graphics.
Solar window films
Solar window film is a thin adhesive film that can be applied to the surface of windows in order to reduce the amount of solar heat gain and glare that enters a building. It is often used to improve the energy efficiency of a home or building, as well as to increase comfort by reducing the amount of heat and glare. Solar window film is available in a variety of colors and shades, and can be used on both residential and commercial buildings. It is generally easy to install and can be removed without damaging the window surface. Some people also use solar window film for privacy or decorative purposes.