AIRFRAME Size
Due to the versatility of vinyl graphics, designs and decals made of vinyl can be made in almost any size needed. Turning the design of a huge building or sculpture into a decorative, original 12-inch graphic is possible. Taking a small insect such as a butterfly and ballooning it into a three-foot graphic for the fuselage of your helicopter is also possible. Vinyl graphics can literally be made into any size a customer wants. Have you ever seen those massive logos on the tails of air- planes or the lettering along the side, or how about the other decor on smaller jets or helicopters? Yes, sometimes it’s painted on, but sometimes it’s vinyl.
For the following information on vinyl graphics, I had the
opportunity to talk with the folks at Adnormous Graphics in Smyrna, GA. They make vinyl graphics for just about any kind of wheeled vehicles and aircraft! “Applying vinyl to aircraft is a special niche market. If you
can respond to that and learn how to work with it, you could gain some business,” says Greg Duchinsky, the marketing di- rector at Sharpline Converting, a vinyl graphics manufacturer based in Minneapolis, MN.” You can make lettering for the fuselage, do trim accents, pinstripes down the side and even work your way up to jumbo jets.”
Preparing the surface As with any substrate, all aircraft surfaces are considered con- taminated until they have been properly cleaned. That means you’ve got to clean the helicopter before you can apply the graphics. You might need to get on a lift to reach it, but other than that, cleaning a helicopter isn’t a mystery. Basically, it’s a three-step process, according to Sharpline’s “technical gurus.” 1. Saturate a clean paper towel with a solvent approved by local EPA regulations (VM&P naphtha) and wipe the surface to remove any contaminates such as silicone, chalk or adhesives.
2. Dry the surface with a lint-free paper towel before the solvent evaporates.
3. Spray the surface with isopropyl alcohol and dry the surface immediately with a clean, dry, lint-free towel. This should remove any residue remaining from the cleaning solvent.
Some Things to Consider When
Applying Vinyl Graphics Temperature Considerations The adhesive is sensitive to temperature; if it is too cold, the adhesive will not be soft enough to properly bond with the surface, and extra care will be needed when removing the spacing tape. Once the temperature increases, the adhesive will properly cling to the surface without any adverse affects. When working with aircraft, it’s best to apply vinyl graphic products when the air and application temperatures are above 50 degrees and below 100 degrees. That doesn’t automatically
rule out cold weather installations — you just need to get a little more creative with your tools. Surfaces may be artificially heated when air and application
surface temperatures are below the minimum requirements. You can use a portable heater, heat lamps, hot water or steam. If hot water or steam is used, however, the surface must be dried thoroughly before application of the graphic.
Don’t Install the Graphics in Direct Sunlight Even on a cold day, direct sunlight will make the adhesive much more aggressive. It is best to apply the graphics in a shaded area. If you are applying the graphic using a wet method, make sure your solution does not evaporate before you are finished. If necessary, rewet the mounting surface and graphic as required.
Large Graphics Can Be Difficult for One Person to Handle Having someone help you hold the graphic can be a life saver. This allows you to focus your attention on pressing the graphic to the mounting surface without bubbles. Also, if your graphic has separations (like spaces between letters), you may cut your graphic apart for smaller, more manageable pieces. This should only be done after the graphic is temporarily in place with masking tape to maintain the proper spacing.
Don’t Stress Over a Few Bubbles Smaller bubbles will disappear through time due to baromet- ric changes. If the bubbles don’t go away by themselves, you can always pop them later with a pin to let the air escape. To accomplish this, simply puncture the bubble with a pin, and then push the air towards the puncture with your fingers.
Wet and Dry Application Methods Wet Application Advantages: Wet application is usually better for larger decals. The wet solution temporarily inhibits the graphics ability to adhere to the surface fully, allowing you to lift and move it. Also, air can travel under the decal easier which helps deter bubbles. This allows you time to work with the material on every type of installation.
Wet Application Disadvantages: When you are removing the spacing tape after the graphic has been applied, care is needed to refrain from pulling the graphic off the surface. Do not wash the area of the applied graphic for a few days until the application solution has had time to fully dry and the adhesive can adhere to the mounting surface properly.
Dry Application Advantages: Dry application is recommended for small lettering and graphics. When using the dry method, permanence of the graphic is immediate. Therefore, there is a better adhesion of the graphic to the mounting surface for pulling off the spac- ing tape. This makes it easier to pull the protective tape away from small and detailed designs.
Dry Application Disadvantages: There are no second chances with the dry method. Once your
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HelicopterMaintenanceMagazine.com April | May 2014
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