DIGITAL Printing
Making the appropriate film choice
There are so many different digital printing films from so many suppliers that it can be almost confusing to a new signmaker. It’s worthwhile talking to an expert and considering your options, so we got some advice from Chris Bradley, William Smith’s Marketing Manager. William Smith offers a wide range of digital printing films for an
equally wide range of applications, as well as other materials, graphics, signs and hardware to the signage and digital print markets. Chris says: “You get what you pay for. Think about what
application you need a digital film for. For example, don’t over-spec if your application is on a flat surface and will be used for only a short period of time. Equally, don’t under-spec if you are doing something like a wrap.”
William Smith provides a wide range of digital printing films for a diversity of applications
Adhesive systems, such as 3M’s Controltac and Comply, also
help with application of the film: Controltac allows for repositioning and Comply assists in ironing out air bubbles. “Whilst both add cost to films, and tend to be used mainly on
cast films, the benefits in time reduction when applying film over larger complex areas far outweigh the initial cost,” says Chris. “The majority of the market requires calendered films with a
“Always make sure you heed advice about application.
Working environment is very important, i.e. don’t apply graphics in too cold a temperature or a dirty environment; make sure graphics have been outgassed for long enough if a solvent ink printer is being used; prepare the surface properly, post heat properly to the right temperature if required - particularly when it comes to vehicle wraps.” What distinguishes one film from another is the manufacturing
process, i.e. whether cast or calendered, monomeric or polymeric. For example, cast film is very conformable, longer lasting, thinner, generally easier to use and handle, and gives much greater flexibility in terms of application.
three to five year or five to seven year life. Our most popular materials, therefore, are 3M IJ40 Series and Arlon DPF4500 Series, both of which are suitable for a wide range of applications mainly on flat surfaces” Wrapping film, especially for vehicle wraps, is currently a huge
growth area, with different materials being suitable for different vehicles. 3M IJ380 Series is considered to be the ultimate wrapping film, designed for vehicles with deep recesses, and can therefore be used for any wrapping application. 3M Controltac IJ180Cv3 Series and Scotchcal IJ170CV3 Series are suitable for wrapping flat and slightly curved surfaces, which is perfect for most cars and some vans but should not be used where deep recesses are concerned. Cast films, which are thinner and more flexible, can be used for
more intricate wraps. However, calendered films tend to be thicker and retain their memory so that over time, especially when stretched, they want to shrink back to their original form, making them less useful for conforming over anything other than flat surfaces and simple curves. “There is also a big market for
roll-up, pop-up and banner film,” continues Chris. “Although these offer only a short lifetime and very little flexibility, this is not a significant consideration as they are generally required only for very short-term applications.” To meet the growing demand for
these materials William Smith has recently added Arlon DPF 208 & 210 films to its product portfolio. To find out more about William
Choose the correct film for your vehicle wraps with expert advice from William Smith. 70 Sign Update ISSUE 132 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011 Smith’s range, visit
www.williamsmith.co.uk
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