Self-Adhesive Vinyl - A Signmaker's Reference Guide
By Matthew Perillat Submitted On January 15, 2012
Vinyl is probably the world's most versatile plastic material.
It is a type of plastic that comes from combining ethylene
(found in crude oil) and chlorine (found in salt). When combined these
substances become Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) resin, or as it is better known -
Vinyl. It is then further processed to be made more flexible, rigid,
semi-liquid, clear or colourful, thick or thin. Vinyl was first invented in
1920 by scientists who wanted to develop a material that would help to
manufacture everyday products that were easier to make, more durable, and
cheaper than what was available. Today, vinyl has become the second largest
manufactured and sold plastic resin in the entire world. Although the most
common use of vinyl is that in construction (e.g. vinyl flooring) there are
hundreds of other applications particularly in the sign industry where vinyl
products include vinyl stickers, vinyl graphics, banners, vehicle graphics and
floor stickers. Vinyl is a very strong and durable plastic material that can be
manufactured in a variety of colours and properties. It is resistant to
moisture and humidity. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of different types
of vinyl that a sign-maker can choose from. Choosing the right one for the job
is essential as this will improve the finished quality of the application and
increase productivity. Although the choice of pieces of vinyl can sometimes be
overwhelming, all pieces of vinyl fall within 3 categories: monomeric
calendered vinyl, polymeric calendered vinyl and cast vinyl.
Monomeric Calendered Vinyl
The monomeric vinyl film generally has a bond life of
between 1 and 3 years and it the least expensive of the pieces of vinyl. Because
of its limited duration, these films are not suitable for demanding exterior
applications such as vehicle graphics or fascia signage. This is because the
vinyl is not stabilised like its polymeric and cast cousins. The vinyl will degrade
in a variety of ways. It will shrink, peel, curl up at the edges and eventually
flake off like old paint. You see this degradation often when inspecting
vehicle graphics that has been applied using a wrong (monomeric) vinyl. Around
the edges of the vinyl, you will see a dirty black outline. This is where the
face of the vinyl has shrunk, leaving an adhesive rim. This rim then attracts
dirt and grime and eventually becomes an ugly black outline. Typical uses of
monomeric pieces of vinyl include stickers for short-term use, short-term
exhibition graphics, and window stickers for short term use (1 to 3 years).
Polymeric Calendered Vinyl
Polymeric pieces of vinyl are often a happy medium between
the unstable monomeric vinyl films and the expensive cast films. They are often
reasonably priced (only a fraction more expensive than monomeric) and can offer
durability and bond-life up to 5-6 years. Polymeric pieces of vinyl have added
polymers to reduce shrinkage. Manufacturers are improving their polymeric pieces
of vinyl all the time and the lifespan of these pieces of vinyl are on the
upward trend. However, although these types of vinyl have improved
significantly over time, they still fall short of the stability and durability
of cast films. More on cast films later. Compared with monomeric pieces of
vinyl, polymeric films last longer, are more stable and are much more suited to
exterior applications. However, they don't do so well over irregularities such
as rivets and corrugated surfaces. For flat surfaces polymerics are fine, but
for anything other than a flat surface a cast is much more desirable. Polymerics
are, therefore, suited for long-term window decals, flat panels for vehicle
graphics, quality stickers, fascias, safety signage, general exterior vinyl
graphics.
CastVinyl
Cast vinyl films are the most expensive vinyl. However, for reasons below the cost is a price worth paying. They often will improve the quality of the job and enhance productivity, factors which will, in the long run, bring repeat business. Since labour cost will always be a sign-maker's greatest cost anyway, choosing the right material for the job should not merely be a question of cost anyway. Whereas monomeric (and to a lesser extent, polymeric) pieces of vinyl start life as a dough and want to return to their 'dough-like' state, a cast film begins life in a liquid form. During the production process, this liquid is then spread out to an extremely thin layer. They have no 'memory' like calendered pieces of vinyl (i.e. they do not want to return to any pre-life form or shape) and can, therefore, take on new shapes, being mouldered by the sign maker. They are also ultra-stable with shrinkage being undetectable to the naked eye. This makes cast pieces of vinyl premium-grade films. Because cast pieces of vinyl are thinner, they are easier to cut, weed, mould, wrap and apply. Apply a calendered film over a rivet and they will eventually 'fail' and return to their flat position. Apply a cast film and it will take the rivet shape and adapt it as it's a new form. As such, cast pieces of vinyl are the recommended option for the majority of external applications. They are essential for vehicle wraps and vehicle graphics where the vinyl is required to go in and out of panels. Casts are also sometimes chosen for interior applications where a certain colour is required since their colour swatches available for cast pieces of vinyl are extensive.
Edge Signs - home of custom stickers
[http://www.edgesigns.co.uk/shop/customstickers].
Article Source:
https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Matthew_Perillat/1252554
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6818324
0 Response to "Self-Adhesive Vinyl - A Signmaker's Reference Guide"
Post a Comment