Xygraphic PVC Film
Traditional calendered pvc film is made by melting PVC powder and liquid softener in a fine mill. This process creates a homogenous mass known as a melt.
This film is then deposited between two counter-rotating rolls. This method produces a linerless laminate that can be used with offset, flexo and UV-solvent inks.
Durability
PVC film has long been a traditional means of shrink wrap that is used to protect items and food packaging from tampering. The material is a durable, flexible, and economical choice for medium to long-term applications that require resistance against harsh environmental conditions like corrosive chemicals and abrasion. The material also exhibits a high level of rigidity, which makes it an excellent choice for use with packaging materials such as clamshells.
Several vendors have introduced linerless PP products for the wide format industry that advance sustainability, efficiency, and cost savings. These products feature a pressure-sensitive adhesive that activates with low heat. They are designed to run at double the speed of liner-based films and can reduce costs by lowering production and shipping costs. In addition, they can be cut into various shapes and sizes.
Some printing companies still prefer a PVC overlaminate for specific applications, such as floor graphics. ORAJET Series 1663, an 80m x 3.25 mil printable polymeric solvent self-adhesive PVC film coated with a clear acrylic adhesive on a Kraft release liner, Glass Window Film is ideal for a range of short-term indoor graphics and foot traffic resistant floor graphic applications. It is print compatible with latex, eco-solvent, and solvent printers and offers a high level of durability. It is available in a variety of thicknesses, providing the right level of rigidity and resiliency for each application.
Versatility
PVC film is a versatile media for a variety of applications. It is printable using traditional screen, UV and eco-solvent inks. It can also be laminated to create a protective barrier for a wide range of surfaces. It is used in a variety of industries, including retail, trade shows and point of purchase (POP) displays. PVC film offers superior durability and printability with a low gloss finish.
Depending on the project, an overlaminate can enhance or protect digitally printed graphics. Overlaminates can change the color or reflect light, xygraphic pvc film add texture and scuff resistance, or increase UV protection. They are available in many different materials, including polyurethane, polyester and PP. They are a good alternative to PVC-based laminates because they offer lower costs, greater sustainability and better stretch rates.
Polar Premium Clear is a high-quality clear PVC film that has good indoor and outdoor durability and works well on flat or slightly curved surfaces. It is ideal for general signage and display applications, as well as vehicle graphics. It also works well on a wide variety of media and supports latex, solvent and eco-solvent inkjet printing. It has a pressure-sensitive adhesive and is coated with a PET release liner that can be re-used for longer life. It is available in a standard and a linerless product. The linerless product offers added green and efficiency benefits because it does not require a rewind tool for application and saves shipping weight.
Printability
PVC films are compatible with a variety of inks, including latex, solvent, eco-solvent and UV. They are also a great choice for thermoforming, which allows them to be molded with heat to meet specific design and application needs.
Overlaminates protect and enhance digitally printed projects, from floor graphics to window signage, by covering the image and providing a protective barrier against moisture and abrasion. They are available in a range of finishes that provide visual enhancement and reflect light. They may also help the print resist scratches or scuffs, protect against UV radiation and add tamper-proof security to an item such as a product or package.
While the popularity of non-PVC overlaminates has been increasing, a significant portion of the wide and narrow format market still prefers traditional PVC laminates for a variety of reasons. “PVC overlaminates have traditionally been very popular because they are very durable,” explains Noble. “Some applications like floor graphics require a thick laminate to hold the surface texture of the substrate.”
Several overlaminate manufacturers have developed non-PVC options to pursue specific applications, such as the need for tamperproof and oil-resistant materials. For example, the ORAJET Series 1663 is a 4.25 mil 3-year film that is specifically designed for interior foot traffic-resistant floor graphic applications. It prints with latex, solvent, eco-solvent or UV printers and offers superior abrasion resistance and UV protection for the life of the graphics.
Aesthetics
PVC overlaminates serve a two-fold purpose–to enhance and protect digitally printed graphics. They help to preserve vibrant colors by shielding against UV rays, and prevent scratches and scuffs that can make a sign look worn or outdated before its time. Additionally, overlaminates can add a subtle textured appearance to a graphic or reflect light for increased visual impact. While overlaminates are generally based on polyvinyl chloride (PVC), non-PVC options such as polyester, polyurethane and polyethylene terephthalate (PP) laminates also exist to offer specific protection and enhancement properties, such as slip resistance, for example.
Liveo print films are free of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, phthalates and lead stabilizers. They are halogen-free and conform to the EN 932/62 directive for food contact applications. They are also free from phosphorus, cadmium and cadmium compounds. In addition, the film is recyclable. This makes it a good choice for applications that require recyclability. It can be used for both indoor wall and floor graphics. It is available in a range of finishes and sizes. It is also compatible with ReTac removable adhesive technology.
