Industrial Graphic Solutions Designed to Meet Your
Sophisticated Markings Needs.
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Getting the most out of your DECAL
Webinar Presentation
by Tobbias Day, Director of Quality Management
May 18, 2011
About us
• Industrial Graphic Solutions Provider• 40 years of service• Serving clients such as Caterpillar Inc., Blue Bird Bus Corporation, Flink, Qwest and Verizon• Family owned• One-stop shop• Process expertise• Accreditations (CAT cert)
About Us
AGENDA
Why is This Important
Terms and Definitions
Specifying Appropriate Materials Best Practices
Film Storage Best Practices
Surface Preparation Best Practices
Application Best Practices
Cleaning & Caring Best Practices
Review – Q&A
Introduction
Industrial Graphics Best Practices
• Specifying Requirements• Application• Maintenance
Why is this important to you?
TERMS & DEFINITIONS
Terms & Definitions
Tools, Materials and Processes:
• Film (aka Decal, Label, Sticker) • adhesive-backed substrate (typically vinyl or
polycarbonate) with graphics printed on one side
• Premask • a thin adhesive-backed paper sheet applied to
the front surface of a film to protect it during shipping and application
• Release Liner • a slick paper sheet applied to the back side of
films to protect the adhesive until the film is applied
Terms & Definitions
Liner
Adhesive
PVC
Ink
Adhesive
PET or PRE-MASK
Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)1.0 mil clear overlaminating film forenhancement
PET or Pre-Mask Adhesive-Permanent pressure sensitive adhesive to bond PET to substrate.-Removable adhesive to secure Pre-Mask to substrate during application
Polyvinyl Chloride FilmVinyl film with ink receptive top coatingand excellent dimensional stability.
Film Adhesive1 mil thick acrylic pressure sensitive adhesive. High initial tackand superior bond to most metals and high surface energy plastics.
Release liner90 lb. stay flat liner for decal rigidity and easy removal.
InksOpaque inks in a varietyof standard or custom colors
or PRE-MASK
Terms & Definitions
Tools, Materials and Processes:
• Pre-masked, Pre-spaced Films • A film constructed of film, premask, and release
liner where specific areas of release liner are void of the vinyl graphic.
• Squeegee • a flexible flat plastic tool used to firmly press
films onto application surfaces• RapidTac
• an alcohol-based liquid used to aid in applying larger films on difficult surfaces
Pre-masked, Pre-spaced Films
Squeegees & RapidTac
SPECIFYING MATERIALSBEST PRACTICES
Specifying Appropriate Materials
Key Benefits:
• Costs down / Performance up
• Keeping Specifications up-to-date
• No sacrificing cost-savings for material brand recognition
Specifying Appropriate Materials
Tips & Techniques:
• Understand various substrates available
• Know the difference between brand names and product names
• Discuss quality and costs options with graphics supplier • Use the term “or equivalent”
FILM STORAGE BEST PRACTICES
Film Storage
Key Benefits:
• Prevent future quality issues• Limit loss of discarded decals• Meet and/or exceed lifespan of
decal per warranty
Film Storage
Tips & Techniques:
• Ensure films are:• Stored flat• Stored in plastic bags
• Do not store films in direct sunlight, moist or dirty conditions, or temperatures above 100°F (38°C).
• Inspect films prior to use
SURFACE PREPARATIONBEST PRACTICES
Surface Preparation
Key Benefits:
• Significant impact on the durability of your film
• Prevent bubbling (air pockets)of decal
• Prevent adhesion issues
Surface Preparation
Tips & Techniques:
• Surface Material Curing
• Painted surfaces must be fully cured prior to film installation.
• Outgassing can cause bubbles to form underneath a film. Remove the film and reapply another film.
Surface Preparation
Tips & Techniques:
• Surface Texture
• Visually inspect the surface to ensure it is:• Free of rust• No corrosion• No weld spatter, paint drips, or runs• Beware of severe orange peel
Surface Preparation
Tips & Techniques:
• Surface Temperature• Install at a surface temperature between 40°F (4°C)
and 90°F (32°C).
• A Heat gun can be used to heat a surface that is too cold.
• Higher temperatures can making the installation process more difficult by making it harder to reposition the film.
• The correct surface temperature should be maintained for at least an hour after film installation.
Surface Preparation
Tips & Techniques:
• Surface Cleanliness• Pressure wash surfaces caked in heavy dirt, dust or grime.
• Soap and water should NOT be sued as a cleaning agent
• Use Degreasing agent to remove heavy oils or greases.
• 50:50 mixture of isopropyl alcohol and water or Rapid Tac application fluid for all surfaces.
Surface Preparation
APPLICATION BEST PRACTICES
Application Techniques
Key Benefits:
Proper training of application techniques can:
• reduce scrap at the line
• Reduce issues reported from the field
Application Techniques
Some specifics:
• For large pre-masked , pre-spaced films:• Squeegee the liner backing with special attention to
the vinyl graphic areas. • Slowly remove liner at a 180 degree angle
• Spray decal application fluid on surface and decal’s adhesive side.
Application Techniques
Some specifics:
• For all films:• Even Pressure across the film for full contact
of the adhesive to the application surface
• Do not use your hands to apply this pressure to films
• Removed and repositioned if necessary
• Remove pre-mask at a 45 degree angle.
• Wipe the decal and surrounding area removing excess fluid and any streaks. - - 48 hours for full cure.
CLEANING AND AFTER CAREBEST PRACTICES
Cleaning and Aftercare
Key Benefits:
• Avoiding any lifting of the edges or other damage to the films that may occur during final cleaning of the equipment.
• Avoid damage to the finish of the films
• Enhance the brand perception
Cleaning and Aftercare
Common Equipment Cleaning techniques to consider:
• Hand Washing• Power Washing• Washing with a Brush
Cleaning and Aftercare
Some specifics:
• Hand Washing• Clean, lint-free cloth or shop towel and a wet solution with a
pH value between 3 and 11 which contains no abrasive material or solvents.
• RapidTac is an acceptable cleaning solution.• Do not use Windex or other ammonia-based cleaners.
• Power Washing• Continual spraying of water lessens the adhesion of the film
to the machine allowing the film to lift or curl. • Washing with a Brush
• Brushes can catch a loose edge of the film. • Brushes can damage the finish of the film.
Review
Best Practices
• Specifying Appropriate Materials• Film Storage• Surface Preparation• Application Techniques• Cleaning and Caring for Installed
Films
Contact Us
Muir Omni Graphics908 W. MainPeoria, IL 61606
My email: [email protected]: (309) 673-7034 f: (309) 673-7035www.muirgraphics.com
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