Production Options

PRODUCTION OPTIONS:

Permanent Materials:

Vinyl: Self Adhesive Vinyl materials are available in approximately 300 distinct colors. These materials are cut on vinyl cutting plotters and applied to any smooth surface. The vinyl letters and graphics produced with quality materials generally last longer than the substrates to which they are applied. Image size unlimited. Expect a 7-15 year life. Best Uses: Vehicle Graphics, Job Site Signs, Interior Wall graphics, Heavy Duty Banners, Window Lettering, Backlit Signs, Boat Lettering, Highway Signs. Limitations: Solid colors only, no photographic or gradiant images. Labor intensive application.

ScreenPrinting: Graphics and lettering can be screenprinted onto virtually any surface. Four color and halftone images can be created but are expensive. Expect a 3-5 year life with quality inks. Best Uses: Large quantities of the following: Posters, Point of Purchase Displays, Promotional Banners, Political Signs, Bumper Stickers, Decals, Fleet Vinyl Graphics. Limitations: Labor intensive, generally not cost effective for short run work. Large images are limited by the size of available screens. Very large images use multiple screens to achieve desired size.

Short Term / Temporary:

Electrostatic: The electrostatic process can produce photographic images on either paper or vinyl film. Ideal for short run work. Expect a 1-3 year life. Best Uses: Short Run Photographic images on Vehicles, trade show graphics, short term banners, Posters, Limitations: Labor intensive transfer methodology, high initial investment.

Ink Jet: High quality photographic or spot colors produced on a wide range of substrate materials. Ideal for short run promotional items. Expect a 3 month - 2 year life. Best Uses: Short Run Photographic images and spot color posters. Short term promotional banners, decals and signs. Limitations: Slow output, UV life limited but improving (best inks yield 1 year life unlaminated, 2 years using the 3M system). Requires treated substrate materials.

Resin Based Systems: These systems use a resin based film which is applied by heat and pressure to the substrate material. Expect a 3 year life. Best Uses: Short run decals or logos, magnetic signs. Limitations: High cost of materials, limited output size.

PaintJet Systems: This is a generic category for large printers which used lacquer based or highly pigmented inks. These systems are generally for Billboard and banner printing. Expect a 1-3 year life when the substrate is properly and fully secured. Best Uses: Billboard Printing, Full Color banner printing. Limitations: Large initial investment, low resolution.

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