Large Format & Lenticular Printing: How We Do It

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Choosing the right material for your project can make the difference between a successful or difficult project. As there are numerous materials in the market place today, we have comprised a list of some of the materials we commonly print on the Spyder, and their characteristics.

Foam Boards - Commonly known as Foam-Core, are comprised of a family of materials that have an extruded polystyrene foam center with various liners. These are generally light weight materials that print and die cut well. Because of their soft core, they are subject to damage if not packed well and will not hold up to heavy usage. They are generally suitable for signs and headers, but will not hold up for outdoor usage. Some of the different foam boards are:

• FoamCor, Foamboard: A white foam board with a white paper liner, the edges remain closed with die cut. FoamCor is also available with a black core and black back liner. The "white" liner of FoamCor is not as vibrant a white as Gatorfoam. FoamCor comes in thickness' of 1/8" and 3/16" thickness.
• Gatorfoam: The construction of Gatorfoam is similar to FoamCor, except Gatorfoam uses a heavier, more dense foam center with a wood-fiber veneer finish and is generally a heavy duty version of FoamCor. This material is too dense for die cutting and comes in 3/16" up to 2" thickness. The finish of the Gatorfoam liner is bright white.
• Gatorplast, Ultraboard, Duraplast: Similar to Gatorfoam, except these boards have polystyrene plastic sheet mounted to each side instead of the fiber veneer and comes in 3/16" and 1/2" thickness.

PVC Foam Sheets - Commonly known as Sintra, are homogeneous expanded rigid PVC sheets. Kommtex or Celtec are competitiors to Sintra and are competively priced. These PVC sheets are suitable for indoor and exterior POP displays, signage and exhibits, although they become brittle in cold weather. They are more expensive than FoamCor, but less expensive than Gatorfoam. PVC can be die cut, saw cut, routed, cut and heat bent (keep in mind that we can't heat bend Spyder inks). PVCs are available in a wide range thickness from 1MM to 19MM. The most common thickness is 3MM (approximately 1/8").

Polystyrene - An economical plastic that can be printed on the Spyder and comes in many sizes and thicknesses from .010" to .125". Styrene can be die cut and trimmed easily in thinner gauges. Generally available only in white. Styrene is a good short-medium term outdoor material, but will yellow and become brittle with extended exposure to the sun. Styrene comes in various degrees of opacity, with translucent styrene being suitable for back lit signs.

Vinyl (PVC) - Both rigid and flexible vinyl are easily printed with the Spyder. Vinyl is a good outdoor material, doesn't become as brittle as styrene in cold weather and can be cold scored and bent. Vinyl comes in white and clear with gloss or matte finishes. Vinyl is available in .010" - .020" thickness.

Static Cling - White and clear come with a paper backer. Clear static cling usually has a screen white either before or after printing with the Spyder. Static Cling is available in .008" thickness.

Corrugated Board - Commonly refered to as cardboard, is 200 lb., bleach white "B" flute corrugated board. This is regular carton board, except with a white finish.

Coroplast - Is a corrugated plastic product, suitable for indoor and outdoor signs and panels. It is light weight, but still fairly rigid due to its corrugated structure. It is economically priced and can be scored, die cut and trimmed easily.

C1S and C2S Paper Board - Classic display board used in all printing processes. It is easily trimmed, scored and die cut and is available in many sizes in gauges from .008 to .100.

Banner Material - Stoplight paper is a totally opaque paper material for two sided banner printing. It can be trimmed and folded just like any paper material.

Vinyl Banner Stock - Both single and double sided vinyl banner materials are available. Most are sewn and have grommets or ropes.

Pressure Sensitive Material - Commonly refered to as adhesive vinyl. We generally use .0035" pressure sensitive white vinyl, but can also print other top coated pressure sensitive materials.

PETG - PETG is a clear thicker plastic used in place of Acrylic. PETG can be die or router cut, and is a good outdoor material. PETG is preferred over Acrylic because of better ink adhesion.

Polyethylene - Commonly refered to as Polycarbonate. Polyethylene is a very durable plastic for both indoor and outdoor use. It is easily die cut and trimmed.

Dibond - Is an aluminum composite material (ACM) made of two pre-painted sheets of .012" aluminum with a solid polyethylene core. Provides excellent durability in outdoor applications. Won't bow or oil can. Approximately one half the weight of aluminum.