By Melissa Donovan
Ease of install is preferred for novice and experienced wrappers alike. Our November issue discusses the allure of vehicle wrap media with ease-of-installation features.
“The demand for ease of installation is growing among print service providers and vehicle wrap installers due to its positive impact on efficiency, cost savings, quality, competitiveness, customer satisfaction, and overall business operations. This trend is likely to continue as the industry seeks to optimize processes and deliver better results in a competitive marketplace,” shares Ryan Allen, regional technical specialist, North America, Avery Dennison Graphics Solutions.
Part of what makes ease-of-install media function properly is its adhesive. “The adhesive should be repositionable, and easy to pull back up. It should also have a slideable feature allowing the installer to position the graphic with ease. Last, but not least, the air egress is a huge help in eliminating air bubbles during application,” explains Michael Aldrich, product manager, FDC Graphic Films, Inc.
Products of Note
A number of vehicle wrap products and adhesive technologies target those looking for ease-of-install features.
3M implements two core technologies into its film. First being 3M Controltac, which are proprietary, microscopic posts embedded in the adhesive that separate it just enough from the surface of the object being wrapped to give the film repositionability. Since 3M Controltac adhesives are solely pressure activated they save installers time and energy compared to other films on the market that require both pressure and heat in order to lock the film into place. The second technology 3M Comply is another proprietary microreplication technology that gives films temporary air-egress channels for a bubble-free install.
Arlon Graphics vehicle graphics solutions include product lines with X-Scape Technology, Low-profile X-Scape Technology, and FLITE Technology. Arlon’s FLITE Technology uses cutting-edge liner technology paired with a repositionable adhesive system to create a wrap film that is easy to apply, yet robust in field.
Avery Dennison Supreme Wrapping Film is part of the Easy Apply Cast Vinyl Film Series. It is a premium quality film designed for use in vehicle and graphics markets where high-quality film finish and cost-effective full-color wrapping is required. The patented Avery Dennison Easy Apply RS feature allows for faster positioning, bubble-free application, and long-term removability. Avery Dennison MPI 1105 SuperCast Series Vinyl is a premium gloss opaque vinyl designed for use in fleet marking and vehicle wrap as well as corporate identity applications. MPI 1105 provides superior conformability to irregular surfaces such as compound curves and corrugations. Easy Apply and Easy Apply RS features offer the benefits of reduced wrinkling and air entrapment inherent in the application of decals. The RS feature also provides repositionability and slideability for exact positioning.
EVOLV APA 007 Cast print film features its latest adhesive technology UltraJet that, thanks to the slideability and pressure-sensitive adhesive make the installation easy and quick. Printable by printers using solvent, eco-solvent, UV, and latex inks. The print material can be laminated with cast gloss, satin, matte, or ultra gloss optical clear overlaminate films.
Lumina by FDC 7128 is a premium cast vinyl film designed for printing vehicle wraps. It offers long-term durability and conformability with clean removal. This product features a repositionable opaque adhesive, which provides easy application without bubbles or wrinkles. This also offers a 90# layflat liner for ease of printing. Series 7128 is warranted for use with Lumina by FDC 7028 matte and gloss laminate. Lumina by FDC 7028 is a premium cast vinyl laminate designed for use over Lumina by FDC cast vinyl films. It protects from UV exposure, chemicals, and abrasion, with long-term durability and conformability.
Products with air egress release liners such as FLEXcon BUSmark֭ AE aid installation by allowing trapped air to escape easily, making for smooth, bubble-free installation for vehicle and truck signage.
General Formulations’ GF 830 AutoMark Cast with DRIFT Technology is a premium full-body gloss white cast wrap film. The DRIFT Technology and adhesive combination is engineered to provide superior repositionability and slideability. Developed to meet the long-term demands of full or partial fleet and vehicle wraps as well as many other graphic applications. DRIFT Technology offers the right amount of adhesive tack with micro air-egress channels, that allow for quick, easy, and bubble-free applications. GF 830 AutoMark Cast provides an excellent white point, delivering high-quality printing across eco-solvent, solvent, latex, and UV print systems.
Mactac offers B•free GRUV vehicle media. Specifically, GVC929v2BFD features slideable bubble-free adhesive technology. The acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesive features an omni-
directional invisible adhesive pattern and is paired with a 2-mil gloss white, soft cast PVC film that is known for excellent color reproduction and a 90# poly-coated layflat liner for superior stability during the printing process. GV729v2BFD is a thinner, more conformable option designed for partial wraps, flat and simple curves and long-term signage.
Novice to Pro
Whether you are a novice or experienced installer, vehicle wrap media featuring pressure-activated adhesives that help reduce bubbles, wrinkles, and air entrapment is available to minimize application time and eliminate errors.
Nov2023, Digital Output
