Concerning graphic markets it is about applying different media for advertising purposes. These are especially tarpaulins (PVC-banner), plastic films (vinyls), poster, textiles, fabric/tissue (canvas, mesh) and panels (e.g. alu-dibond), which are printed on.
Companies in the graphic sector primarily use solvent pigmented inks (Scitex, Vutec, NUR) or so-called eco-solvent-inks (Mutho, Mimaki, Roland, HP, Epson). Truck-side curtain are an important market segment in the section of soft-PVC banner materials. Further submarkets are production or printing of advertising banner, displays, signs, labels, t-shirts, memorabilia etc. Also self-adhesive films for sticker/labels/badges, floor graphics, promotional signs and car-wrapping.
In all cases there should be a protection of logos, lettering and pictures against abrasion, weathering and UV-light. For that reason transparent dry laminates (film lamination) or liquid laminates (protective laminates) are used.
The application of liquid laminates has several advantages over film lamination.
- high scratch resistance
- very good UV-protection (no yellowing)
- high resistance against chemicals
- high elasticity, flexibility
- easy to clean
- no limit of width
- no mechanical application / machines needed
Aqueous coatings offer advantages like high environmental compatibility and reduced emission of solvents.
This kind of laminate is applied by hand (with a brush or roll, with a spraygun or by using a silk screen printing fabric) or liquid laminator. The mechanical method is perfect for refinement of vinyl and for waterproof inkjet media. Consequently the prints will be protected against physical abrasion, humidity, UV-light and chemicals.