Actual width of high performance 48" films?

[tulsagraphics]

Hi all!

I'm making new sign faces for the side of a building (16ft x 10ft = 4 sheets of 4x10 Alumalite). I plan on using high performance cast for this job -- mostly likely 3M 7125 or Arlon 2100 -- but laying down 48" vinyl on 48" x 120" panels -- for a 3-color background -- is likely going to expose the panel seams. Even with an applicator table the vinyl isn't going to line up "that" perfectly.

Do you know which series might be wider? I don't have samples on hand, but I want to say the actual widths are closer to 48.5", maybe more. The wider the better - I need some bleed to work with.

Note: Although I could easily print this job with my S80 on IJ175/180, I think we'll get better longevity out of colored cast opaque film -- and "less" glare). It was only recently that I discovered the service life on 3M 8519/8520 is only 5 years, whereas 8518 is rated for 8. This makes sense because gloss is less porous, but at the same time, this sign faces south. We want to keep the glare down a bit.

 

[JBurton]

I know 3m 3630 is basically always 48.5", used to be 49" when I was a kid!
I have one roll of 7125 black, it measures 48.5" as well.
Just make sure you spec continuous feet, so you don't find a splice in it.
Have you considered using a colored panel to perhaps eliminate one layer of color from this?

 

[tulsagraphics]

I know 3m 3630 is basically always 48.5", used to be 49" when I was a kid!
I have one roll of 7125 black, it measures 48.5" as well.

Awesome, thanks!

Just make sure you spec continuous feet, so you don't find a splice in it.

Good call!

Have you considered using a colored panel to perhaps eliminate one layer of color from this?

Yep, I did. The design is actually 3 colors + white.

Much appreciated!