Printing on Lexan

[Alex]

Hi guys,

I am using a Gerber Edge for printing on Lexan (I use Lexan for making keypads). I face the problem that after a while cracks appear on the printed side. I mostly use Lexedge Outdoor AP72790.

Does anybody have similar problems or does anybody know what might be the problem.

Any help is appreciated.

regards,

Alex

 

[petepaz]

i have issues with unprinted spots/ areas not so much a crack but we normally silk screen the overlays/keypads and just use the Gerber for short runs
not sure how to fix it other then making sure you are using all the correct settings
check with Fred he is the Gerber guru and i have gotten very usefull advice with the Gerber many times from him

 

[signage]

or better yet do you have a photo?

 

[Alex]

Hi Guys,

Thank you for your input. Please see the picture.

 

[signage]

I've never seen it before either! Is this happening to every thing you have printed or just from a new batch of Lexedge?

 

[Marlene]

how long did it take for the cracks to appear? how was this piece used? was it outdoors? was it mounted to something? if so, how was it mounted, glue, double sided tape, etc. it almost looks like expansion and contraction going on.

 

[J Hill Designs]

yeah I was wondering how long "a while" was as well...

 

[Alex]

Hi guys,

The cracks appear after a month but they do not always appear. I use the 3M 467 MP with 200 MP adhesive. The lexan is used outdoors.

Regards,

Alex

 

[Alex]

Pat,

I also used AP63562 and had the same problems. I have to say I used a lot of different lexans and faced problems. Does anybody use lexan outdoors?

 

[Marlene]

does the adhesive touch the side that has been thermo printed or is it on the side that isn't printed? I would start by checking into issues with the adhesvie and the thermo printed LexEdge.

 

[Neon RTG]

I have one question... Are you using a Gerber Foil? Or a LESS expensive wannabe?(DuraCoat, Zero-Nine) For Premium printing I use the gerber foils. I only use the others for throw away or indoor only stuff. On a side note, the others seem to require me to clean my print head alot more often.

 

[Alex]

Marlene: The adhesive touches the printed side.

Gerber Guru: We only use Gerber materials

 

[signage]

Alex my suggestion would be to print two and place them in the same environment with one without the adhesive to see what happens! I would tend to think it is the adhesive reacting with the print!