AlphaGraphics Beaumont
New Member
Hey everyone. We produce a good amount of vehicle graphics using 3M IJ680cr with 3M 8518 gloss overlaminate (approx 20-30 vehicles per month). I've found a few flaws since I have recently had to do the installs myself due to being short staffed and am hoping for some suggestions here on how to correct our issues.
Our current process - Production will print a 48in wide sheet that has the printed graphics, laminate, cut on the Graphtec, weed the excess, mask the 48in sheet using RTape masking, roll loosely print side out, put inside an old vinyl box. What I have found is that the graphics get flattened inside the box and during transport, causing tunneling issues. I've also noticed some masking rolling and sticking to itself, causing issues during installs. When the vinyl/masking flattens it creates (what appears to be) stretch marks that won't go away in the printed vinyl (see pics attached). Not sure if this is cracked ink or what.
My thoughts to correct this issue. Replace RTape with 3M SCPS-102 Clear Masking as this is the suggested masking on 3M's product sheet. Purchase 6in x 48in tubes from u-line and roll the graphics print side out around the tubes for storing and transporting, and then wrap the graphic in kraft paper for protection. Not sure exactly the best way to roll a 48in x 120in sheet around a core effectively though. I'm thinking we lay the masked vinyl face down on the work table, set the tube at the edge, tape to the core and then roll by hand manually. Any suggestions or equipment that'll help with this process more productive would be appreciated.
Thoughts? TIA for the help and suggestions.
Our current process - Production will print a 48in wide sheet that has the printed graphics, laminate, cut on the Graphtec, weed the excess, mask the 48in sheet using RTape masking, roll loosely print side out, put inside an old vinyl box. What I have found is that the graphics get flattened inside the box and during transport, causing tunneling issues. I've also noticed some masking rolling and sticking to itself, causing issues during installs. When the vinyl/masking flattens it creates (what appears to be) stretch marks that won't go away in the printed vinyl (see pics attached). Not sure if this is cracked ink or what.
My thoughts to correct this issue. Replace RTape with 3M SCPS-102 Clear Masking as this is the suggested masking on 3M's product sheet. Purchase 6in x 48in tubes from u-line and roll the graphics print side out around the tubes for storing and transporting, and then wrap the graphic in kraft paper for protection. Not sure exactly the best way to roll a 48in x 120in sheet around a core effectively though. I'm thinking we lay the masked vinyl face down on the work table, set the tube at the edge, tape to the core and then roll by hand manually. Any suggestions or equipment that'll help with this process more productive would be appreciated.
Thoughts? TIA for the help and suggestions.
