UV Printing on DiBond

[ProColorGraphics]

To those who print onto DiBond (ACP, MaxMetal, Etc.) with a UV printer, wondering what you use to clean the panel with before printing? ie. alcohol, cleaner, adhesion promoter, etc.

 

[rdm01]

99% Isopropyl alcohol. Some ACM works better than others. We've found some you can scrape off with your thumb nail, while others (not even necessarily the designated "digital print" variety) will have a much higher bond with the ink.

 

[Christian @ 2CT Media]

70/30 ISO has been best since we switched to Vanguard.

 

[ProColorGraphics]

Not sure if it matters, but figured I better put that I am using a Fuji LED right now.

 

[Bly]

Nothing. Just roll the liner off using a core and we're good to go.

 

[SignMeUpGraphics]

If you can pull the liner off in one smooth movement without any stops, just print without cleaning as Bly said.
Otherwise we have to hit the entire panel with 99% iso as it leaves lines where the liner stops momentarily while peeling off.

 

[FireSprint.com]

When we uv print acm for the trade we just peel the liner and go.

Try different suppliers. The finish is not always the same. Some will work better with you inkset. Light colors are always harder as well.

 

[cstone94]

I’ve tried a few brands of ACM, including importing 400 panels from 2 different Chinese manufacturers. After dealing with inconsistent ink adhesion, even with promoters, I calculated all of the time and wasted materials and switched to Grimco’s MaxMetalDP. Peel the liner off, which takes about 2 seconds, and print away.

 

[Christian @ 2CT Media]

If you can get it, Aluminate with .012 faces works best for us.

 

[ItsNujo]

I print regularly on Max Metal. I’ve found that I really have to put some muscle into cleaning it. I used 90% Alcohol, a micro fiber, and clean it no less than two times. Normally I go for 3. Other wise I tend to get marks from the release liner in my lighter colors. Same problem with printing on Luster board.

 

[chinaski]

I never clean the panel before printing with any chemical. Only use an anti-static brush to remove any debris. If I try to use 99% isopropyl alcohol, it will leave streaking marks on the surface, no matter how thorough I am.

I'm using Oce Arizona 257 inks. When I used Marabu inks (more industrial), I would generally clean surface with alcohol if there was any debris, since streaking wasn't an issue with that ink, but adhesion has never been an issue either way. I prefer using a soft bristle brush —faster and covers more areas