Who can print a job like this?

[tulsagraphics]

Hey folks!

I've got a job that requires double-sided full-color window perf. I didn't think it was possible, but after some research, I found a method that uses clear window perf. (color - white - black - white - color)

Anyone out there tried this method, with success? And... would be willing to give me a quote for such a print job? I'm guessing any printer with a good opaque white could do the trick. No way my S80 is gonna lay down that much white (nor would I want to try -- that'd cost a fortune)

Overall size: 230” x 119”. (about 20 linear yards of 54" material to cover everything). Trimmed panels would be great (if automated), but I don't mind trimming the roll down either.

 

[ProColorGraphics]

I could help you with this. I would print it on my V7000 flatbed. I also have clear window perf. But the longest piece would be ~96".

 

[DL Signs]

Did a little of that years ago on our old Acuity flatbed. The issue to watch for is the holes in the perf filling up with that many layers of UV ink.

 

[Grizzly]

You can also build your own perf on any clear media. It doesn’t have to be physically perforated. Just don’t print the dots. When doing double sided like that the opacity of the white is not to block out the other side. That is what the black is for.

 

[tulsagraphics]

Did a little of that years ago on our old Acuity flatbed. The issue to watch for is the holes in the perf filling up with that many layers of UV ink.

Ah yes, that makes sense. I wonder if one of those "lint roller" wheels could safely yoink the extra ink out.

 

[tulsagraphics]

You can also build your own perf on any clear media. It doesn’t have to be physically perforated. Just don’t print the dots. When doing double sided like that the opacity of the white is not to block out the other side. That is what the black is for.

Yep, that crossed my mind. If going that route I'd probably use an optically clear laminate for max visibility, then laminate that to get some extra rigidity for install. It's not something I can do in house (white is way too expensive on the S80) so I'd still need to find someone that can lay down some good white on an optically clear lam.

For those who would like to bid on the job just drop me a DM. I'm super busy at the shop this week (building a CNC) so it will probably be the first of next week before I can follow up. It's not a rush job -- client probably won't have artwork for another few weeks.

 

[JBurton]

You can also build your own perf on any clear media. It doesn’t have to be physically perforated. Just don’t print the dots. When doing double sided like that the opacity of the white is not to block out the other side. That is what the black is for.

How do you generate the pattern of dots without crashing your vector program? Thinking on this, you could use a bitmap and color mask the background, or a transparent png blocking out the holes.

My old man insisted I could print a perf pattern on clear, aside from our lack of white ink, I pointed out how many dots there are in a 2'x6' panel. I printed a small sample, it looked bad, and we stopped there.

(building a CNC)

Oh, what kind?

 

[tulsagraphics]

How do you generate the pattern of dots without crashing your vector program? Thinking on this, you could use a bitmap and color mask the background, or a transparent png blocking out the holes.

My old man insisted I could print a perf pattern on clear, aside from our lack of white ink, I pointed out how many dots there are in a 2'x6' panel. I printed a small sample, it looked bad, and we stopped there.

Oh, what kind?

I got the Shapeoko 5 Pro. It's a 4x4 w/ pass thru (largest size they offer), but it's certainly more capable than my EGX-600 and way less expensive than an industrial unit. I got the 80mm spindle w/ a chiller. Very powerful - it can mill aluminum pretty easily. Hard to beat for the price (roughly $5k). I built a steel work table and added a marble countertop for a nice flat surface, providing the added bonus of extra weight and vibration dampening. Total weight about 1,100 pounds so it's not going anywhere.

 

[tulsagraphics]

-- edit --
removing duplicate reply. posting was buggy today.

 

[Johnny Best]

I’m at $20 for a 3mm ACM 4x8

 

[jfiscus]

I think this is still going to look bad once it is completed; after all the hard work the customer will end up disappointed...

 

[MikePro]

can't you just print the sandwich of color as a perf pattern on clear vinyl?

edited: oops guess someone beat me to it!

 

[Smoke_Jaguar]

can't you just print the sandwich of color as a perf pattern on clear vinyl?

edited: oops guess someone beat me to it!

I mean, it is a great idea in my opinion, we do that as well. Since we don't do installs, we found it easier to just print the 'perf' color/white/color to clear cling and just install with water and squeegee method.

I personally dislike perf, it feels like I am trying to apply a fishnet made of wet noodles, if warps like crazy and there is a definite art it. While far from a fast print on a UCJV300, it tends to be worth the wait.