Why Do So Many People Use IJ180 When the Project Doesn't Seem to Call for It?

[Proofread People]

Just likely everyone wants everything laminated when most stuff doesn't need laminate, half the interior walls graphics I see are laminated, total waste

lol

 

[kcollinsdesign]

I just order exactly what I need from wholesale printers. No inventory, no machines, no maintenance, no labor cost, no material handling, little space needed, no environmental concerns (air conditioning in work and storage space, solvent exhaust), and the ability to direct ship to save time and money. Pricing examples: 3M IJ180 with 3M 8518 lam: $4/sq.ft. Intermediate $2/sq.ft., 3M IJ35: $2.50/sq.ft. Prices vary a bit depending on printer and volume. You do need to add shipping cost, and prices will be going up (tariffs and other factors), but that will be the case whether you print in-house or use a jobber. Made the decision 15 years ago and never looked back. 40% margin on all printed products so we make a little profit, but it is not a major source of revenue. I out-source anything I can. We make our money on project management, installations, and design.

 

[Stacey K]

I just keep Arlon SLX and one calendared like Ij35 or Briteline Duration and for banners Duratex. I have gloss lam for the slx and gloss and luster for the calendared. If I need other items I just order from a wholesaler. (I can print smaller window perf but get head strikes so I wholesale out larger window graphics. I keep 751 in black, red, white and calendared in the same colors. I only buy 751 in colors when a job calls for it...although I have quite the collection of rolls LOL

 

[Squared2002]

Has anyone here been reimbursed by 3M for a warranty claim? Honest question.

We have on a couple occasions, but the reimbursement was sending us material. Did not pay for our ink or installation costs.

 

[MarkSnelling]

We have on a couple occasions, but the reimbursement was sending us material. Did not pay for our ink or installation costs.

Which is why I wonder so many people are so loyal to this warranty. Pretty much any responsible manufacturer would replace the material.