PVC Laminated Film and Its Uses in the Sign Industry

PVC laminated film is a multi-layer sheet material used for surface protection in the sign industry. This material is a flexible, strong, durable plastic material that can be used for indoor or outdoor signage applications such as floor graphics, wall art, and store front banners. It can also be used as a protective cover for prints on canvas, paper, or a wide variety of other materials.

The material is produced in a large roll form that is cut into the desired thickness and then bonded together with heat and pressure using an extruder or laminator. The process is a complex procedure that uses extreme pressure and high temperature to fuse multiple layers of the fabric into one solid piece of material. It is a popular choice for sign manufacturers looking to add texture, durability and aesthetics to their products.

While traditional PVC-based overlaminates remain a dominant player in the market, there is a growing demand for non-PVC options such as polyester, polyurethane, and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) films that can serve as a general purpose overlaminate for both wide and narrow format digitally printed projects. These alternatives often come at a lower cost and offer more sustainable product properties compared to PVC.

Despite their many advantages over traditional PVC, these newer overlaminate materials still require a higher budget to produce and cannot compete with the broad application breadth and high level of performance that traditional overlaminates can deliver. The demand for these films comes from both printers and end users seeking a low-cost alternative or environmentally conscious material for their project.

There is no question that the newer overlaminate materials can offer some compelling benefits such as abrasion resistance, recyclability, or resistance to chemicals such as oils and minerals. However, there are certain specific projects that will always require a thicker PVC-based substrate to ensure that the print can withstand the environment it will be exposed to and maintain its quality over time.

For instance, some floor graphics will need a thicker laminate to provide the required level of texture that will keep the printed materials anchored to the surface and reduce movement over time. Other signs will require the added durability of a PVC-based overlaminate to provide a two to three year warranty in harsh environments.

Regardless of the specifics of each project, it is important to evaluate a number of different overlaminate materials to determine which will best suit a particular job. To do this, evaluate the heat consistency of the laminate stack throughout the heating and cooling cycle in a number of cycles with a J-probe and digital thermometer. Ideally, a uniform heat profile will be maintained throughout the stack to ensure good center-to-center bonding in all openings. If not, adjusting the cycle settings can help achieve the necessary results. For example, lengthening the heating time of the cycle will allow for a more even distribution of heat and will prevent scalding and distortion of the outer sheets with a raw center that will result in poor core-to-core bonding.