Types of Vinyl Film Manufacturers
Vinyl film is a plastic material that comes in a variety of color solutions. It can be used for signage and decorative applications. It is an affordable and versatile plastic material.
Manufacturer of standard & custom film made of PVC, polyethylene & biaxially oriented polyester. Capabilities include metallizing, slitting & research & design services. Serves aerospace, cryogenics, decorative products & graphic arts industries.
Rigid Vinyl
The rigid core variety of vinyl plank is one of the most durable flooring products you can buy. Also known as Rigid Waterproof Vinyl (RWV) or Stone Plastic Composite (SPC), these floorplanks are designed with a water-resistant core that doesn’t ripple, swell or shift due to humidity or liquid spills. The ultra-dense core is backed by a protective wear layer and urethane coating.
Unlike Flexible Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) that can be either glue-down or float, Rigid Core LVP is click-together planks that install with minimal float preparation and interlock. These planks are built with a decorative film layer featuring high-definition visuals that mimic wood and tile. The core and print film are both highly durable, providing a sturdy feel underfoot with less sound and heat transmission than other traditional floors.
Calendered Vinyl
Calendered vinyl gets its name from the process by which it’s manufactured: calendering. This involves heating the material until it’s between a liquid and a solid, and then pouring it onto what looks like a giant baking sheet. The sheet then travels through several ovens to evaporate the solvents, leaving behind a thin film of vinyl.
It’s a fast and efficient manufacturing method that produces an economy grade vinyl film suitable for medium term exposure applications. The quality of the calendered vinyl film will depend on the type of plasticiser used. A polymeric plasticiser will Self Adhesive Vinyl integrate more thoroughly with the vinyl molecules, making it less vulnerable to extreme usage conditions.
Because of their durability and versatility, calendered vinyl films are commonly used as a base for signage and graphics. They are durable enough to withstand outdoor elements and can be printed with high resolution graphics. They are also great for short to medium term vehicle wraps or promotional signs.
When choosing a calendered vinyl for your project, consider the durability, longevity, finish, and versatility of the product. It’s also important to read reviews or recommendations from professionals who use the vinyl in similar environments to assess its performance over time. Consider reading the warranty as well to ensure you’re getting a vinyl that can perform in the way you need it to.
Cast Vinyl
A top-quality material, cast vinyl is thin and flexible, yet strong enough to conform to curves and rivets. It works well on complex surfaces such as vehicle wraps and can last up to 7 years outdoors without fading. This material also comes in a wide range of textures, making it easy to create eye-catching designs. But like all vinyl, it has some drawbacks.
The quality of a vinyl film depends on its manufacturing method and grade of plasticizers, Cook says. The former refers to the way raw materials are blended, and the latter references the molecular structure of those plasticizers. The combination of these factors greatly determines a film’s durability performance, especially in demanding applications.
While some print providers opt to do their own in-house converting to cut down costs, other businesses are partnering with third-party converters. They help them streamline production processes and deliver more cost-efficient media, according to Cook. These partnerships also allow for more flexibility, which is important for a business that has diverse media needs and uses.
Specialty vinyl is a broad category that can include films with unique characteristics, such as dry-erase, mirror, glow in the dark, perforated one-way vision or holographic. These films are receptive to the majority of digital printing systems, including solvent, eco-solvent and latex, but do not fall under the umbrella term “calendered” or “cast.” When choosing specialty films, be sure to read reviews and ask for recommendations from professionals who have tested them in similar environments to understand how they hold up over time.
Premium Vinyl
Premium vinyl is often used for surfaces and fixtures that are smooth, non-porous, and hard. It can also be applied to awkward or unconventional-shaped objects. This type of vinyl is available in permanent and removable options and comes in a wide range of colors, textures, and finishes. However, it’s important to note that this material is infused with chemicals such as stabilizers, plasticizers, fillers, and pigments. This can cause environmental and health risks if not handled properly.
Moreover, it is less durable than heat transfer vinyl, so it’s not suitable for garments or fabrics. It’s recommended to use it for low-impact decorations or as a temporary decoration on items that vinyl film manufacturers will be frequently washed. It’s also a good choice for decorating mugs, water bottles, car decals, and other household items.
As a result, it’s best to use premium vinyl for crafts that are temporary or not prone to damage. It’s also a great option for crafting projects that require stencils, as it adheres to most fabrics and can be painted with fabric paint or paint pens without bleeding through. Moreover, it’s cheaper than heat transfer vinyl and can be applied to any surface, including glasses, regardless of their shape and type. The application process is easier and requires no iron or heat press. Additionally, it’s easy to weed and has a smooth finish.