Innovation and Conversation
ISA International Sign Expo Preview
by Digital Output Staff
The International Sign Association (ISA) is in full planning mode for its main event, the ISA International Sign Expo. Held April 12 to 14, 2023 at Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV it promises to be full of innovation and good conversation.
Attendees can plan a full schedule whether they are at the trade show to stroll the aisles or take part in any of the educational sessions and networking events. On the exhibit floor, special areas to visit are of note, this includes The Wrap Experience at booth 3149.
The Wrap Experience, powered by ISA and The Wrap Institute, is an interactive booth area that surrounds the Never Stop Learning Wrap Contest. The Wrap Experience brings together a range of companies and products to inspire new ways to bring revenue into your business. Justin Pate, an expert in vehicle wraps, hosts the event.
Forward Intentions
The March edition of Digital Output includes information from vendors exhibiting at the ISA International Sign Expo. Here, additional companies share their plans.
3A Composites, booth 2729, specializes in the manufacturing of leading composite substrates for signage, display, and graphic arts. Category defining brands like DIBOND, GATORFOAM, SINTRA, and FOME-COR are proven solutions for a variety of applications, while innovative new products such as DISPA offer unique, sustainable, and high-quality solutions for this dynamic and ever-changing industry. This year the booth is dedicated to celebrating the iconic presence and impact of the US National Park Programs, displaying some of the original posters printed by the WPA’s Federal Art Project between 1935 to 1943 that have been brought back to life on 3A’s iconic brands and substrates. INFO# 460
3M, booth 1027, introduces its most technologically advanced film solutions ever—3M Print Wrap Film IJ280 with 3M Gloss Wrap Overlaminate 8428G. With unprecedented conformability and lifting resistance, this vinyl solution stays exactly where you want, allowing your confidence to soar. Created for impactful installation and performance, 3M Print Wrap Film IJ280 with 3M Comply v4 Air Release and 3M Gloss Wrap Overlaminate 8428G allows for efficient installations with less rework, helping save time and
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1) Avery Dennison, booth 3239, invites attendees to see new products, new business ideas, and hands-on training opportunities. 2) PRESTOTEX, booth 4727, showcases its much anticipated, reengineered, 10-mil wall media.
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money. Installers can confidently wrap commercial vehicles with less effort so that every installation is completed quickly without sacrificing quality. INFO# 461
AP Lazer, booth 4715, offers CO2 laser machines that cut and engrave full sheets of material such as wood, acrylic, and plastics. Thanks to the open architecture design, there are no weight or size restrictions. Expand product offerings, explore new markets, and never say “no” to a job again. Build your successful business with AP Lazer’s turnkey solutions, personalized training, 24/7/365 technical support, and engaged online community. It is an innovative, people-centric company. AP Lazer’s customers are like family. Its mission is to build priceless relationships with customers and to meet the emotional needs of all walks of life. Together, we make the world a more precious place to live. INFO# 462
ASLAN, booth 2257, highlights its memoboard, glass decoration, and digital printing film ranges, as well as spray paint and sticker repellent anti-graffiti film MagicProtect Matt ASLAN SL 99, the new extra hard-wearing laminate MonsterLAM ASLAN SL 05, and special effect films like ColourShift ASLAN SE 70 and SE 71—two transparent and four opaque dichroic films for cut or full-surface applications. Other self-adhesive highlights are the new SparkleColour ASLAN SC 123—six glitter films, and CaressColour ASLAN CC 124—flocked self-adhesive decorative films in 19 different colors. Additionally, the scratch-resistant, real mirror film MirrorEffect AntiScratch ASLAN SE 75, available in silver and gold is on display. INFO# 463
Avery Dennison, booth 3239, invites attendees to see new products, new business ideas, and hands-on training opportunities. Stop by the booth daily to watch live demonstrations, including how a food trailer can transform into a different business each day from full-color, high-impact graphic
films. Avery Dennison experts are on site to welcome and help you experience the full breadth of graphic solutions in person. For additional technical help and advice, visit the Avery Dennison Lounge inside of The Wrap Experience area at booth 3149 to hear from speakers and panels comprised of trainers, Avery Dennison representatives, and shop owners. INFO# 464
AXYZ, booth 4728, demonstrates cutting on the AXYZ Trident CNC router, featuring acrylic routing and knife cutting on printed foam board. It’s optimized for highperformance packaging, point of purchase, and print finishing applications. A spindle, tangential knife, and oscillating knife come standard on the Trident, providing the right cutting tools for virtually all materials used in the industry. Technical specialists are on site to answer questions. INFO# 465
Canon Solutions America, booth 1807/2638, showcases its range of print products including its Arizona flatbed series of printers and the Colorado roll devices. INFO #466
CET Color, booth 4457, showcases its Q6-500 Flatbed and K2-250 Hybrid unit. Additionally, it plans to unveil its newest product launch and is delighted to share more details. INFO# 467
Colex Finishing Inc., booth 4430, introduces Colex Cut Center 8 –Production Automation, which offers quick response code recognition with an onboard registration camera. It eliminates operator errors of loading and processing the correct job file and confirms
jobs are generated with the correct feeds and speeds. A production information system captures and reports on all jobs processed. This provides accurate information on time to process a job as well as linear cut lengths and media usage. Together with the Sharpcut SXC1732 conveyor the Colex Cut Center 8 – Production Automation option preserves the same, proven engineered robust steel welded frame, Triple Interchangeable Tool Head, Energy Efficient Vacuum System, Vision Registration Camera and Software, with the ability to add tools and router options to customize the cutter. INFO# 468
DAF Products, booth 3921, features its full line of perforated window film 50/50, 60/40, 70/30, and new options including 80/20, as well as first and second surface applications. Attendees enjoy perforated time saving product install technique demonstrations and experience hands-on testing. Other products on display include DAF Everyday 7-year Cast Wrap Film with matching gloss and matte laminates. It offers a lower entry point price with high-end features installers expect. INFO# 469
DigiFab Systems, booth 2351, is an innovative developer, manufacturer, and distributor of software, supplies, and equipment. Displayed in the booth is the latest StampaJet K2-190x highspeed sublimation printer and DigiHeat D21 64-inch oil press. Additionally, product lines include pre-treated fabrics, inkjet inks, STP sublimation paper, StampaJet inkjet printers, Evolution RIP software, DigiHeat heat presses, laser cutters, and steamers. INFO# 470
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3) Jessup Mfg. Co., booth 1864, encourages attendees to discover an exciting array of products for any application.
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Enfocus, booth 1057, enables attendees to experience PitStop, the gold standard for PDF preflighting and editing software, and the powerful suite of features it offers to wide format printers. INFO# 471.
Epson, booth 2221, leverages a surf/skate shop theme to display a range of printing solutions ideal for a variety of applications, including indoor and outdoor signage, photography, graphics, and textile applications. Attendees see wide format solutions in action, check out print samples, and speak with product experts about how Epson can help grow their business. The booth includes demonstrations for many industries, including textile applications with the SureColor F-Series dye-sublimation and DTG printers; signage solutions with the SureColor R-Series resin, SureColor V7000 UV flatbed, SureColor S-Series solvent printers; and photography and graphics with the SureColor P8570D printer and SureLab D1070 minilab printer. INFO# 472
Fisher Textiles, booth 4021, showcases its newest print media fabrics for soft signage, up to five meters wide and its Enviro-Tex lineup made with 100 percent post-consumer recycled yarns. Enviro-Tex fabrics contain 32 to 48 recycled PET bottles per linear yard and include ET8050 Super Sonic, ET9410 Soft Knit, and ET9708 Heavy Knit. Fivemeter wide styles include DD9930
Nirvana Plus, DD6650 Super Sonic Backlit, and DD7808 Heavy Knit. Fisher Textiles also features its newest fabric media for pillowcase tension displays, DD8800 Silver Back, an enhanced gray-back blockout with blended yarns and a natural stretch. INFO# 473
GBC, booth 3650, displays SEAL precision engineered wide format laminators, which are made in the U.S. Featured at the show is the 65 Pro MD, a high production, versatile laminator that can run both hot and cold applications. The 65 Pro MD has the unmatched capability of running speeds of more than 15 feet per minute without sacrificing quality. Also featured is the 62 Base, which is ideal for mounting and laminating pressure-sensitive graphics up to 61 inches in length; the first fully automated desktop laminator from GBC—the GBC Foton 30; and a flatbed applicator. INFO# 474
General Formulations, booth 829, educates attendees on wrap techniques with special guest installer, Preston Jordan, owner, Digital Precision. Also in the booth, visitors can stroll along floor graphic options and engage with active demonstrations designed to help pick the right material for the application. While at the booth, ask about new transit product, GF 209AE MetroMark with Air Egress Technology or if visiting the ISA Wrap Experience, ask trainer Chad Parrish about new GF 830 AutoMark Cast with DRIFT Technology wrapping film. INFO# 475
Gerber, booth 4210, promotes its comprehensive solutions and materials for sign and graphics. Its
extensive library provides all the materials needed no matter the application, including its ImagePerfect line, a series of materials specifically designed for digital printing on large format inkjet printers. Gerber’s OMEGA design and output software offers a comprehensive suite of layout, design, output, and conversion tools. OMEGA software is designed to accommodate the cutting and printing of vinyl and specialty materials while also supporting routing applications for dimensional sign making, woodworking, and parts fabrication. INFO# 476
HP, booth 1424, focuses on sustainability, water-based inks, and how it can help you in the sustainability journey. As part of the show, it features new HP Latex 2700 Printer series, the HP Latex R Printer series, PageWide XL Pro 10000, and the HP Latex 315 Print and Cut Plus Solution. INFO# 477
Jessup Mfg. Co., booth 1864, encourages attendees to discover an exciting array of products ranging from graphics media for any application to innovative new product previews—not to mention photoluminscent material, safety signage, and UL 924 exit signs. INFO# 478
Kongsberg PCS, booth 1239, highlights the power, performance, and versatility of its Kongsberg and MultiCam solutions when it showcases four market-leading machines. The world’s first diversified provider of digital finishing and CNC cutting machines demonstrates the capabilities of its flagship Kongsberg C64, its modular Kongsberg
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4) Lintec of America, booth 1465, offers PVC-free films for glass decoration. 5) Vycom, booth 2251, collects printed and unprinted rigid PVC and acrylic sheets for recycling into the company’s residential and commercial products through its PVC Recycling Program.
X24 table, and the MultiCam APEX 1R and 3R routers. Live demonstrations of all four machines are presented daily, giving visitors the chance to witness the precision, speed, and consistency each delivers. INFO# 479
Lintec of America, booth 1465, offers PVC-free films for glass decoration. They are compatible with the latest UV inkjet printing technology. Customers can choose from films that have scratchresistant capabilities, 80 percent recycled optically clear features, as well as UV blocking to protect interiors from fading. Lintec’s adhesive technology is offered in permanent, removal, and air egress as well as unmatched optically clarity. The benefits of decorating glass with polyester film are that if printed and installed properly it looks as if the glass was directly printed. INFO# 480
Newlife Magnetics, booth 2213, features Platinum magnetic receptive, printable magnet media up to 60 inches wide; Cling King microsuction films; and new pre-magnetized Indigo sheets. It currently offers the thinnest, widest, lightest, and strongest magnetic materials on the market. The booth is interactive to demonstrate Newlife’s wide variety of unique products, come and experience the Newlife difference. INFO# 481
Onyx Graphics, Inc., booth 2753, demonstrates the newest version of its RIP and print workflow software and other solutions, including ONYX Go subscriptions, ONYX TruFit automated shape-based nesting, and the company’s business management tools. INFO# 482
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Photo Tex, booth 2752, displays how its self-adhesive polyester fabric media is used on walls, windows, doors, and floors. It offers three different versions and 39 different skews to meet all your needs from temporary to permanent applications. Media is LEED certified, fire rated, and “green.” INFO# 483
PRESTOTEX, booth 4727, showcases its reengineered, 10-mil wall media. The textile wallcovering manufacturer also displays all variations of its printable media including white, silver, deep gold, and gold iridescent color options. See in person how the media can be used to wrap trade show booths, transform rooms, and create contour cut decals. The booth also features ten- and 17-mil thick products, installation inspiration, and video tutorials.
PRESTOTEX wallcovering media is removable, repositionable, and easy to install. INFO# 484
Roland DGA, booth 1639, exhibits its TrueVIS wide format printers, including TrueVIS AP-640 Resin
Printer and advanced TrueVIS LG Series and MG Series UV Printer/ Cutters. Also on display is the new VersaSTUDIO BN-20D Direct-toFilm System. INFO# 485
SAi, booth 1230, demonstrates its Flexi software for printing, cutting, print and cut, direct to film, and traffic applications. Witness a demonstration of the newest, time-saving production features available in Flexi 22 including advanced job nesting, color management, and layered printing. EnRoute 23 CAD/ CAM software for CNC machining is also featured. INFO# 486
Saw Trax, booth 3830, displays the Sign Maker’s Series Vertical Panel Saw with Makita Saw and Substrate Cutter. The Sign Maker’s Saw uses the Makita 5007 Saw Motor and OLFA Segmented Knife. With the Sign Maker Panel Saw and Substrate cutter, sign shops have one machine for all cutting needs. It is equipped with specialty accessories for cutting in both directions, vertically and horizontally. This cutter is ideal for making precision cuts in sheet goods that are up to 1¾ inches thick. INFO# 487
Stimpson, booth 4111, showcases its entire line of fasteners and offers live demonstrations of attaching machinery. Discover why companies single source all their sign and banner fasteners and machinery from Stimpson. INFO# 488
Summa America, booth 2027, introduces the next step in workflow efficiency and automation. The F1612 flatbed cutter is equipped with a conveyor extension and new Board Feeder. This system is developed to automate loading sheets on the flatbed cutter and boost productivity. The Board Feeder handles various materials but works especially well with cardboard, printed sheets, and other graphic materials for packaging purposes. INFO# 489
Tekra, booth 1125, promotes a variety of print films and adhesives to broaden the scope of your portfolio. Featuring polycarbonate and polyester films for indoor and outdoor signage, Tekra offers a variety of finishes to suit every aesthetic. For digital UV printers, JetView UV films provide ink anchorage that stands up to post processing and adhesives, providing endless application options. Meanwhile, JetView Latex backlit films are a tried-and-true option for bright graphics without hotspots. If you are in the market for signs that make a bold statement, see Tekra’s rigid vinyl for inkjet and HP Indigo printing. INFO# 490
Trotec, booth 3325, invites attendees to witness its high-performance Speedy laser machines in action with Ruby software for improved workflow and watch live laser demonstrations on large
format SP laser cutters. These high-performance lasers offer a number of advantages to sign professionals including low maintenance and processing speeds of up to 170 inches per second. Reduce acrylic processing time by producing crystal clear flame-polished edges in a single step, eliminating the need for any additional post processing. INFO# 491
TRUMPF Power Tools, booth 4529, shows off the latest tools for cutting steels, plastics, and carbon fiber reinforced polymer. It plans to demonstrate how to join metals together without the need for any fixings. Visit the booth for live demonstrations of multiple sign production applications. INFO# 492
Ultraflex, booth 1621, highlights its industry-leading fabrics, PVCfree media, and banner material. Featured products include EcoVantage and PVC-free media that meet a range of applications such as frontlit, backlit, and blockout to help enhance your sustainable product line; VorTex Soft Signage is made up of an application-driven variety of fabrics and textiles designed for optimal print performance with unparalleled quality; and Décor Solutions, which make up wallcovering, upholstery, and flooring media. INFO# 493
Vycom, booth 2251, collects printed and unprinted rigid PVC and acrylic sheets for recycling into the company’s residential and commercial products. Designated collection bins are in select exhibitors’ booths—as well as in the ISA Green Recycling Zone—to recapture these materials before they
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6) Ultraflex, booth 1621, highlights its industry-leading fabrics, PVC-free media, and banner material.
end up in a landfill. Sign shops and print service providers using these materials in their everyday projects are invited to stop by the Vycom booth to learn how to take advantage of Vycom’s PVC Recycling Program, which can benefit their businesses, customers, and the environment. INFO# 494
WARDJET, booth 4728, part of AXYZ, focuses on the WARDJET A-Series, which features the most power per square foot of any machine in its class, and offers a standard 60k pump. The A-Series provides a natural work surface height and easy-to-use MOVE touchscreen controller. Technical specialists are on site to answer your questions. INFO# 495
Zünd, booth 3939, exhibits a full gamut of digital cutting and highperformance routing solutions with the latest in workflow automation. This includes the Robot PortaTable 130, a robotic pick-andplace option consisting of a roller table with a collaborative robot arm mounted on it. The PortaTable does not require fencing and can be quickly and easily moved from one Zünd cutter to another. Creating efficiencies beyond the cut is the goal of all the #LetsTalkWorkflow topics Zünd features in the booth, including the Visualizer projection system, parts labeling, and IoT options. INFO# 495
Register Now
If you are a member of the sign and graphics community, the exhibitors mentioned in this preview as well as a host of others encourage you to attend the ISA International Sign Expo in April. Visit signexpo.org to register today. D
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isplay and point of purchase (POP) graphics utilize every available surface to capture the consumer’s attention. This includes, but isn’t limited to, walls, partitions, windows, ceilings, countertops, and floors. Each offer “wow” factor when paired with the correct media and imagery.
Floor graphics regularly generate glances, as people are constantly looking down at their feet while walking or browsing on their phones. When the COVID-19 pandemic first
started, floor graphics shined, playing an instrumental role in social distancing. While this is no longer as necessary or popular as it once was, floor graphics continue to thrive in advertising and POP scenarios.
Spike in Popularity
The buzz surrounding floor graphics during the initial stages of the pandemic has quieted down. With the over saturation of this application used for social distancing its been challenging to get back to floor graphics’ usage for
promotional purposes. However, it is apparent all of the many advantages remain.
“During the pandemic there was a mad rush to get social distance guidelines out to the masses and the overkill of floor graphics was born. As people begin to come back out, they want to experience more of life pre-pandemic, so the directional floor graphics and the six-foot spacing squares on the floor are being removed,”
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Above) Drytac Polar Street FX is specifically developed for rough ground or wall surfaces such as brick, concrete, or asphalt.
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by Melissa Donovan
explains Ryan Allen, regional technical specialist, Avery Dennison Graphic Solutions.
Nate Goodman, product manager, Mactac, points out that “COVID-19 graphics were more instructional signage than the normal promotional messaging that we are used to. Since these types of messages are no longer used, the design has changed but the purpose remains the same and COVID-19 has even conditioned people to look at the floor more.”
Daniel Farias, technical engineer, Drytac Canada Inc., admits that “it is possible, with the relative
normalization of the pandemic situation, that floor graphics have lost some of the buzz they had during the pandemic, and some companies might have overused it. However, this doesn’t mean floor graphics are no longer a valuable tool for retailers and other businesses. Floor graphics can still play an important role in visual merchandising and in-store marketing, helping to create a more immersive shopping experience and drive customer engagement and sales.”
Roy Ritchie, president, DreamScape, does not believe there’s been an over saturation of floor graphics, but shares just how beneficial
this application can be. “For example, if a brand has a temporary in-store promotion, adding graphics to the floor will enhance their space, help define it, and attract eyeballs. Plus, if the space your POP display or fixtures are located in will have unattractive floors, adding a large floor graphic is an excellent solution to transform that space into a more attractive environment for your promotion and products.”
“Imagine if just five percent of floorspace was utilized for advertising campaigns in grocery stores alone on average that would be 2,100 square feet per store. The
space is there, and just like the checkout lane has suggestive selling products, the same can be said for the floor graphic with a quick response (QR) code and discount or link to recipes or product tips. It adds value to the customer to choose that product,” explains Steve Yarbrough, customer experience manager, Neschen Inc.
To overcome deterrents toward floor graphics, print providers need to think of new ways to successfully sell them, especially in display and POP. “Now is the time to reintroduce floor graphics as a revenue producer. The floor space can be sold to brands
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for advertising space; brands can drive revenue by innovative and inviting graphics that entice consumers to choose their products,” suggests Mike Richardson, business development manager, graphics media, Jessup Manufacturing Company.
“Print providers should do their homework, be intentional with designs, and impress clients with exciting, bright colorful graphics that draw the eye and get the message across. In my opinion, there is always space for floor graphics if they are done correctly. With the right designs and messaging, they continue to be powerful,” says Michael Aldrich, product manager, FDC Graphic Films, Inc.
Angel Georgiou, senior marketing specialist, imaging supplies, Canon Solutions America, believes it’s time to get more creative in how
we use floor graphics. “I think a lot of people forgot how to use the floor—even directional signage and area visibility in a point of sale environment—since there is still a lot of COVID-19 signage that hasn’t been removed. Floor graphics can be attention getters, there are so many more options than just a logo or product advertisement.”
“If you use floor graphics as part of the experience and are intentional with your branding, they provide an excellent addition to any display or POP advertising,” recommends Bill Rothe, EVP clear sales, Better Life Technology.
There will always be demand for effective advertising solutions, and this is something print service providers (PSPs) must convey to their customers. “They need to communicate the many benefits of floor graphics such as it’s an easy and cost-effective way to communicate a message,
they’re versatile and can be used to promote a range of products and services, and they can be placed in locations that are highly visible and accessible to shoppers. PSPs should also focus on providing solutions that are more sustainable, made from eco-friendly materials, and provide more durability. This helps establish their products as a more responsible choice for retailers and businesses,” shares Farias.
Another suggestion, educate on where floor graphics can be used, expanding into outside of stores on sidewalks and even parking lots, shares Micah Causey, VP, FloorSignage, LLC. “Graphics placed in these locations provide initial exposure to customers before they enter a store and are inundated with a plethora of signage and advertising messages inside.”
Trends in Retail
Display and POP signage is predominately seen in retail environments. For floor graphics to remain relevant, it’s important they address certain trends in imagery, dimensional size, messaging, and turnover.
“In recent years, floor graphics in retail environments have become more dynamic and engaging, with an emphasis on bold colors, high-quality imagery, and eye-catching designs. This is due to the growing importance of visual merchandising and in-store marketing, which are seen as key drivers of customer engagement and sales. Retailers and brands use floor graphics to create an immersive shopping experience and to communicate their message in an impactful way,” says Farias.
An example, points out Aldrich, is in grocery stores. “What’s trending in grocery store aisles is graphics indicating a product in that specific aisle is for sale or sponsored by a company. For example, Bud Lite may be advertising a new flavor of beer for the Super Bowl. These can also be used to promote other products in the store to get your attention.”
One way to make the advertisement more immersive—make it larger. “There is also a growing trend towards larger floor graphics, with retailers and brands looking to create impactful visuals that can be seen from a distance. This is especially effective in large, open spaces like malls and airports, where floor graphics are used to create a sense of direction and guide customers to specific areas of the store,” continues Farias.
Rothe says so far in 2023 he’s received inquiries that involve larger size floor graphics. These are included in display quotes and being used as part of the overall experience.
“There are a wide variety of shapes and sizes for graphics because of the custom nature of the application. I would say most common is wayfinding and instructional signage that is medium to small in size,” adds Goodman.
When it comes to messaging, Allen notices directional signage and signage with a call to action are trends from the pandemic that have continued. People still also use QR codes for anything from menus to in-store specials.
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1) FloorSignage AlumiGraphics Grip is designed for exterior walkways like asphalt and concrete.
“There is tremendous opportunity to reimagine helpful advertising space, especially with the postpandemic increase in comfort with using QR codes. Creativity for POP campaigns focused on customer engagement and convenient product or event information can inject life and activity into this marketing space,” agrees Matt Edwards, product manager for digital print media solutions, General Formulations.
Turnover is quick in retail. As such, “we hear that many end users are demanding products that can be easily applied and removed by their staff rather than professional installers,” says Causey.
“Floor graphics in POP and advertising environments are updated or replaced on a regular basis. Retail environments change advertising campaigns and promotional deals frequently, so floor graphics supporting those campaigns need to be updated or replaced to stay relevant and effective,” notes Farias.
POP and advertising environments tend to be short term— less than three months—according to Richardson. “These floor graphics are used for a shopping season, for example back to school. In grocery we see floor graphics in the checkout areas,
these may be brand promotions or invitations to join the retail store’s loyalty points program.”
“The turnover is usually focused on specialty or sale products that are marketed. A constantly turning graphic at a certain location can be very profitable for a converter if it is sold as a bi-weekly or monthly changeout,” advises Allen.
Edwin Ramos, director of sales, ACCO Brands, says “you want it to be noticed, not something that blends in all the time. Changing out graphics to match what’s popular with the season will help promotional efforts.”
Heavy Traffic
Anti-slip floor graphics are important—you can read more about the topic on page 24. But, we could argue that graphics with slip resistance are even more important in high-traffic areas. These include retail as well restaurants or hospitality locations, any place where a floor graphic is used for POP and advertising purposes. To ensure the right media is used for the job, a PSP must conduct due diligence.
“The level of traffic, floor material, and environment play a big part on selecting the right material. A one-step product may be
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suitable based on duration but ink durability should also be considered. Two-step systems utilizing a overlaminate to protect the graphics are much more resilient but cost more. The more you understand about the application and customer’s expectation, the better you recommend the right product to service the need in the most economical manner,” advises Dave Ofstein, quality manager, Nekoosa.
Farias notes it is also important for “print providers to work closely with their clients to
companies mentioned
understand their specific needs and to provide recommendations on materials, testing, and best practices for installation, maintenance, and cleaning to guarantee the safety and longevity of the floor graphics.”
Specific needs, listed by Richardson, might include how long the end customer expects the graphic to be in use. Does the end use customer expect the graphic to look just as bright and clean on day 90 as it did on day one? Will this graphic be placed indoors or outdoors? Will the graphic
encounter oily liquids, water, spilled drink, or a dropped french fry? Do you expect the graphic will need to be cleaned? If so how, mop, pressure washer, or floor scrubber? What kind of traffic will it encounter, foot traffic only or could it encounter cars, forklifts, or dollies?
Traffic is more than just pedestrian-related, it could be turning wheels from shopping carts, rolling luggage, or even floor cleaning equipment, points out Causey. “It is important to note that high levels of traffic will take its toll on the product and wear down its slip-resistant property requiring the customer to monitor the graphics and have them replaced as needed.”
Avoiding an accident because of a floor graphic is paramount. “No one wants a shopper to slip and fall from the result of their floor graphic not being properly tested and certified. Whenever the conversation comes up about floor graphics, print providers need to make sure the product carries a valid certification,” stresses Ritchie.
“The print provider must know the materials and laminates. Choosing a product on preference or price is not the answer when it comes to a POP or hightraffic area floor graphic. Choosing a material because it has the proper certifications and is made for that type of application can be the difference between a lawsuit or a lasting product,” advises Allen.
You can’t use any old substrate. “It might be tempting to use available materials to create floor graphics, but it’s important to use durable floor graphic laminates and base materials to ensure the best possible performance and safety,” says Edwards.
“You might have a great slip rating on a laminate, yet you put it on a cheap or an incorrect print media and it lifts causing a trip hazard, or it simply just gets destroyed. When choosing floor graphics materials, it is essential they are suitable and safe for their intended environment,” recommends Yarbrough.
Even after installation, floor graphics should be checked repeatedly to avoid any accidents. “It is very important that where there is heavy traffic the floor graphic is inspected frequently and has the appropriate slip resistance for the location. The edges could get kicked up over time and it could cause a completely different type of hazard,” notes Goodman.
A Powerful Presence
With the rise of floor graphics during the COVID-19 pandemic this application still packs a punch in the advertising world. There are an array of opportunities available to marketers looking to utilize floor graphics for promotional purposes.
We discuss floor graphics’ powerful presence in display and POP as well as anti-slip certification requirements in our recent webinar, which is available on digitaloutput.net/webinars. D
INFO# COMPANY WEBSITE 121 ACCO Brands accobrands.com 122 Avery Dennison Graphic Solutions graphics.averydennison.com 123 Better Life Technology bltllc.com 124 Canon Solutions America csa.canon.com 125 DreamScape dreamscapewalls.com 126 Drytac drytac.com 127 FDC Graphic Films, Inc. fdcfilms.com 128 FloorSignage, LLC alumigraphics.com 129 General Formulations generalformulations.com 130 Jessup Manufacturing Company jessupmfg.com 131 Mactac mactac.com 132 Nekoosa nekoosa.com 133 Neschen Inc. neschen.de See page 29 for more info.
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2) Nekoosa’s Walk-On Graphics are recommended for use on smooth, clean, flat surfaces.
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loor graphics offer great visual appeal— but behind that pretty picture, safety measures are in constant motion. Print service providers (PSPs) must be active participants when it comes to choosing the right material for the job.
Not only should they be concerned with a graphic’s visual performance but also its ability to avoid hazards. Slip resistance is paramount
for graphics adhered to a floor whether it’s wood, tile, or concrete—indoors or outdoors.
Something as trivial as a spot of cleaning solution on the graphic can result in an injury. “Slip resistance is affected by factors such as floor coatings, fuel residue, grease, water, detergents, contamination, chemical treatments, cleaning, and wear,” says Micah Causey, VP, FloorSignage, LLC.
Testing standards and certifications are in place on national and international levels to ensure floor graphic media is performing with the least amount of risk. These are conducted on the first surface point of the graphic, meaning if it’s a two-step floor graphic system, then the overlaminate is tested and certified for anti-slip. For one step, only the base material is tested.
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Above) Asphalt Art and SideWalk, from Jessup, feature B101.1/ B101.3 certification.
by Melissa Donovan
High Test Marks
Anti-slip or slip-resistant standards are executed by associations tasked with measuring the coefficient of friction (COF) of a surface. COF can be dynamic or static. Newer practices favor dynamic COF (DCOF), as it is cited to be a more real-world illustration of someone walking over the testing surface.
In general terms, “anti-slip is measured when someone is standing/walking over a floor graphic during normal conditions, on level surfaces. DCOF is the global standard used to determine slip resistance. If the DCOF score is
0.42 or greater, the surface is considered high traction, and has high slip resistance. Floor graphics with a low-traction range, below 0.30, present a higher risk of slip incidents,” explains Edwin Ramos, director of sales, ACCO Brands.
In the U.S., common slip-resistance testing standards come from associations including the American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM), American National Standards Institute (ANSI), and Underwriters Laboratories (UL).
ASTM and ANSI
ASTM E303 is a test method that uses a pendulum tester to assess
the DCOF of the surface being tested. The method was revised in 2022 to replicate even further other pendulum test methods in the rest of the world and it is now one of the most widely known and reliable ways to test for pedestrian slip resistance, according to Daniel Farias, technical engineer, Drytac Canada Inc.
“ASTM E303 relies on replicating, in a consistent and accurate way, the DCOF of a heel on floor surfaces, since it has been determined that a person’s heel is the part of the foot that starts slipping first in most floor slip situations. The device involves
a swinging arm, with a rubber slider mounted on the end that sweeps over a surface and slides over it for a determined contact distance. This test can be performed in both dry and wet conditions so is valid for indoor and outdoor situations, and the results obtained are very user friendly to interpret,” continues Farias.
ASTM E303 test results are measured by a single pendulum test value and classified in three different ranges, high slip potential between 0 to 24, moderate slip potential between 25 to 35, and low slip potential for results over 36.
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Ryan Allen, regional technical specialist, Avery Dennison Graphic Solutions, notes that standards such as ASTM E303 are updated annually to include new technology or more precise testing.
An example of this is ANSI A137.1/A326.3. “The newer ANSI A326.3 is practically the same as the ANSI A137.1 but it did not count with the involvement of the National Floor Safety Institute (NFSI)—although there were 61 organizations in the approval of ANSI A326.3,” shares Farias.
The ANSI A137.1/A326.3 method uses a digital tribometer to measure the DCOF of a surface, it can also be measured on dry and wet conditions and specifies a minimum of 0.42 for safety.
Farias argues that beyond the minimum DCOF, other factors need to
be considered such as type of use; traffic; expected contaminants, maintenance, and wear; and manufacturers’ recommendations, but the ANSI A137.1/A326.3 standard gives no guidance on how to consider the mentioned factors.
“Nevertheless, this testing method provides useful comparisons between large areas of a surface or different surfaces as it can perform significantly more tests per hour than the pendulum, but it is recommended that a pendulum tester is used in conjunction with it to assess whether a surface’s slip resistance is suitable for the intended use,” continues Farias.
Roy Ritchie, president, DreamScape, says the two certifications that are critical to floor graphics are the AS HB198:2014 (AS/NZS 4586) pendulum test and ANSI A137.1/A326.3. “AS HB198:2014 (AS/NZS 4586) is utilized around the world and resolves the short comings of older tests.”
UL
UL is accredited in both Canada and the U.S. “It certifies products with the intent to make the world safer for consumers and workers. Along with product safety testing it sets industry standards for companies to follow during the process of innovating new products,” notes Michael Aldrich, product manager, FDC Graphic Films, Inc.
UL410 is the standard developed to test a variety of surfaces and material as slip resistant. “To be considered slip resistant, the material has to achieve a static COF (SCOF) of 0.5 or greater. SCOF is measured using a James Machine by applying weight downward through a leather foot onto the test surface and at the same time, the sample holding table begins moving laterally away from the direction of the weight. The machine records the point at which the shoe slips as the SCOF,” explains Farias.
He says the downside of this test method is that the SCOF measures how slippery a floor may be when the test subject is standing still, failing to represent accurately when someone is actually walking over the sample.
“The UL410 testing method was originally created for wax floor treatments and sealers. SCOF is not a real-world slip hazard environment, and rated product could pose an inadvertent injury risk,” advises Steve Yarbrough, customer experience manager, Neschen Inc.
Mike Richardson, business development manager, graphics media,
Jessup Manufacturing Company, notes that ASTM D2047 uses the same test method and scale as UL410. “It is a dry static test that measures the COF. The dynamic test with a swinging pendulum is a more robust method, like the B101 standard conducted and certified by the NFSI, which is both a wet and dry test.”
“NFSI has become more popular than standard ASTM ratings previously used. You will see the NFSI symbol used from media manufacturers in their sales collateral. Most of these tests are for the U.S. only,” notes Angel Georgiou, senior marketing specialist, imaging supplies, Canon Solutions America.
Other Requirements
While standards like UL410, AS HB198:2014 (AS/NZS 4586), and ANSI A137.1/A326.3 are recognized internationally, certain regions may require a specific variation or European equivalent, shares Matt Edwards, product manager for digital print media solutions, General Formulations.
Regional or European testing equivalents include the U.K.’s BS 7976-2; DIN 51130, DIN 51131, and DIN5097 from Germany; and the Australian AS/NZS 4586:2013, notes Causey.
DIN 51130 is a German ramp test. “It is rated with a value from R9 to R13. The test method uses a cleated boot and oil as a contaminate slip angle of R, which is six to ten degrees equivalent of 0.11 to 0.18 COF for hallways and aisles, R10 is 0.18 to 0.34 COF for transition areas or fast food courts, R11 is
April 2023 | Digital Output digitaloutput.net { 26 } 1
1) Drytac’s Polar Street FX is a PVC-free, aluminum print media that boasts several slip-ratings allowing for slip-resistant floor graphics.
0.34 to 0.51 COF for wet areas like bars, or bathrooms in hospitals or aged care facilities, and ranges to R13 which is 35+ degrees slip, or 0.70+ COF,” explains Yarbrough.
“Even though the mentioned organizations are recognized worldwide, it is important to note that the standards and certifications needed can vary by country or depend on the application, so it is essential to check the specific requirements of your customer especially if supplying products internationally,” advises Farias.
Specific buildings or spaces may have requirements of their own.
In general, “new construction is where the certifications are mostly needed to be approved and used. Commercial space and areas of retail would also request a certification of some type,” shares Allen.
“Certain venues—big amusement parks or municipal governments—have teams that require certain standards. Typically, these organizations will require a wet/ dry dynamic test such as the NFSI B101.1 and/or the more recent version B101.3,” notes Richardson.
Layers on Layers
Floor graphics are available as two options—one- or two-step
processes. One step means the media is designed to not require a separate overlaminate on top of it. Two step includes a base material and a laminate placed over it.
When it comes to the question of whether the media is approved for anti-slip and even anti-scruff certification, the part that must be tested is the layer the traffic comes into contact with.
“Certifications for slip and scuff are for the first surface, the surface that people would come into contact with. Issues pertaining to slip and scuff resistance always qualify on the top layer.
If a material is not laminated, that material would be the one that would need to qualify for the certification,” explains Allen.
“Test methods are used to determine the slip rating of the surface that is being crossed. That could be either the overlaminate or the base media of a printed one-step product where a laminate is not required,” seconds Nate Goodman, product manager, Mactac.
If it is a two-part floor graphic system, however, that doesn’t mean the base should be ignored completely. If an overlaminate is included in the build, then both
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the base and overlaminate are tested together as a single unit, says Farias.
“This is because the slip resistance of the floor graphic is determined by the combination of the base media and the overlaminate. The base media, such as the adhesive vinyl or film, provides the structural support for the graphic, while the overlaminate provides a layer of protection and can enhance the slip resistance of the graphic, as the overlaminate can change the surface texture and friction of the base media,” shares Farias.
companies mentioned
Under Water
As media and ink advances, digitally printed graphics are seen and used everywhere. In response, “anti-slip certifications have changed to include various locations for floor graphics to better understand the elements,” says Ramos.
For example, certain floor graphic materials are compatible for use in pools or water fountains. Additionally, graphics are more apt to get wet depending on the environment, say it’s outside and it might be rained on.
“This is a very important distinction. Will your floor or ground graphic possibly get wet? If yes, a wet slip rating is required. One such rating is the NFSI B101.1 or the B101.3 test. This is a dynamic test that uses a swinging pendulum and in the case of the B101.1 test, distilled water is used. For the B101.3 test, soapy water is used. Both tests have two parts, one lab-controlled part and a second half which is a three month in situation and tested again at the end of the three month time frame,” explains Richardson.
Different tests and certifications are in place for water locations. “Separate testing would be needed to determine if a certain product would be deemed safe for a location that is subjected to standing water,” says Allen. Some of the tests aforementioned don’t include water. For example, standing water is not an application method covered by the UL410 test.
“If an area is routinely exposed to water, then a more stringent testing method is necessary. There are ANSI A137.1/A326.3 methods that may be more appropriate,” suggests Dave Ofstein, quality manager, Nekoosa.
Just because the material in question scores high on dry slip resistance, doesn’t mean the material will perform well in wet circumstances. “It is imperative to consider the expected conditions of use of the slip resistance surface at the time of determining against which standard the surface should
be tested. If the floor is likely to get wet at some point, then an wet DCOF should be measured by any of the standards capable of doing so,” recommends Farias.
“The testing definitely changes when moving from dry to wet as you significantly change the amount of possible friction on the material surface. Immediately any smooth floor laminate is eliminated and even some textured films perform poorly. If you install floor graphics in a location prone to regular moisture, you either want to forego floor graphics or look for a non-skid material instead,” suggests Edwards.
Beyond slip-resistance testing, Farias points out “it is also worth noting that the materials used in floor graphics that will be subjected to water exposure should be waterproof or water resistant to prevent the graphics from dissolving or peeling off. In addition, regular cleaning and maintenance should be done to the floor graphic to help retain its slip-resistance performance over time.”
“If you know a graphic is going to be in a wet environment, you want to make sure you have a higher rating and it is approved for such location. You don’t want your graphic to be a slip and slide, and you don’t want it lifting causing a trip hazard. The surface should be clean and dry and free of any contaminants prior to installation. Products must adhere well to the floor surface for the desired duration of the project without curling at the edges and have a non-slip surface to prevent accidents,” adheres Yarbrough.
INFO# COMPANY WEBSITE 106 ACCO Brands accobrands.com 107 Avery Dennison Graphic Solutions graphics.averydennison.com 108 Better Life Technology bltllc.com 109 Canon Solutions America csa.canon.com 110 DreamScape dreamscapewalls.com 111 Drytac drytac.com 112 FDC Graphic Films, Inc. fdcfilms.com 113 FloorSignage, LLC alumigraphics.com 114 General Formulations generalformulations.com 115 Jessup Manufacturing Company jessupmfg.com 116 Mactac mactac.com 117 Nekoosa nekoosa.com 118 Neschen Inc. neschen.de See next page for more info. April 2023 | Digital Output digitaloutput.net { 28 } 2
2) ACCO Brands’ SEAL Floor Guard offers a durable, scuff- and slip-resistant surface for foot traffic safety.
Seasons of Change
Anti-slip certifications change over time in response to new materials being introduced as well as other advancements.
“Improvements primarily focus on increasing the accuracy and consistency of slip resistance testing and incorporating new test methods to better simulate real-world conditions, also giving priority to testing slip resistance when surfaces are wet, and testing the DCOF instead of the static one, as well as covering a range of flooring types,” explains Farias.
Look at testing methods B101.1/ B101.3 from NFSI. “Both methods use a digital tribometer to measure COF, static coefficient in the case of the B101.1 standard, and dynamic coefficient based on the B101.3 standard, however in January 2020 the NFSI announced that its ANSI accreditation to develop floor safety standards had been terminated and this termination effectively outdated these two methods,” explains Farias.
Goodman provides another example with ASTM C1028, a test method that became obsolete because it produced misleading results. It is because of this and other scenarios that Goodman sees the possibility of a test method being mandated by OSHA in the future to eliminate confusion.
“Many products utilized are not properly certified—especially with respect to slip resistance. In fact, most products rely on ancient test methods that can’t determine the slipperiness of a surface,” cautions Ritchie.
Anti-slip certifications continue to evolve, with slip resistance standards changing as awareness of slip-and-fall accidents grows, according to Farias. Another area that impacts slip resistance is the popularity of sustainable materials and flooring. “Certifications and testing methods for slip resistance will probably consider the environmental impact of the materials, as well as their performance.”
“UL-certified laminates have been around for a while. With COVID-19 restrictions there were lots of new technologies in antislip films and options to choose from, some UL-approved. There is always room for improvement, and I would say we will see more and better options in the future for multiple floor surface applications,” shares Aldrich.
This is especially true in the U.S. “The testing in the U.S. has improved however it is not yet as demanding or as thorough as standards in Australia and Europe. Because of this there are many products being sold in the U.S. for floor graphics that would not pass in other countries,” shares Causey.
“In the last few years Americans have adopted the European standards for a more universal approach,” adds Bill Rothe, EVP clear sales, Better Life Technology.
That being said, Georgiou believes more materials are tested because the product choices are increasing. This is especially ideal for onestep floor graphic systems because it’s “easier for more PSPs to participate in confidently offering that application to their clients.”
In the Know
The various testing methods for anti-slip requirements on floor graphic material are vast and constantly changing, which is why print providers need to remain aware of the importance of COF when choosing floor graphic media, however this is not the only critical factor. “They need to know type of use—outdoor/ indoor, concrete/ title/carpet; traffic level; expected contaminants, maintenance, and wear; and manufacturers’ guidelines and recommendations,” suggests Ramos.
fic level; expecthow this applicachase space, visit
To learn more about anti-slip certifications and testing, new floor graphic substrates, and how this application is fairing in the display and point of purchase space, visit digitaloutput. net/webinars and tune in to our latest webinar. D
INFO# ADVERTISER PAGE WEBSITE 24 Alpina Manufacturing, LLC 23 fastchangeframes.com 23 Alpina Manufacturing, LLC 23 bannergrip.com 1 AP Lazer 7 aplazer.com 25 Banner Ups by Budnick 23 bannerups.com 2 Better Life Technology 25 bltllc.com/gfg 29 Delivery Signs 23 yardsignsresellers.com 3 Digitech USA 9 digitechusa.com 4 FDC Graphic Films, Inc. 21 fdcfilms.com/3400 18 FDC Graphic Films, Inc. 31 fdcfilms.com 19 FLEXcon 30 flexcon.com 20 FloorSignage, LLC 31 floorsignage.com 5 INX International Ink Co. 11 triangleinx.com 6 Jessup Mfg. Co. 19 jessupmfg.com 7 Lintec of America, Inc. 17 digitalwindowgraphics.com 8 Mutoh America, Inc. 35 mutoh.com 9 New Force Magnetics Co. 13 newforcemagnetics.com 21 New Force Magnetics Co. 30 newforcemagnetics.com 22 Newlife Magnetics, LLC 31 newlifemagnetics.com 10 Newlife Magnetics, LLC 33 newlifemagnetics.com 27 Panel Processing 23 panel.com 11 PRESTOTEX 27 prestotex.com 12 Signs365 36 signs365.com 13 swissQprint 13 swissqprint.com 14 TEKRA LLC 33 tekra.com 15 Trotec Laser, Inc. 15 troteclaser.com 16 Ultraflex Systems, Inc. 17 ultraflexx.com 28 Vision Engraving & Routing Systems 23 visionengravers.com 17 Zund America, Inc. 2 zund.com INFO# COMPANY PAGE 121 ACCO Brands 18 106 ACCO Brands 24 445 AFFORD 16 122 Avery Dennison Graphic Solutions 18 107 Avery Dennison Graphic Solutions 24 123 Better Life Technology 18 108 Better Life Technology 24 450 Caldera 14 124 Canon Solutions America 18 109 Canon Solutions America 24 125 DreamScape 18 110 DreamScape 24 126 Drytac 18 111 Drytac 24 127 FDC Graphic Films, Inc. 18 112 FDC Graphic Films, Inc. 24 440 Fedrigoni Self-Adhesives 32 128 FloorSignage, LLC 18 113 FloorSignage, LLC 24 129 General Formulations 18 114 General Formulations 24 441 General Formulations 32 451 Graphic Finishing Partners, LLC 14 452 HP Inc. 14 130 Jessup Manufacturing Company 18 115 Jessup Manufacturing Company 24 131 Mactac 18 116 Mactac 24 442 Mactac 32 446 Marabu North America 16 132 Nekoosa 18 117 Nekoosa 24 133 Neschen Inc. 18 118 Neschen Inc. 24 453 Summa 14 454 Trotec Laser Inc. 14 digitaloutput.net April 2023 | Digital Output { 29 }
April 2023 | Digital Output digitaloutput.net { 30 } APPLICATIONS INFO# Company Website 225 3A Composites USA 3acompositesusa.com/display ✓ ✓ ✓ 226 3M Commercial Solutions 3m.com/graphics ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 227 Adams Magnetic Products adamsmagnetic.com ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 228 Ahlstrom ahlstrom.com ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 229 All Weather Products LLC awsubstrates.com ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 230 AllSquare Digital Solutions allsquare.com ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 231 American PERMALIGHT, Inc. americanpermalight.com ✓ ✓ 232 ASLAN Selbstklebefolien GmbH aslanvinyls.com ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 233 Avery Dennison Graphics Solutions graphics.averydennison.com ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 234 Avery Dennison Label and Packaging label.averydennison.com ✓ ✓ 235 Be er Life Technology bltllc.com ✓ 236 Big Systems LLC bigsys.com ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 237 Bre Martin bre martin.com ✓ ✓ ✓ 238 Bruin Plastics Company bruinplastics.com ✓ ✓ 239 Calsak Plastics, Inc. calsakplastics.com ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 240 Canon Solutions America csa.canon.com ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 241 Canon USA, Inc. usa.canon.com ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 242 Canson Infinity canson-infinity.com ✓ 243 Clampi Paper clampi .com ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 244 CLI Group (The) thecligroup.com ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 245 Condé Systems, Inc. conde.com ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 246 Continental Grafix USA, Inc. cgxusa.com ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 247 Coroplast, an Inteplast Company coroplast.com ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 248 Crusader Paper Company crusaderpaper.com ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 249 Curbell Plastics, Inc. curbellplastics.com ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 250 DAF Products dafgraphicmedia.com ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 251 Dazian LLC dazian.com ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 252 DGS-Digital Graphic Systems, Inc. dgs-usa.com ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 253 DigiFab Systems Inc digifab.com ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 254 DP Media Solutions, Inc dpmedia.com ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 255 DreamScape dreamscapewalls.com ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 256 Drytac drytac.com ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 257 DS Smith Plastics dssmith.com ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 258 DUNMORE dunmore.com ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 259 DuPont Tyvek graphics.dupont.com ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 260 Eastsign International eastsign.com ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 261 Endutex endutex.pt ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 262 Energy Products Distribution epdwindowfilm.com ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 263 Epson America proimaging.epson.com ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 264 FDC Graphic Films, Inc. fdcfilms.com ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 265 Fedrigoni Self-Adhesives selfadhesives.fedrigoni.com ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 266 FELLERS fellers.com ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 267 Fisher Textiles fishertextiles.com ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 268 Flech Paper Products flech.com ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 269 FLEXcon Company, Inc. flexcon.com ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 270 Flexmag Industries flexmag.com ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 271 FloorSignage, LLC floorsignage.com ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 272 Folex AG folex.com ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 273 Fredrix Print Canvas/Ecker Textiles eckertex.com ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 274 GBC SEAL gbc.com ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 275 General Formulations generalformulations.com ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 276 Gilman Brothers Company (The) gilmanbrothers.com ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 277 Global Graphic Resources ggrmedia.com ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 278 Global Imaging globalimaginginc.com ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 279 GPA gpa-innovates.com ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 280 Grafityp Selfadhesive Products grafityp.com ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 281 Graphic Marking Systems shopgms.com ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 282 Gri Decorative Film thegri network.com ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 283 Grimco grimco.com ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 284 GSG gogsg.com ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 285 Hahnemühle hahnemuehle.com ✓ Apparel Backlit Banners Billboards Building Wraps Décor Fine Art Floor Graphics Labels Magnets Packaging POP Displays Proofing Trade Show Displays Vehicle Wraps Wallcoverings Window Graphics #19 #21
digitaloutput.net April 2023 | Digital Output { 31 } APPLICATIONS INFO# Company Website 286 Heat Transfer Warehouse heatransferwarehouse.com ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 287 Hexacomb, a PCA Co. packagingcorp.com/falconboard ✓ ✓ ✓ 288 HP hplfmedia.com ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 289 Innova Art Ltd. innovaart.com ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 290 Innovia Films Ltd innoviafilms.com ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 291 Inteplast Group inteplast.us ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 292 Jacquard Inkjet Fabric Systems inkjetfabrics.com ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 293 Jessup Manufacturing Co. jessupmfg.com ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 294 JetComp Films jetcompfilms.com ✓ ✓ ✓ 295 KAPCO Graphic Products kapco.com ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 296 Kernow North America kernowna.com ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 297 Kodak kodakwfmedia.com ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 298 Kommerling USA, Inc. kommerlingusa.com ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 299 Laminators Incorporated laminatorsinc.com ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 300 Lamitech lamitech.com ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 301 LexJet lexjet.com ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 302 Lintec of America digitalwindowgraphics.com ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 303 Mac Papers and Packaging macpapers.com ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 304 Mactac mactac.com ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 305 MAGHOLD LLC maghold.com ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 306 Magnum Magnetics magnummagnetics.com ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 307 Master Magnetics, Inc. magnetsource.com ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 308 Mitsubishi/ALPOLIC Materials alpolic-americas.com ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 309 Moab, by Legion Paper moabpaper.com ✓ 310 Monadnock Paper Mills, Inc. mpm.com ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 311 Mosaica Group (The), LLC printmosaica.com ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 312 Nazdar SourceOne sourceone.nazdar.com ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 313 Neenah neenahpaper.com/wideformat ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 314 Nekoosa nekoosa.com ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 315 New Force Magnetics newforcemagnetics.com ✓ ✓ 316 Newlife Magnetics LLC newlifemagnetics.com ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 317 NuSign Supply nusignsupply.com ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 318 Palram Americas palram.com ✓ ✓ ✓ 319 Panel Processing Inc. panel.com ✓ ✓ ✓ 320 PHOTO TEX GROUP INC. phototexgroup.com ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 321 Piedmont Plastics piedmontplastics.com ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 322 Plaskolite, Inc. plaskolite.com ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 323 PONGS Group GmbH & Co.KG pongs.com ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 324 PPG TESLIN teslin.com ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 325 PRESTOTEX prestotex.com ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 326 Quality Media & Laminating Solutions, Inc. qmls.com ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 327 Recognition Systems/Dot Works dotworks.com ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 328 Red River Paper redrivercatalog.com ✓ ✓ ✓ 329 S-One Labels & Packaging sonelp.com ✓ ✓ 330 Saint Clair Textiles saintclairtextiles.com ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 331 SENFA senfa-coating.com ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 332 Sign Technology Products LLC stpgraphics.com ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 333 SIGNWarehouse, Inc signwarehouse.com ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 334 Simple Walls simplewalls.com ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 335 SPACETAILOR spacetailor.net ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 336 Supply55, Inc. supply55.com ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 337 Tekra tekra.com ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 338 TVF tvfinc.com ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 339 Ultraflex Systems, Inc. ultraflexx.com ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 340 Valloy Incorporation valloy.com ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 341 Veritiv veritivcorp.com ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 342 Verseidag / Serge Ferrari sergeferrari.com/us ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 343 Vescom Digital Wallcovering vescomdecor.com ✓ ✓ 344 Vycom vycomplastics.com ✓ ✓ 345 Xanita xanita.com ✓ ✓ 346 Xcel Products, Inc xcelproducts.com ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Apparel Backlit Banners Billboards Building Wraps Décor Fine Art Floor Graphics Labels Magnets Packaging POP Displays Proofing Trade Show Displays Vehicle Wraps Wallcoverings Window Graphics #20 #22 #18
ased on a report from Acumen Research and Consulting published in December 2022, in North America alone, the automotive wrap films market share was more than 35.8 percent in 2021. “This expansion is primarily the result of the presence of major automakers in the region. Color-changing advanced technologies and an increase in
by Digital Output Staff
research and development expenses by major influencers contribute to the expansion of the region’s automotive wrap films market,” states the report.
The study, Automative Wrap Films Market and Region Forecast, 2022 - 2030, also notes that the global automotive wrap films market revenue was worth USD
4,689 million in 2021. It forecasts the automotive wrap films market will be worth USD 28,344 million in 2030. That means a compound annual growth rate of 22.4 percent from 2022 to 2030.
Below) Fedrigoni Self-Adhesives Ri-Jet C50 Ultimate Slide & Tack is ideal for wrapping cars and vehicle fleets, thanks to its adaptability on irregular surfaces, such as bumpers, mirrors, and van corrugations.
To match demand, there must be material—whether that be color change films or substrates optimized for digital print. Unfortunately, the raw materials that make up the media—PVC, plasticizers, pigments, fillers, processing aids, and certain additives—are experiencing supply chain delays, which lead to pricing volatility.
Delays and cost obviously impact print service providers (PSPs) from doing their jobs. So how is it being remedied? New products that may not include certain components, older products revamped, and the use of material not specifically designed for the job at hand.
Committed Vendors
Supply chain challenges aren’t disappearing anytime soon. New product roll outs for media intended for vehicle wraps are influenced in a number of ways, however that hasn’t deterred vendors from continuing to advance the industry.
“The challenges over the last few years allow both customers and suppliers the chance to get creative in manufacturing and raw materials used but this comes with delays in the release of new products. Many manufacturers are also consolidating products. With that said, Mactac is launching new colors and print medias for wraps in 2023 as we continue to create high demand, innovative products,” notes Amanda Smith marketing communications manager, Mactac.
Matt Edwards, product manager for digital print media solutions, General Formulations, says new product roll outs are more than “responding to specific raw
material delays or competition’s product shortages” and instead a “constant area of growth and improvement as part of a corporate direction to meet market demands and continue our own product and solution innovation.”
“That said, hearing of the outages and backorders puts pressure on us to fill orders faster and keep our house clean in terms of inventory and supply chain, and it puts pressure to provide new and different options. But with all of this, we need to stay focused on providing products that work consistently with the highest quality,” continues Edwards.
Fedrigoni Self-Adhesives is new to the vehicle wrap market, so it has a different spin on the current state of affairs. According to Melissa Harton, marketing manager, North America, Fedrigoni SelfAdhesives, the company began servicing the European market in December 2022 and at press time had not been impacted by supply chain disruptions.
“Currently, Fedrigoni Self-Adhesives’ cast vinyl for the vehicle wraps market are made with components that are readily available in Europe. At this time, Fedrigoni Self-Adhesives does not foresee major supply challenges for its materials and is eager to begin offering vehicle graphics to the North American market in 2023,” she continues.
Construction Focus
In response, new products are introduced that don’t require some of the raw materials that may be effected by the supply chain. Or even
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older products are re-introduced without the more challenging-toobtain components.
An example of an older product being revamped in response to the supply chain challenges—albeit not for vehicle wraps—is Mactac’s high-performance permanent wallNOODLE. The company announced the modification—a new, heavier liner—of the multi-print wall mural product in November 2022. According to Mactac, the new 90# stay flat polyethylenecoated kraft liner ensures customers more consistent and uninterrupted product availability.
“At Mactac we work with raw material suppliers of key components to come up with new products that meet our needs as well as bringing on other sources for the same material as a backup. This allows us to have a steady flow of
materials needed to continue consistent production,” explains Smith.
Edwards cautions that “wrap films in general are precise chemistries that are not open to substitutions with ingredients, so formulations need to take into account the longterm availability of the components as well as a robust supply chain throughout. This contract negotiation process is not unlike how any ongoing business might operate to ensure consistency and quality.”
General Formulations continues to roll out new product. In August 2022 it announced GF 830 AutoMark Cast with DRIFT Technology. This premium, full-body gloss white wrap film is designed to meet the long-term demands of full or partial vehicle wraps as well as many other graphic applications. The DRIFT Technology and adhesive combination offer the right amount of adhesive tack and Micro Air Egress channels that make application quick, easy, and bubble free.
Getting By
In the face of adversity, print providers continue to prove their creativity. With supply chain issues, many are forced to rely on dated material or even material not specially designed for vehicle wraps to get the job completed.
Harton provides one example. “In the European market, we have seen printers/installers utilizing polymeric calendared films as opposed to cast vinyl for their total or partial wraps due to material cost savings. When using polymeric film in place of cast vinyl, installers often need to cut the film in complex areas such as vehicle recesses. Polymeric films are typically used for shortterm applications.”
“There is a somewhat natural tendency to make do with what we have on hand, hope for the best, and fix our mistakes if or when they become problems. If the exact solution you want is not available, you can check first for adjacent materials from other suppliers or similar materials, but always keep in mind the intended use and manufacturer’s recommendations for applications,” recommends Edwards.
Smith says in her experience, it is more about print providers stocking up on materials when they can to ensure they have the material they need when they need it. “Now the question is whether it is the right media for that specific application. That can be a risk the PSP may not want to take.”
Easing Up
It’s been difficult to forecast the ups and downs of the supply chain. Seemingly, anything that can
happen has happened, but then again—should we be surprised when something else comes out of left field? The vendors interviewed for this article admit the situation is fluid.
“In most areas we’re already seeing the challenges improve; lead times have gotten shorter and materials are more readily available, but it changes every day,” explains Edwards.
“We believe the supply chain restraints will start to lighten in 2023 but nothing is certain,” adds Smith.
New Normal
Sourcing media used in vehicle wraps isn’t as easy as it was once was, and with the supply chain challenges not going away anytime soon, how PSPs navigate this odd time is up to them.
Product rollouts are influenced, either by being delayed or in the better scenario, the new product is designed without the raw materials that may cause delays. Older products are revamped to ensure consistent availability.
Also, PSPs—so many already trained to do more with less—rely on dated material or material not specifically used for vehicle wraps to get by. While this isn’t explicitly recommended for a host of reasons, it is a good stop gap to leverage inventoried media to its fullest until supply chain issues ease up.
Despite the challenges, vendors supplying vehicle graphic media continue to address demand by introducing new products as best they can. D
companies mentioned INFO# COMPANY WEBSITE 440 Fedrigoni Self-Adhesives selfadhesives.fedrigoni.com 441 General Formulations generalformulations.com 442 Mactac mactac.com See page 29 for more info.
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1) Wrapped by SD-based Cutting Edge using GF 830 AutoMark Cast with DRIFT Technology and complemented by F 840 AutoMark Matte Clear UV Cast Laminate.
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— Pedro J. Martinez, CEO, AFFORD
