Read all about it – calendered vinyl: what are its perks and its downsides?

Calendered vinyl rolls in storage
Calendered vinyl rolls in storage

Calendered films have long reigned supreme in the world of signage and graphics.

They are preferred for an array of vinyl application jobs required by the contemporary signage industry. The way in which this type of vinyl is made differs from that of its counterpart, cast vinyl.

Calendered vinyl is created when a molten mixture is ejected through a die, and is then put onto a series of calendering rolls. This makes it thicker than its aforementioned competitor.

Calendered film consists of two types: monomeric and polymeric vinyl. Monomeric vinyl usually lasts between three months and four years and is perfect for short-term outdoor signage and long-term indoor signage. On the other hand, polymeric vinyl works excellently for vehicle graphics, i.e. partial wraps, and long-term outdoor graphics. Polymeric film usually has an outdoor durability of five to seven years.

“Polymeric vinyl uses better UV stabilisers and plasticisers than monomeric vinyl. That’s why it lasts longer,” says our senior external sales representative, Andrew Cromberge.

Monomeric vinyl in particular is not dimensionally stable and will always maintain its memory. This means that no matter how well you stretch it, it will always return to its original state.

However, modern calendered films, predominantly polymeric films, are thinner, glossier and have less shrinkage and more conformability than calendered films of the past. Due to the thickness of these films, they are said to be easier to handle and perform well on flat and moderate curves and slight indentations. However, they still have limitations similar to those of monomeric films.

Calendered films are known as the affordable films available for purchase. Although this is an important perk, there are others as well. Just one other benefit is in the films’ makeup. The way in which the films are formulated increases their resistance to tearing or abrasions.

Calendered films are a great choice for applications that do not require the film to conform around complex contours. Therefore, further uses for calendered films include applications such as window graphics, wall murals, floor graphics and point-of-purchase displays. It is usually not recommended to use this type of vinyl for full wraps, however, Sytech’s got you covered.

According to our sales manager, Trevor Govender, one of the many brands that we stock has come up with a seven-year air release calendered vinyl that can be used for vehicle wrapping.

If you’re looking for quality and affordability, we’ve got a range of products specially crafted to handle the adversities of the signage business and the external environment too.

Sytech stocks a great selection of vinyl suitable for both short-term and long-term use. To view the product mentioned above and many others available as part of our selection, simply click here: https://www.sytech.co.za/media/vinyl-rigid-substrates/

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