Large Imaging » Substrates

Introducing the Newest Addition to 3M™ Scotchprint® Wrap Film Series 1080: Brushed Black Metallic

Press Release — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 02:06:09 +0000

ST. PAUL, Minn. – (January 5, 2012) – 3M Commercial Graphics announces the introduction of a stunning new color/finish combination to its 3M™ Scotchprint® Wrap Film Series 1080 – Brushed Black Metallic. The unique film color was selected in the recent Wrap Battle: 1080 contest, which asked fans of the product to vote for their favorite new color and finish on Facebook. More than 500 fans of 3M Commercial Graphics cast their votes, with Brushed Black Metallic emerging as the clear winner among the nine contenders.

“The Brushed Black Metallic film creates a very tough, aggressive look that really pops in the light,” said Shareef Khan, CEO of SS Customs, a leading custom wrap shop based in Redwood City, Calif. “I’ve used metalized films from other companies in the past, and they don’t have anywhere near as much flexibility or stretchability as Scotchprint Wrap Film Series 1080. We really appreciate the research and development that 3M puts into their films. You can see in the way that it performs, the way it adheres, and the way the air releases that 3M utilizes the most advanced technology.”

With this new addition, Scotchprint Wrap Film Series 1080 now has 34 head-turning films in carbon fiber, brushed metal, matte and high gloss. As fans of the product know, film series 1080 makes a distinctive statement, providing industry-leading features and benefits that allow users to get the look just right, each and every time.

The long-term, removable cast films offer the same great installation features found on 3M™ Controltac™ Graphic Films with Comply™ Adhesive. The product’s pressure-activated adhesive allows it to slide and be repositioned until firm pressure is applied, with non-visible air release channels that assure fast, easy, and virtually bubble-free installations. Its 60 inch width means that users can wrap almost any section of a vehicle without seams, and the film remains removable for up to three years, making it easy to change looks. The film is also backed by the industry leading 3M™ MCS™ Warranty.

For more information, visit 3M.com/graphics.

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3M, Scotchprint, Controltac, Comply and MCS are trademarks or registered trademarks of 3M Company.

About 3M Commercial Graphics

3M Commercial Graphics help customers worldwide build brands by providing total large-format graphics and light management solutions. 3M manufactures or certifies lighting solutions‚ graphic films and graphic protection‚ flexible substrates‚ as well as inks and toners used to create large-format finished graphics that are consistent‚ reliable and durable. Learn more about 3M graphics products and programs by calling 1-800-328-3908‚ visiting www.3Mgraphics.com‚ following us @3MGraphics on Twitter or at facebook.com/3Mgraphics.

About 3M

3M captures the spark of new ideas and transforms them into thousands of ingenious products. Our culture of creative collaboration inspires a never-ending stream of powerful technologies that make life better. 3M is the innovation company that never stops inventing. With $27 billion in sales, 3M employs about 80,000 people worldwide and has operations in more than 65 countries. For more information, visit www.3M.com or follow @3MNews on Twitter.

3M Introduces an Economy Line of Inkjet Films

Press Release — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 02:25:16 +0000

St. Paul, MINN. – (November 29, 2011) – 3M Commercial Graphics announces its most budget-friendly addition to its product line—3M™ Scotchcal™ Graphic Film Series IJ10 and Series IJ11. Dynamic enough for inkjet printing with UV, solvent, eco solvent and latex inks, Scotchcal graphic film series IJ10 and series IJ11 provide users with an economy solution.

The films come in 50-meter (164 foot) rolls offering users an extra 63 square feet as compared to typical 50-yard rolls. Perfect for permanent adhesive applications such as interior and exterior signage, decals and P.O.P. graphics, film series IJ10 and series IJ11 are 3.1-mil vinyl products with a clear (film IJ10) or gray-colored (film IJ11) permanent, pressure-sensitive adhesive. Available in gloss and matte finishes, the films have a heavier liner than most comparable competitor products to help the material resist buckling – even through the rigors of digital latex printing. For added versatility, film IJ10-114 is a clear product that can be used as both a digitally printable clear film and an overlaminate.

“Customers have come to know us for premium products, but we also understand their need for basic, low-cost solutions,” said Adam Larson, marketing supervisor, 3M Commercial Graphics. “Now, in addition to our premium and intermediate products, film series IJ10 and series IJ11 round out 3M’s offerings with options for even the most frugal needs. So whether customers want all the bells and whistles, or just the basics, 3M has the solution.”

Learn more about the complete range of 3M graphics solutions at www.3Mgraphics.com <http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3M/en_US/Graphics/Scotchprint> .

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About 3M Commercial Graphics

3M Commercial Graphics help customers worldwide build brands by providing total large-format graphics and light management solutions. 3M manufactures or certifies lighting solutions, graphic films and graphic protection, flexible substrates, as well as inks and toners used to create large-format finished graphics that are consistent, reliable and durable. Learn more about 3M graphics products and programs by calling 1-800-328-3908, visiting 3M Graphics, following us @3MGraphics on Twitter or at facebook.com/3Mgraphics.

About 3M

3M and Scotchcal are trademarks of 3M Company.

Ultraflex Launches Pole Banner Pro 18oz

Press Release — Sat, 12 Nov 2011 17:59:30 +0000

Ultraflex Systems, your exceptional supplier of quality print media from 30” to 198” for UV, Solvent, Latex, Screen and Dye-Sublimation inks, has launched new Pole Banner Pro 18 oz. This heavy-duty blockout banner material may be used for indoor and outdoor applications. Its uniquely woven 1000 x 1000 scrim provides strength and stability under harsh weather conditions. Pole Banner Pro 18oz is designed for two sided applications such as pole banners, aisle and event signage and various in and outdoor hanging banners. Both sides have a matte finish and are compatible with eco solvent, solvent, solvent and UV inks as well as screen printing processes. This product is fire-rated and is available in widths ranging from 38” to 196”.

For more information or to request a sample, please contact Ultraflex (973) 664-6724, visit www.ultrafleXX.com.

Screen Truepress Jet2500UV Honored for Best See-Through Display

Press Release — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 16:45:51 +0000

ROLLING MEADOWS,Ill. — The Screen Truepress Jet2500UV delivers the kind of superlative image quality that makes true believers out of print buyers and contest judges alike. The printing system now has been recognized for achievement in see-through graphics.

A retail display printed by the Truepress Jet2500UV on non-perforated transparent film won an award sponsored by Contra Vision Ltd. The display, produced for Wacoal Corp., was singled out in the Contra Vision 3rd International Wrap Artists™ Competition in the “Best Interior Design” category. Contra Vision — the founder of the see-through graphics business, selling engineered substrates and licensing its technology to others — honors the best one-way vision wraps and other see-through graphics placed on buildings, vehicles, retail outlets and interior glass partitions.

Through a collaborative agreement between Screen and Contra Vision, the Truepress Jet2500UV is the first printer in the world capable of automatically generating see-through graphics. This new method automates the processing of output data utilized by the Truepress Jet2500UV to achieve high-quality see-through effects on standard transparent media without having to print on perforated window film.

Typically, see-through graphics have relied on perforated film for use as an advertising medium on the exterior windows of retail shops and glass surfaces of public transportation. The perforated film allows the glass surface to retain one-way transparency. However, problems with the strength and durability of perforated film have arisen, as has decreased transparency due to dirt and rain. Automatically creating see-through graphics without specialized media overcomes these problems.

Screen worked with Contra Vision to combine Contra Vision’s see-through graphics-related technology with the multi-layer printing function that is a standard feature of the Truepress Jet2500UV. Able to print up to seven image layers at the same time, the Truepress Jet2500UV is the only printing system that can support Contra Vision’s 10 types of see-through graphic patterns.

The Wrap Artists awards presentation took place at an evening ceremony on October 19, 2011, inNew Orleans. Screen (USA) is demonstrating the Truepress Jet2500UV at SGIA Expo 2011 in booth #2511, October 19-21 at theErnestN.MorialConvention CenterinNew Orleans.

About Screen (USA)

Screen (USA), a wholly owned subsidiary of Kyoto, Japan-based Dainippon Screen Manufacturing Co., Ltd., is a leading supplier of systems and components for the graphic arts industry. Its diverse line of integrated products includes CTP recorders, automated workflow solutions and digital printing systems. Digital printing applications include print on demand, variable data, industrial and sign/display printing. For more information, please visit Screen’s website at www.screenusa.com. All trademarks and registered trademarks used herein are property of their respective owners.

About Contra Vision Ltd (UK)

Contra Vision Ltd (UK) has created 26 inventions that are patented or patent-pending in the field of see-through graphics, which it initiated in 1985 and has since led the field with continued innovation. It sells “engineered substrates,” such as perforated materials, which it also licenses to some 20 other companies, from multi-nationals in the United States to specialist manufacturers in China. It also licenses non-perforated technologies, including the Overlap Registration System™, which is supported by several “patent families” for which Dainippon Screen has a special license for its seven-layer function capable of printing every configuration of see-through graphics. This technology is licensed to printing companies worldwide to make see-through graphics for advertisements, branding, signs, décor and other markets via its website http://www.contravision.com/licences.html.

ILFORD Launches Environmentally-Friendly Commercial Media Range

Press Release — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 14:59:25 +0000

AVON, Conn. & MARLY, Switzerland — (BUSINESS WIRE) – ILFORD (http://www.ilford.com), a leading developer and manufacturer of professional quality media for both inkjet printing and color photographic processes, today unveiled its new BioMedia and Photo Realistic ranges that offer print-for-pay businesses an environmentally-friendly alternative to standard commercial print materials. With growing pressure on businesses to adopt environmentally sustainable policies and processes, ILFORD has continued to embrace its responsibility to sustainable product innovation.

ILFORD BioMedia

ILFORD BioMedia provides a complete, biodegradable solution to replace coated vinyl or polyester media displays and traditional mounting boards. As an eco-friendly replacement for these existing but ever-lasting commercial products, BioMedia meets the most demanding expectations for quality and performance while maximizing environmental benefit. The new range, which includes Display Film, Display Film UV, Rigid Display Board and Laminate, employs an enzyme to accelerate the biodegradation process to completely breakdown the products under anaerobic landfill conditions, saving valuable landfill capacity. BioMedia was recognized as a 2011 SGIA Product of the Year in the Media – Vinyl category.

ILFORD OMNIJET Photo Realistic

Expanding the ILFORD OMNIJET commercial inkjet media range, the recyclable Photo Realistic line been certified as responsibly sourced in compliance with the requirements of theForest Stewardship Council® (FSC® C107238). The wide format media includes gloss and satin finishes, and offers excellent performance with aqueous dye and pigment inks, as well as UV cured, HP latex and electrostatic printers. Longer length rolls of 131ft (235 gsm) and 164ft (175 gsm), along with high opacity and stiffness figures, ensure improved productivity with a high quality look-and-feel, ideal for printing posters, exhibition panels and graphic displays.

Both ranges have certification from HP for use with their latex printers. For more information or to order the latest ILFORD commercial offerings, commercial printers can contact their distributors or visit: www.ilford.com

About ILFORD

Founded in 1879, ILFORD is a leading developer and manufacturer of photo quality media and consumables for both inkjet printing and color photographic processes. ILFORD continues to be associated with cutting edge technology thanks to its strong links to the photo imaging marketplace, research and development, technical know-how and manufacturing capabilities. The worldwide digital imaging and color photographic businesses are owned by Paradigm Global Partners LLP.

From Acid Dew in L.A. to Intense UV in New Orleans; Here’s the Solution

Press Release — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 21:01:52 +0000

St. Paul, MINN. – (October 19, 2011) – SGIA Booth #1437 – 3M Commercial Graphics introduces Scotchcal brand Gloss Overlaminate 8528. This new overlaminate is specifically designed to withstand harsh environmental conditions, including acid dew common in west coast cities like Los Angeles and extreme temperatures and ultraviolet rays typical in southern states like New Orleans.

“Our new overlaminate means longer-lasting graphics that stay vibrant, which helps make the most of our customers’ investment and can set them apart from the competition,” said Tim Boxeth, business manager for 3M Commercial Graphics. “The glossy finish gives that wet-paint look that customers are demanding.”

Scotchcal brand Gloss Overlaminate 8528 offers customers peace of mind with the industry’s first published warranty for horizontal surfaces – two years for horizontal surfaces and up to seven years for vertical surfaces.

The 2-mil cast vinyl provides excellent conformability and dimensional stability. It is designed for use with solvent, latex and UV inkjet inks. Sample rolls are available at www.3Mgraphics.com/samples. For specifications, technical and warranty information, please refer to http://tinyurl.com/4g745aa.

Learn more about the complete range of 3M graphics solutions at www.3Mgraphics.com or visit 3M Commercial Graphics in booth #1437 at the 2011 SGIA Expo, October 19-21.

3M Commercial Graphics is proud to be a 2011 SGIA Gold Sponsor.

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About 3M Commercial Graphics
3M Commercial Graphics help customers worldwide build brands by providing total large-format graphics and light management solutions. 3M manufactures or certifies lighting solutions‚ graphic films and graphic protection‚ flexible substrates‚ as well as inks and toners used to create large-format finished graphics that are consistent‚ reliable and durable. Learn more about 3M graphics products and programs by calling 1-800-326-3908‚ visiting www.3Mgraphics.com‚ following us @3MGraphics on Twitter or at facebook.com/3Mgraphics.

About 3M
3M captures the spark of new ideas and transforms them into thousands of ingenious products. Our culture of creative collaboration inspires a never-ending stream of powerful technologies that make life better. 3M is the innovation company that never stops inventing. With $27 billion in sales‚ 3M employs about 80‚000 people worldwide and has operations in more than 65 countries. For more information‚ visit www.3M.com and follow @3MNews on Twitter.

Optically Clear Cast Vinyl Printing Film – for Amazing Window Effects

Press Release — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 20:49:16 +0000

St. Paul, MINN. – (October 19, 2011) – SGIA Booth #1437 – 3M Commercial Graphics is pleased to announce Scotchcal brand Clear View Graphic Film IJ8150 from 3M, a versatile new graphic film designed to deliver a wide range of new uses for vehicle, architectural, point-of-purchase, and other applications.

Scotchcal brand Clear View Graphic Film IJ8150 from 3M is made of a durable cast vinyl material that features optical clarity so unprinted areas allow for a completely transparent view. This opens up many possibilities, including the creation of perforated window film effects without the limitations of perforated holes in the film.

In architectural applications the film can be used for privacy solutions, and white ink can be used to produce sandblasted or etched glass effects. This highly transparent film can be used to create effective point-of-purchase displays, such as mobile displays, glass refrigerated displays, and a wide range of other promotional uses.

Scotchcal brand Clear View Graphic Film IJ8150 from 3M is compatible with digital and screen printing systems, features a PET (a type of polyester) liner to prevent static charge or discharge during processing, and is optimized for wet applications. Scotchcal brand Clear View Graphic Film IJ8150 from 3M is also easy to apply and easy to remove. It is offered with the 3M Performance Guarantee or MCS brand Warranty from 3M, and boasts an effective performance life of seven years.

Learn more about the complete range of 3M graphics solutions at www.3Mgraphics.com or visit 3M Commercial Graphics in booth #1437 at the 2011 SGIA Expo, October 19-21.

3M Commercial Graphics is proud to be a 2011 SGIA Gold Sponsor.

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3M, MCS and Scotchcal are trademarks of 3M Company.

Clear Changeable Window Film for First and Second Surface Applications from 3M

Press Release — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 20:42:42 +0000

St. Paul, MINN. – (October 19, 2011) – SGIA Booth #1437 – 3M Commercial Graphics introduces Changeable Window Graphic Film IJ61 from 3M, a diverse, low-tack printable window film. The new window film is easy to install either wet or dry on first or second surfaces and is removable for up to six months without the use of heat, leaving little or no adhesive residue.

Ideal for vertical, transparent substrates such as building windows and interior dividers, Changeable Window Graphic Film IJ61 from 3M is a durable 3-mil vinyl material that requires no overlaminate, providing a cost-effective solution.

Various ink technologies such as solvent, UV and latex inkjet inks are suitable to print on the material and contribute to the overall versatility of the product. Unprinted areas of Changeable Window Graphic Film IJ61 from 3M remain optically clear and designers and architects can utilize white ink technology on the material to deliver increased visual dimension to their promotional displays.

“The new film gives users diverse capabilities to create effective short-term promotional displays on an array of window surfaces,” said Adam Larson, marketing supervisor for Intermediate Products and Inks/Warranties, 3M Commercial Graphics Division. “Various ink technologies and applications can be used to create successful displays that exceed customers’ demands.”

Learn more about the complete range of 3M graphics solutions at www.3Mgraphics.com or visit 3M Commercial Graphics in booth #1437 at the 2011 SGIA Expo, October 19-21.

3M Commercial Graphics is proud to be a 2011 SGIA Gold Sponsor.

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3M Expands Power of Visual Attention Service to Include Video Analysis, Free iPhone App

Press Release — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 13:52:23 +0000

St. Paul, MINN. – (October 19, 2011) – SGIA Booth #1437 – 3M launched the fourth generation of its Visual Attention Service (VAS), which introduces video capabilities and sequencing features to the revolutionary scanning tool that is viewed by marketers as a more convenient and affordable alternative to eye tracking. Along with the release of VAS 4.0, 3M also launched an iPhone app for the Visual Attention Service (VAS) that allows users to snap a photo, run a scan and share results in seconds by assessing images they capture with a smart phone. It will soon release an Android app and offer side-by-side comparisons.

Used to increase the probability that viewers will notice the most desired elements of a design or physical location, 3M VAS enhances the visual impact of professional design across advertising, marketing, and all forms of digital and print media. Built upon decades of research on how consumers react to various visuals, 3M VAS marries deep vision science with cutting edge technology.

Previously offered only for still images, 3M VAS can now analyze video to illustrate how people are most likely to visually interact with any scene or setting, and identify where the average human eye will focus at any given moment. The software analyzes images, graphical and text elements of digital and print content through a series of algorithms that process important visual cues, such as colors, edges, faces, shapes and contrast.

“The ability to analyze video exponentially increases the applications for VAS, and really opens up a whole new world of possibilities,” said Bill Smyth, business manager, 3M Digital Out of Home. “From infomercials to product placement in films, to point-of-sale displays and in-store signage, VAS with video offers marketers a level of accessibility to deep consumer insights that simply didn’t exist before.”

3M is currently offering VAS video analysis as a consulting service. Customers will receive a prescriptive heatmap that travels on top of the video, with a traveling fixation indicator layered on top of the heatmap.

“We see VAS with video as particularly valuable to those looking to predict consumers’ visual journey in retail environments, and how that journey plays into the path to purchase,” said Kelly Canavan, marketing manager, 3M Commercial Graphics. “VAS with video also excels in helping marketers and advertisers to stand out and meet their visual goals in the crowded universe of rich media and online video.”

Version 4.0 also features significant upgrades to VAS still image analysis, including a valuable sequencing feature that demonstrates not only where the human eye is most likely to pay attention in the first few seconds of viewing an image, but the sequence of those fixation points as well. Also new are customized setting options for direct mail/email and in-store contexts, which automatically take into account how human vision interacts with different viewing circumstances.

The VAS service is available globally, and can be accessed at www.3M.com/VAS. Since the 2010 launches of versions 1.0 and 2.0, and the June 2011 launch of VAS 3.0, several thousand customers have already experienced the benefits of VAS.

Check out more information on:

3M VAS Free Trial (still image only)
3M VAS explained
3M VAS iPhone app

Learn more about the complete range of 3M graphics solutions at www.3Mgraphics.com or visit 3M Commercial Graphics in booth #1437 at the 2011 SGIA Expo, October 19-21.

3M Commercial Graphics is proud to be a 2011 SGIA Gold Sponsor.

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Be Anything but Ordinary: Now 19 Gloss Colors From 3M

Press Release — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 13:38:48 +0000

St. Paul, MINN. – (October 19, 2011) – SGIA Booth #1437 – 3M Commercial Graphics has expanded its line of Scotchprint brand Wrap Film Series 1080 with 19 new high impact gloss colors and two new matte colors. These additions take the wrap film’s offerings to a total of 33 different films, with carbon fiber and brushed metal textures available, as well as both matte and high gloss finishes. With the new line extension, car enthusiasts and restylers have even more options to make their creations anything but ordinary.

Since its introduction, Scotchprint brand Wrap Film Series 1080 from 3M has been used to create distinctive and exciting looks on hoods, roofs, door panels, and entire vehicles. The removable cast films are designed for vehicle detailing, decoration, and full wraps without graphic protection. This film offers the same great installation features found on Controltac brand Graphic Films with Comply brand Adhesive from 3M. The product’s pressure-activated adhesive allows it to slide and be repositioned until firm pressure is applied. The non-visible air release channels assure fast, easy, and virtually bubble-free installations.

The new colors include:

1080-G83 Gloss Dark Red
1080-G13 Gloss Hot Rod Red
1080-G103 Gloss Hot Pink
1080-G14 Gloss Burnt Orange
1080-G54 Gloss Bright Orange
1080-G25 Gloss Sunflower
1080-G15 Gloss Bright Yellow
1080-G46 Gloss Kelly Green
1080-G47 Gloss Intense Blue
1080-G77 Gloss Sky Blue
1080-G79 Gloss Light Ivory
1080-G10 Gloss White
1080-G12 Gloss Black
1080-G227 Gloss Blue Metallic
1080-G241 Gloss Gold Metallic
1080-G120 Gloss White Aluminum
1080-G251 Gloss Sterling Silver
1080-G201 Gloss Anthracite
1080-G212 Gloss Black Metallic
1080-M261 Matte Dark Gray
1080-M230 Matte Gray Aluminum

Scotchprint brand Wrap Film Series 1080 from 3M offers industry-leading benefits, including the ability to use it right out of the box, with no need to print or apply an overlaminate. The film is manufactured with two color layers for dimensional stability and durability, and is removable for up to three years, making it easy to change the look of a vehicle. The film is also backed by the MCS brand Warranty from 3M, making it a reliable choice for helping customers get their look just right, every time.

Learn more about the complete range of 3M graphics solutions at www.3Mgraphics.com/1080 or visit 3M Commercial Graphics in booth #1437 at the 2011 SGIA Expo, October 19-21.

3M Commercial Graphics is proud to be a 2011 SGIA Gold Sponsor.

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3M, Scotchprint, Controltac, Comply and MCS are trademarks or registered trademarks of 3M Company.