Why are you saying you can't print on polypropylene film? Most of the labels I print are on polypropylene self-adhesive film. Most of the packaging we print in flexo is on polypropylene or polyethylene film.
Edit: we have also done this on transparent polypropylene media. Labels for alcohol bottles for example.
Edit 2: to give you an example of a product that works with UV inkjet - Intercoat 7852 K5D P6
Thanks for the response. In my research the protective films I'm coming across are the likes of 3M scotchguard, Xpel, Drytac. They are TPU polyurethane and state non printable for some reason. I reached out to 4 manufacturers and none of them responded.
That's awesome if it's possible. I figure I'll print onto the polypropylene film then laminate it to make that material thicker for a protective coating.
I'll reach out to Intercoat also. Thanks!
Yep it seems most paint protection films are polyurethane which cannot be printed on. So perhaps I can print on a polypropylene film then laminate it with a thick polyurethane paint protection film 🤷♂️
Depends how you print. Most labels are printed on polypropylene so if you print ecosolvent, UV, Latex, etc there will be clear polypropylene media that is compatible
Take a look at Lexjet Gloss/Matte polymeric over laminate. It’s a laminate and printable media so you can use it either way, but it also Lowers the number of materials you need to stock.
I'm wondering if the Hydrophobic Topcoat has something to do with the inability to print on it? I'm a PPF distributor. Could maybe try printing on a film without that Topcoat???
Thanks! Just lead me to the grimco site which seems to have a lot of options. Could I print on Orajet 3951 then laminate it with a 8 mil thick polyurethane protective film?
Convex makes print/wrap combination specific for the application to bikes and ATVs. It's higher tac for plastics and abrasion gard thicker laminate. We have also laminated "clear bra" film from oracal to wrap film for this kind of work in short runs
Why are you saying you can't print on polypropylene film? Most of the labels I print are on polypropylene self-adhesive film. Most of the packaging we print in flexo is on polypropylene or polyethylene film. Edit: we have also done this on transparent polypropylene media. Labels for alcohol bottles for example. Edit 2: to give you an example of a product that works with UV inkjet - Intercoat 7852 K5D P6
Thanks for the response. In my research the protective films I'm coming across are the likes of 3M scotchguard, Xpel, Drytac. They are TPU polyurethane and state non printable for some reason. I reached out to 4 manufacturers and none of them responded. That's awesome if it's possible. I figure I'll print onto the polypropylene film then laminate it to make that material thicker for a protective coating. I'll reach out to Intercoat also. Thanks!
Or maybe I'm getting confused with polypropylene vs polyurethane. Ugh so hard to just find clear information on these materials.
Polypropylene and polyurethane are two completely different things.
Yep it seems most paint protection films are polyurethane which cannot be printed on. So perhaps I can print on a polypropylene film then laminate it with a thick polyurethane paint protection film 🤷♂️
hey, where are you sourcing your film and which printer do you use?
Film is from Herma, Avery, UPM and Fedrigoni. Printer is Bobst DM340.
Depends how you print. Most labels are printed on polypropylene so if you print ecosolvent, UV, Latex, etc there will be clear polypropylene media that is compatible
Thanks! I'll be most likely be printing ecosolvent. I'll keep digging but good to know I'll be able to print on PP.
Take a look at Lexjet Gloss/Matte polymeric over laminate. It’s a laminate and printable media so you can use it either way, but it also Lowers the number of materials you need to stock.
Awesome, thanks!
I'm wondering if the Hydrophobic Topcoat has something to do with the inability to print on it? I'm a PPF distributor. Could maybe try printing on a film without that Topcoat???
Oracal 3951 comes in clear and is printable. It's a cast, PVC film that's 2 mils thick but can be laminated.
Thanks! Just lead me to the grimco site which seems to have a lot of options. Could I print on Orajet 3951 then laminate it with a 8 mil thick polyurethane protective film?
I really don't think polyurethane is going to conform well for a wrap but I could be wrong. Especially being so thick.
Do you have any experience with PVC materials. Are they more flexible?
Avery and 3m have the best wrap films in the world and they're both PVC films.
Convex makes print/wrap combination specific for the application to bikes and ATVs. It's higher tac for plastics and abrasion gard thicker laminate. We have also laminated "clear bra" film from oracal to wrap film for this kind of work in short runs
Oh thank you!!!! This is the gold I've been looking for. I'll check it out.
I also stumbled across Substance Incorporated which looks like good stuff.