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That is the question… and the answer depends on the environment, printing technology, materials, and the length of the application.
You might be familiar with a song called Another Brick in the Wall, which goes something like this:
We don't need no lamination We don't need no ink control No dark sarcasm in production Printer leave that ink alone Hey! Printer! Leave that ink alone!
No doubt written by someone with a solvent or UV-curable printer, it should be noted that however absolute this perspective is, it is still the exception, and is ultimately based on the application and the expectations of your customer.
As a wise man at LexJet once said, "A lot of people think that inkjet coatings are delicate, but they’re actually fairly scratch-resistant and weatherable, particularly if you don't oversaturate it, and use the right ink with the right material. So, if you're putting a banner up for 30 days, why bother with lamination? It's just one more thing that can go wrong."
This wise man, whom we'll call Rick for the purpose of this article, says the primary reasons for lamination are texture, rigidity, protection, and special needs, like floor graphics. So, despite the protestations found in Another Brick in the Wall, lamination adds value in many different ways, but is not always necessary.
You can make it less expensive for your customer and easier on yourself by providing graphics that aren't laminated, given the right application. But you can also do the opposite by choosing the wrong application to leave out the lamination step.
Solvent printing on LexJet 55 Intermediate Adhesive Vinyl Semi-Matte by Off the Wall Co. Inc., Telford, Pa. Here's an application that shouldn't require lamination; it's printed on a durable substrate with a solvent printer for an indoor application outside the reach of prying and curious hands.
As mentioned in previous installments of this series on lamination, applications with lots of handling (the graphics are being shipped to multiple trade shows, for instance), where there’s a concern about passersby touching it, vehicle graphics, and long-term outdoor applications (over a year) are among those that typically require lamination.
Those who use UV-curable and solvent printers have virtually no need to laminate. However, there are times when you may want a different finish and texture and/or you’d like to make the material thicker and more rigid. Handling issues are still important considerations since even a durable solvent print that’s constantly manhandled on the trade-show circuit or within reach of the public can be damaged.
Plus, long-term outdoor applications exposed to the weather could use the benefit of lamination. The key here is to use compatible materials, such as a vinyl print with a vinyl laminate.
Polymeric vinyl PSA laminate films, such as LexJet GraphicsGuard UV, allow the vinyl to move in different directions, reducing the possibility of edge creep. Also, the laminate's solvent-based adhesive ensures a solid bond between laminate and print so that it doesn't allow moisture to infiltrate the graphic.
As per usual, your LexJet account specialist will give you specific guidelines based on the project, the materials, and the type of printer you use.
In the meantime, here are some examples of applications that shouldn’t require lamination:
HP 5500 with UV ink: Use LexJet TOUGHcoat Blockout Scrim Banner w/ PreLume for an outdoor application up to six months.
Mimaki JV-3 solvent: Use LexJet 55 Intermediate Adhesive Vinyl Semi-Matte (or Gloss) for mounted outdoor construction signs that need to last up to one year, but keep in mind the proximity to passersby who might be tempted to touch it repeatedly.
HP 5500 with dye ink: Use LexJet Satin Polypropylene w/PSA for mounted tradeshow directional signs that will be thrown away after the show.
Roland with solvent ink: Use LexJet 55 Intermediate Adhesive Vinyl Semi-Matte (or Gloss) for real estate signs mounted in frames.
HP 5500 with UV ink: Using LexJet Water-Resistant Polypropylene w/ PreLume, you can print golf outing or special event signs that will be up for two to three days.
DuPont Cromaprint 22UV flatbed: LexJet PROflex Smooth UVR (22 Mil) is a one-step print-and-go solution for tradeshow applications, such as magnetic panels.
ColorSpan DisplayMaker 72SI Solvent Printer: LexJet 12 Mil Solvent Display Film SR is perfect for retractable banner stands that will be repeatedly used. Also, for a great-backlit application, LexJet 9 Mil Solvent Backlit Film SR is a durable, scratch-resistant solution.