Expand Vol. 1 No. 7

Overcoming the Laminate X Factor

The X Factor, in the case of laminated trade-show graphics, is how your customer handles them. Here are some steps on the front end you can take to mitigate abuse, and cut down on re-prints and last-second shipping to convention centers.

The problem with trade-show graphics is how they’re used (and abused) by end users. The salesperson who usually unpacks and installs the graphics for their trade show is… a salesperson. Then, they’re in charge of taking the graphics down, rolling them up, and shipping them. There’s a lot of opportunity for mishandling and manhandling.

Your challenge is to make the graphics as salesperson-proof and friendly as possible. After all, though laminate failure is probably no fault of your own, the buck, and the damaged graphics, will stop at your door.

Rules for Thumbs

Rule Number One is not to rush the print/laminate/trim process. Ideally, you should allow the print to dry for 24 hours before laminating. Then, allow the laminate to cure for 72 hours before trimming.

Unfortunately, we all have to live in the so-called Real World, where deadlines are yesterday and customers are rather unyielding. Therefore, a good rushed rule of thumb is to print in the morning, laminate in the afternoon, and trim the next morning.

The problem with printing, laminating, and trimming in one fell swoop is that the adhesive won’t have time to cure and the ink will still be outgassing, increasing the chance that your customer will experience the thrill (not) of delamination.

When trimming a laminated graphic, remember the three Ss (Rule Number Two) – Surface, Slice, and Score. The cutting surface should be hard, preferably tempered glass. Those handy cutting mats aren’t so handy when it comes to trimming laminated graphics because the softer surface causes the material to belly in, placing undue stress on the adhesive. On a related note, the cutting table should be level and true.

When cutting into the graphic, your knife slice should be at a 90-degree angle. A different angle cutting down on the graphic creates a lip between the print and the laminate, exposing the adhesive.

Rather than trying to cut through the graphic in one pass, score it two or three times to ease the tension on the layers – print material, laminate, and backer – as you cut through them. The ideal is an automatic or manual cutter that quickly and cleanly trims the graphics. They save labor, time, and waste. Neolt USA and Rotatrim are two companies that manufacture a variety of models for different production needs.

Rule Three is to roll the graphics for shipping no tighter than a 12-in. diameter. Though you can roll certain laminates tighter than others, you should try your best to stick with this rule.

When you’re rolling up the graphics for shipment, the thinnest or softest material should face out, and the graphics should always be rolled in the same direction every time.

So, if you’re using a LexJet 4 Mil Universal White DuPont Melinex Polyester with 5 Mil PreLume DisplayFlex, and a 10 Mil PreLume Opaque White Backer, roll the image side out. Herein lies a chance to get the customer’s attention about the importance of proper handling. Place a sticker with short, bullet-point instructions and your logo on the outside of the roll. The primary information you want to get across to whoever unpacks and unrolls the graphics is:

• After unpacking and unrolling the graphics, lay them out flat to uncurl. Don’t roll them in the opposite direction

• When packing, do not roll tighter than a 12-in. diameter

• This side always faces out when you roll it up