Palram PALFOA - Manual (Page 9)

Fabrication Guide
8
Protective Film Masking
The protective polyethylene film mask helps prevent surface abrasion and stains. However, removing the protective film may cause
an increase of static electric charge, which can affect ink coverage. Therefore, after peeling the film away from the sheet, the static
electricity that has built up in the sheet should be discharged using an ionized gun or a suitable device provided by the printer
manufacture.
Cleaning PALIGHT and Preparing for Printing
The surface should be clean before printing. Carefully inspect each panel to ensure there is no: dust, fingerprints, residue or other
problematic substances that may affect ink coverage or adhesion. If needed, the PALIGHT should be cleaned with a damp rag, or
with isopropyl alcohol.
Ink
PALIGHT is suitable for all types of inks: Aqueous, Solvent-Based, and UV-curable. In fact, PALIGHT has been tested and approved by
major printer OEM’s around the world, including AGFA, Gandinnovations, HP, Mutoh, Océ, and more. Consult the printer manual or
contact the printer manufacturer for recommendations and compatibility information.
Drying the ink
The two main drying technologies are:
IR (Infrared) – Long exposure to high temperature in the drying tunnel may cause distortions in the sheet.
UV (Ultraviolet) – UV levels must be adjusted according the printing speed and substrate. UV overexposure can cause discoloration
of both the ink and substrate.
Print Head Adjustment
The distance between the print head and the substrate can have a significant affect on print quality. Manufacturer specifications,
combined with and operator experience, should determine print head distance from the substrate.
The suggested starting distance should not be more than 2 mm from the print head to the substrate.
Laminating
PALIGHT is an ideal material for applications that require lamination. This section provides preparation information processes as well
as detailed instructions for the various types of lamination that can used with PALIGHT. Because prints are one of the most frequently
laminated materials, the sections that follow will generally refer the lamination of a print, although many other materials can be used.
Please Note! Since PALIGHT material may warp when heated above 150°F or when heated from one side only, it cannot be used in
any lamination process requiring heat.
Adhesion
For best results, the PALIGHT material should be cleaned with isopropyl alcohol prior to adhesion and allowed to dry thoroughly.
When laminating with pressure-sensitive adhesives, a force of 25–40 psi is required. Proper spacers are also critical. Because force must
be applied equally across the material, the top roll must move evenly from left to right while maintaining even contact between top
and bottom laminating rolls. To achieve even contact, “zero the nip,” then use spacer shims to preset the nip opening for a particular
laminate. Use sufficient pressure to completely eliminate any air bubbles between the PALIGHT material, the adhesive and the print
or other material.
The lamination will achieve maximum bonding in three hours. If the lamination has been performed properly, the finished mount
can be flexed without the print becoming loose in the center. To prevent moisture from becoming trapped between layers of porous
material (such as paper) and creating blisters, the level of moisture in both the material to be laminated and the atmosphere should
be reduced before pressing. Some materials may require pre-drying. PALIGHT is nonporous and does not need pre-drying.
Preventing Surface flaws
Surface blemishes, such as wrinkles, can be caused by misalignment of the adhesive roll or too much pressure or rollers that are not
parallel. Trapped dirt or lumps of hardened adhesive common with glossy prints may create small bumps in the finished product.
In order to prevent these problems, equipment used for PALIGHT lamination must be kept clean. Use a fresh roll or sheet of transfer
adhesive if bumps are caused by hardened adhesive. Dirt problems can be minimized by using an ionizing static eliminator. Using
prints or other materials made with a paper 0.007” or thicker can help prevent strike through.
For best results, wipe down the back of the print and the face of the PALIGHT mount with a clean, dry cloth before it passes through
the roll nip. Whether the finished product is to be used indoors or outdoors, a clear, high gloss overlay will help protect against fading
as well as enhance the color.
Laminating Techniques
Four techniques are recommended for laminating materials to PALIGHT, as described in the following sections. Depending upon the
type of applications and the equipment available, one or more of these processes may be appropriate for a particular application.
None of these processes involves the use of heat. Because PALIGHT may warp at temperatures above 140 F or when heated from one
side only, it cannot be dry mounted or hot mounted.