Digital Output Apr 23

APRIL 2023

pg. 18

State of Ink | pg. 16 Slip-Resistant Floor Graphics | pg. 24 VOL XXIX, NO. 4 • $6.95 USA

Vehicle Wrap Media | pg. 32

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ON THE COVER: Jessup Manufacturing Company offers many types of solutions for ground and floor graphics. See page 18.

Departments

features 18 } Fatal Attraction

In the Aisles .................................................................. { 6

The Value of Floor Graphics in Visual Merchandising Thriving in display and point of purchase.

Application Spotlight ................................................{ 14

24 } Don’t Slip Up

Sign Business ............................................................. { 16

Floor Graphic Safety Standards Testing certi�ications and standards to consider.

Editor’s Input ................................................................ { 4 Marketplace ................................................................. { 5

Target Chart ................................................................ { 30

Plus Marketplace Spotlight ................................................ { 5 Showcase Advertisers............................................... { 23 Advertiser’s Index ....................................................... { 29 Companies Mentioned ............................................. { 29

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by Melissa Donovan

by Melissa Donovan

32 } Living with Disruption Vehicle Wrap Media and The Supply Chain To match demand, there must be material.

by Digital Output Staff

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C A P T U R E

C R E AT I O N

O U TPUT

VOLUME XXIX, NO. 4 DIGITALOUTPUT.NET

FINIS HING

ISSN: 1083-5121

EDITOR IN CHIEF

Thomas Tetreault ttetreault@rockportpubs.com

Keep Learning Multiple educational resources are available to print service providers (PSPs), whether it be reading an article in a magazine, watching a webinar online, or attending a trade show. In any scenario, there is great value in growing your knowledge of a topic.

In any scenario, there is great value in growing your knowledge of a topic.

We strive to do this in every issue of Digital Output and this month is no different. For example, Don’t Slip Up investigates slip- and scruff-resistant certifications and testing that PSPs should be aware of in conjunction with floor graphics. Avoid taking for granted that a material checks off all the boxes and learn more about what features and functions are imperative to ensure a safely installed floor graphic.

Fatal Attraction also looks at floor graphics, but focuses on their presence in retail, specifically display and point of purchase (POP) applications. This application gained traction during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic as social distancing markers and even wayfinding signage, but as the need for these types of graphics wanes, floor graphics find themselves used for POP once again.

Our Sign Business column provides an up-to-date look at what’s going on with ink. This month’s Application Spotlight focuses on finishing. Also, learn about what vendors are exhibiting at the International Sign Assocation (ISA) International Sign Expo in April in our second preview of the show. ISA, the producer of the event, provides a great platform for insight on a number of signage-related topics and challenges facing PSPs today.

Best regards,

EDITOR Melissa Donovan mdonovan@rockportpubs.com ASSOCIATE EDITOR Cassandra Balentine cbalentine@rockportpubs.com WEB EDITOR Melissa Mueller ART DIRECTOR Sarah M. White swhite@rockportpubs.com CONTRIBUTORS Olivia Cahoon, Tim Greene, Mark Hanley, Melinda Tetreault, Amber Watson ADVERTISING SALES PUBLISHER Thomas Tetreault NATIONAL ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Nicole Pizzi-Cerundolo npcerundolo@rockportpubs.com 978-921-7850, Ext. 160 Amanda Doyon adoyon@rockportpubs.com 978-921-7850, Ext. 170 Subscribe online at digitaloutput.net

CORPORATE & PUBLISHING OFFICE 100 Cummings Center, STE 321E Beverly, Massachusetts 01915 ROCKPORT CUSTOM PUBLISHING, LLC CHAIRMAN Jeffrey Jensen PRESIDENT & CEO Thomas Tetreault Digital Output is published monthly by Rockport Custom Publishing LLC. ©Rockport Custom Publishing, LLC 2023. Reproduction by any means of the whole or part of Digital Output without written permission from the publisher is prohibited. Views expressed in the editorial pages do not imply our endorsement.

Vendors: We welcome your product news. Include prices, slides, photos, and digital files with your press release. Please forward product samples and media kits to Reviews Editor, Digital Output, 100 Cummings Center, STE 321E Beverly, MA 01915. We cannot be responsible for unsolicited product samples.

SUBSCRIPTION RATES

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POSTMASTER

Melissa Donovan, editor mdonovan@rockportpubs.com

Please send address changes and form No. 3579 to: Digital Output, 100 Cummings Center, STE 321E, Beverly, MA 01915.

Periodical Class postage rates paid at Beverly, Massachusetts and additional mailing offices.

CHANGE OF ADDRESS NOTICE

Six to eight weeks prior to moving, please clip the mailing label from the most recent issue and send it along with your new address (including zip code) to: Digital Output magazine, change of address notice, 100 Cummings Center, STE 321E, Beverly, MA 01915. Attention: Circulation Department.

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CET Color and Gandy Digital Partner CET Color and Gandy Digital partner to bring the Dynasty UV printer to market. It is specifically designed to meet CET Color specifications. This printer is manufactured in Canada and features American-made parts, ensuring the highest level of quality and reliability. With a focus on speed, quality, and performance, this high-end upgradeable printer is sure to exceed the expectations of even the most

ALLPRINTHEADS

SUPPLY55, INC.

demanding customers in the graphics industry.

From experienced printers to those just starting out, the printer’s intuitive design and ease of use make it an ideal choice for all. And with CET Color’s commitment to providing exceptional service, customers can rest assured that they receive the support they need to succeed.

#500

3M Launches New Print Wrap Film 3M introduces its innovative 3M Print Wrap Film IJ280 with 3M Gloss Wrap Overlaminate 8428G designed for commercial vehicles. Created for impactful installation and performance, 3M Print Wrap Film IJ280 with 3M Comply v4 Air Release

Rely on Industry Experience

Finishing Simplified

Allprintheads is your one-stop source for your printheads, spares, consumables, and digital printing equipment. With more than 23 years of industry experience, you can rely on the company to provide the best advice for your printing needs. Allprintheads specializes in all types of printheads and spares for most digital printing systems. For more information visit allprintheads.com, call 800-616-0584, or email sales@allprintheads.com INFO# 503

Engineered and manufactured in Europe, the KalaXY Cutter/ Trimmer reduces labor and increases profits by eliminating the time consuming task of manually cutting printed digital images. The line of automatic XY cutters are the ideal solution for processing a range of media including wallpaper, paper, direct to film, canvas, laminated/encapsulated films, banner material, polycarbonate, and other non-woven roll goods. Increase your output while reducing operation costs with KalaXY Cutters.

For more information visit supply55.com, call 734-668-0755, or email sales@supply55.com. INFO# 504

CALDERA

MUTOH AMERICA, INC.

and 3M Gloss Wrap Overlaminate 8428G allows for efficient installations with less rework, saving time and money. Installers can confidently wrap commercial vehicles with less effort so that every installation is completed quickly without sacrificing quality.

#501

Mimaki Announces First Direct to Film Printer Mimaki USA announces its first direct to film printer, TxF150-75 and heat transfer pigment ink

High-Performance Nesting and Job Prep

Mutoh Eco-Solvent Printers

PHT50. Sales of these products, targeting textile

Caldera PrimeCenter helps print businesses streamline and automate print-and-cut workflows to reduce production costs, save time, and maximize machine uptime. Caldera's new solution gives print providers the power to create job preparation recipes for accurate and consistent results while optimizing media usage with advanced job nesting.

Reduce time spent on repetitive tasks by up to 30 percent and speed up job preparation by up to 3x with PrimeCenter.

Visit caldera.com to learn more. INFO# 505

The XpertJet 1341SR Pro 54-inch and XpertJet 1641SR Pro 64-inch printers are up to 2x faster while delivering highquality prints every time with the Mutoh AccuFine printhead.

Powered by Mutoh’s genuine VerteLith RIP software, it is bundled with FlexiDESIGNER MUTOH Edition 21, a $2,199 value. Pair the two printers with Mutoh’s GREENGUARD Gold certified MS41 eco-solvent ink, suitable for use in sensitive environments such as hospitals and childcare facilities, all while providing users a larger color gamut, outstanding durability, and improved dot gain. Contact your authorized Mutoh dealer or visit mutoh.com. INFO# 506

and apparel printing applications, begins Summer 2023. The TxF150-75 is an inkjet printer with a maximum printing width of 31.5 inches for producing direct to film print transfer sheets. The new PHT50 heat transfer pigment ink consists of five colors (CMYK and white), and is scheduled to obtain ECO PASSPORT certification by the end of March 2023, which is essential for meeting the international safety standard for textile products from OEKO-TEX.

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Innovation and Conversation ISA International Sign Expo Preview

by Digital Output Staff

T

he International Sign Association (ISA) is in full planning mode for its main event, the ISA International Sign Expo. Held April 12 to 14, 2023 at Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV it promises to be full of innovation and good conversation.

Attendees can plan a full schedule whether they are at the trade show to stroll the aisles or take part in any of the educational sessions and networking events. On the exhibit floor, special areas to visit are of note, this includes The Wrap Experience at booth 3149.

The Wrap Experience, powered by ISA and The Wrap Institute, is an interactive booth area that surrounds the Never Stop Learning Wrap Contest. The Wrap Experience brings together a range of companies and products to inspire new ways to bring revenue into your business.

Justin Pate, an expert in vehicle wraps, hosts the event.

1) Avery Dennison, booth 3239, invites attendees to see new products, new business ideas, and hands-on training opportunities. 2) PRESTOTEX, booth 4727, showcases its much anticipated, reengineered, 10-mil wall media.

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3A Composites, booth 2729, specializes in the manufacturing of leading composite substrates for signage, display, and graphic arts. Category defining brands like DIBOND, GATORFOAM, SINTRA, and FOME-COR are proven solutions for a variety of applications, while innovative new products such as DISPA offer unique, sustainable, and high-quality solutions for this dynamic and ever-changing industry. This year the booth is dedicated to celebrating the iconic presence and impact of the US National Park Programs, displaying some of the original posters printed by the WPA’s Federal Art Project between 1935 to 1943 that have been brought back to life on 3A’s iconic brands and substrates. INFO# 460

Forward Intentions

The March edition of Digital Output includes information from vendors exhibiting at the ISA International Sign Expo. Here, additional companies share their plans.

3M, booth 1027, introduces its most technologically advanced film solutions ever—3M Print Wrap Film IJ280 with 3M Gloss Wrap Overlaminate 8428G. With unprecedented conformability and lifting resistance, this vinyl solution stays exactly where you want, allowing your confidence to soar. Created for impactful installation and performance, 3M Print Wrap Film IJ280 with 3M Comply v4 Air Release and 3M Gloss Wrap Overlaminate 8428G allows for efficient installations with less rework, helping save time and

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films. Avery Dennison experts are on site to welcome and help you experience the full breadth of graphic solutions in person. For additional technical help and advice, visit the ​​ Avery Dennison Lounge inside of The Wrap Experience area at booth 3149 to hear from speakers and panels comprised of trainers, Avery Dennison representatives, and shop owners. INFO# 464

3 money. Installers can confidently wrap commercial vehicles with less effort so that every installation is completed quickly without sacrificing quality. INFO# 461 AP Lazer, booth 4715, offers CO2 laser machines that cut and engrave full sheets of material such as wood, acrylic, and plastics. Thanks to the open architecture design, there are no weight or size restrictions.

Expand product offerings, explore new markets, and never say “no” to a job again. Build your successful business with AP Lazer’s turnkey solutions, personalized training, 24/7/365 technical support, and engaged online community. It is an innovative, people-centric company. AP Lazer’s customers are like family.

Its mission is to build priceless relationships with customers and to meet the emotional needs of all walks of life. Together, we make the world a more precious place to live. INFO# 462 3) Jessup Mfg. Co., booth 1864, encourages attendees to discover an exciting array of products for any application.

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ASLAN, booth 2257, highlights its memoboard, glass decoration, and digital printing film ranges, as well as spray paint and sticker repellent anti-graffiti film MagicProtect Matt ASLAN SL 99, the new extra hard-wearing laminate MonsterLAM ASLAN SL 05, and special effect films like ColourShift ASLAN SE 70 and SE 71—two transparent and four opaque dichroic films for cut or full-surface applications.

Other self-adhesive highlights are the new SparkleColour ASLAN SC 123—six glitter films, and CaressColour ASLAN CC 124—flocked self-adhesive decorative films in 19 different colors. Additionally, the scratch-resistant, real mirror film MirrorEffect AntiScratch ASLAN SE 75, available in silver and gold is on display. INFO# 463

Avery Dennison, booth 3239, invites attendees to see new products, new business ideas, and hands-on training opportunities.

Stop by the booth daily to watch live demonstrations, including how a food trailer can transform into a different business each day from full-color, high-impact graphic

AXYZ, booth 4728, demonstrates cutting on the AXYZ Trident CNC router, featuring acrylic routing and knife cutting on printed foam board. It’s optimized for highperformance packaging, point of purchase, and print finishing applications. A spindle, tangential knife, and oscillating knife come standard on the Trident, providing the right cutting tools for virtually all materials used in the industry.

Technical specialists are on site to answer questions. INFO# 465

Canon Solutions America, booth 1807/2638, showcases its range of print products including its Arizona flatbed series of printers and the Colorado roll devices. INFO #466

CET Color, booth 4457, showcases its Q6-500 Flatbed and K2-250 Hybrid unit. Additionally, it plans to unveil its newest product launch and is delighted to share more details. INFO# 467 Colex Finishing Inc., booth 4430, introduces Colex Cut Center 8 – Production Automation, which offers quick response code recognition with an onboard registration camera. It eliminates operator errors of loading and processing the correct job file and confirms

jobs are generated with the correct feeds and speeds. A production information system captures and reports on all jobs processed. This provides accurate information on time to process a job as well as linear cut lengths and media usage. Together with the Sharpcut SXC1732 conveyor the Colex Cut Center 8 – Production Automation option preserves the same, proven engineered robust steel welded frame, Triple Interchangeable Tool Head, Energy Efficient Vacuum System, Vision Registration Camera and Software, with the ability to add tools and router options to customize the cutter. INFO# 468

DAF Products, booth 3921, features its full line of perforated window film 50/50, 60/40, 70/30, and new options including 80/20, as well as first and second surface applications. Attendees enjoy perforated time saving product install technique demonstrations and experience hands-on testing. Other products on display include DAF Everyday 7-year Cast Wrap Film with matching gloss and matte laminates. It offers a lower entry point price with high-end features installers expect. INFO# 469 DigiFab Systems, booth 2351, is an innovative developer, manufacturer, and distributor of software, supplies, and equipment.

Displayed in the booth is the latest StampaJet K2-190x highspeed sublimation printer and DigiHeat D21 64-inch oil press.

Additionally, product lines include pre-treated fabrics, inkjet inks, STP sublimation paper, StampaJet inkjet printers, Evolution RIP software, DigiHeat heat presses, laser cutters, and steamers. INFO# 470

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4 4) Lintec of America, booth 1465, offers PVC-free films for glass decoration. 5) Vycom, booth 2251, collects printed and unprinted rigid PVC and acrylic sheets for recycling into the company’s residential and commercial products through its PVC Recycling Program.

5 Enfocus, booth 1057, enables attendees to experience PitStop, the gold standard for PDF preflighting and editing software, and the powerful suite of features it offers to wide format printers. INFO# 471. { 10 } April 2023 | Digital Output

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Epson, booth 2221, leverages a surf/skate shop theme to display a range of printing solutions ideal for a variety of applications, including indoor and outdoor signage, photography, graphics, and textile applications. Attendees see wide format solutions in action, check out print samples, and speak with product experts about how Epson can help grow their business. The booth includes demonstrations for many industries, including textile applications with the SureColor F-Series dye-sublimation and DTG printers; signage solutions with the SureColor R-Series resin, SureColor V7000 UV flatbed, SureColor S-Series solvent printers; and photography and graphics with the SureColor P8570D printer and SureLab D1070 minilab printer. INFO# 472

Fisher Textiles, booth 4021, showcases its newest print media fabrics for soft signage, up to five meters wide and its Enviro-Tex lineup made with 100 percent post-consumer recycled yarns.

Enviro-Tex fabrics contain 32 to 48 recycled PET bottles per linear yard and include ET8050 Super Sonic, ET9410 Soft Knit, and ET9708 Heavy Knit. Fivemeter wide styles include DD9930

Nirvana Plus, DD6650 Super Sonic Backlit, and DD7808 Heavy Knit.

Fisher Textiles also features its newest fabric media for pillowcase tension displays, DD8800 Silver Back, an enhanced gray-back blockout with blended yarns and a natural stretch. INFO# 473 GBC, booth 3650, displays SEAL precision engineered wide format laminators, which are made in the U.S. Featured at the show is the 65 Pro MD, a high production, versatile laminator that can run both hot and cold applications.

The 65 Pro MD has the unmatched capability of running speeds of more than 15 feet per minute without sacrificing quality. Also featured is the 62 Base, which is ideal for mounting and laminating pressure-sensitive graphics up to 61 inches in length; the first fully automated desktop laminator from GBC—the GBC Foton 30; and a flatbed applicator. INFO# 474

General Formulations, booth 829, educates attendees on wrap techniques with special guest installer, Preston Jordan, owner, Digital Precision. Also in the booth, visitors can stroll along floor graphic options and engage with active demonstrations designed to help pick the right material for the application. While at the booth, ask about new transit product, GF 209AE MetroMark with Air Egress Technology or if visiting the ISA Wrap Experience, ask trainer Chad Parrish about new GF 830 AutoMark Cast with DRIFT Technology wrapping film. INFO# 475 Gerber, booth 4210, promotes its comprehensive solutions and materials for sign and graphics. Its

extensive library provides all the materials needed no matter the application, including its ImagePerfect line, a series of materials specifically designed for digital printing on large format inkjet printers. Gerber’s OMEGA design and output software offers a comprehensive suite of layout, design, output, and conversion tools.

OMEGA software is designed to accommodate the cutting and printing of vinyl and specialty materials while also supporting routing applications for dimensional sign making, woodworking, and parts fabrication. INFO# 476 HP, booth 1424, focuses on sustainability, water-based inks, and how it can help you in the sustainability journey. As part of the show, it features new HP Latex 2700 Printer series, the HP Latex R Printer series, PageWide XL Pro 10000, and the HP Latex 315 Print and Cut Plus Solution. INFO# 477 Jessup Mfg. Co., booth 1864, encourages attendees to discover an exciting array of products ranging from graphics media for any application to innovative new product previews—not to mention photoluminscent material, safety signage, and UL 924 exit signs. INFO# 478 Kongsberg PCS, booth 1239, highlights the power, performance, and versatility of its Kongsberg and MultiCam solutions when it showcases four market-leading machines. The world’s first diversified provider of digital finishing and CNC cutting machines demonstrates the capabilities of its flagship Kongsberg C64, its modular Kongsberg

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X24 table, and the MultiCam APEX 1R and 3R routers. Live demonstrations of all four machines are presented daily, giving visitors the chance to witness the precision, speed, and consistency each delivers. INFO# 479

Lintec of America, booth 1465, offers PVC-free films for glass decoration. They are compatible with the latest UV inkjet printing technology. Customers can choose from films that have scratchresistant capabilities, 80 percent recycled optically clear features, as well as UV blocking to protect interiors from fading. Lintec’s adhesive technology is offered in permanent, removal, and air egress as well as unmatched optically clarity. The benefits of decorating glass with polyester film are that if printed and installed properly it looks as if the glass was directly printed. INFO# 480

Newlife Magnetics, booth 2213, features Platinum magnetic receptive, printable magnet media up to 60 inches wide; Cling King microsuction films; and new pre-magnetized Indigo sheets. It currently offers the thinnest, widest, lightest, and strongest magnetic materials on the market. The booth is interactive to demonstrate Newlife’s wide variety of unique products, come and experience the Newlife difference. INFO# 481 Onyx Graphics, Inc., booth 2753, demonstrates the newest version of its RIP and print workflow software and other solutions, including ONYX Go subscriptions, ONYX TruFit automated shape-based nesting, and the company’s business management tools. INFO# 482 digitaloutput.net

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Stimpson, booth 4111, showcases its entire line of fasteners and offers live demonstrations of attaching machinery. Discover why companies single source all their sign and banner fasteners and machinery from Stimpson. INFO# 488

6 Photo Tex, booth 2752, displays how its self-adhesive polyester fabric media is used on walls, windows, doors, and floors. It offers three different versions and 39 different skews to meet all your needs from temporary to permanent applications. Media is LEED certified, fire rated, and “green.” INFO# 483

PRESTOTEX, booth 4727, showcases its reengineered, 10-mil wall media. The textile wallcovering manufacturer also displays all variations of its printable media including white, silver, deep gold, and gold iridescent color options. See in person how the media can be used to wrap trade show booths, transform rooms, and create contour cut decals.

The booth also features ten- and 17-mil thick products, installation inspiration, and video tutorials.

PRESTOTEX wallcovering media is removable, repositionable, and easy to install. INFO# 484 Roland DGA, booth 1639, exhibits its TrueVIS wide format printers, including TrueVIS AP-640 Resin

6) Ultraflex, booth 1621, highlights its industry-leading fabrics, PVC-free media, and banner material.

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Printer and advanced TrueVIS LG Series and MG Series UV Printer/ Cutters. Also on display is the new VersaSTUDIO BN-20D Direct-toFilm System. INFO# 485

SAi, booth 1230, demonstrates its Flexi software for printing, cutting, print and cut, direct to film, and traffic applications. Witness a demonstration of the newest, time-saving production features available in Flexi 22 including advanced job nesting, color management, and layered printing. EnRoute 23 CAD/ CAM software for CNC machining is also featured. INFO# 486 Saw Trax, booth 3830, displays the Sign Maker’s Series Vertical Panel Saw with Makita Saw and Substrate Cutter. The Sign Maker’s Saw uses the Makita 5007 Saw Motor and OLFA Segmented Knife. With the Sign Maker Panel Saw and Substrate cutter, sign shops have one machine for all cutting needs. It is equipped with specialty accessories for cutting in both directions, vertically and horizontally. This cutter is ideal for making precision cuts in sheet goods that are up to 1¾ inches thick. INFO# 487

Summa America, booth 2027, introduces the next step in workflow efficiency and automation. The F1612 flatbed cutter is equipped with a conveyor extension and new Board Feeder. This system is developed to automate loading sheets on the flatbed cutter and boost productivity. The Board Feeder handles various materials but works especially well with cardboard, printed sheets, and other graphic materials for packaging purposes. INFO# 489

Tekra, booth 1125, promotes a variety of print films and adhesives to broaden the scope of your portfolio. Featuring polycarbonate and polyester films for indoor and outdoor signage, Tekra offers a variety of finishes to suit every aesthetic. For digital UV printers, JetView UV films provide ink anchorage that stands up to post processing and adhesives, providing endless application options.

Meanwhile, JetView Latex backlit films are a tried-and-true option for bright graphics without hotspots. If you are in the market for signs that make a bold statement, see Tekra’s rigid vinyl for inkjet and HP Indigo printing. INFO# 490 Trotec, booth 3325, invites attendees to witness its high-performance Speedy laser machines in action with Ruby software for improved workflow and watch live laser demonstrations on large

format SP laser cutters. These high-performance lasers offer a number of advantages to sign professionals including low maintenance and processing speeds of up to 170 inches per second. Reduce acrylic processing time by producing crystal clear flame-polished edges in a single step, eliminating the need for any additional post processing. INFO# 491 TRUMPF Power Tools, booth 4529, shows off the latest tools for cutting steels, plastics, and carbon fiber reinforced polymer.

It plans to demonstrate how to join metals together without the need for any fixings. Visit the booth for live demonstrations of multiple sign production applications. INFO# 492

Ultraflex, booth 1621, highlights its industry-leading fabrics, PVCfree media, and banner material.

Featured products include EcoVantage and PVC-free media that meet a range of applications such as frontlit, backlit, and blockout to help enhance your sustainable product line; VorTex Soft Signage is made up of an application-driven variety of fabrics and textiles designed for optimal print performance with unparalleled quality; and Décor Solutions, which make up wallcovering, upholstery, and flooring media. INFO# 493

Vycom, booth 2251, collects printed and unprinted rigid PVC and acrylic sheets for recycling into the company’s residential and commercial products. Designated collection bins are in select exhibitors’ booths—as well as in the ISA Green Recycling Zone—to recapture these materials before they digitaloutput.net

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end up in a landfill. Sign shops and print service providers using these materials in their everyday projects are invited to stop by the Vycom booth to learn how to take advantage of Vycom’s PVC Recycling Program, which can benefit their businesses, customers, and the environment. INFO# 494

WARDJET, booth 4728, part of AXYZ, focuses on the WARDJET A-Series, which features the most power per square foot of any machine in its class, and offers a standard 60k pump. The A-Series provides a natural work surface height and easy-to-use MOVE touchscreen controller. Technical specialists are on site to answer your questions. INFO# 495

Zünd, booth 3939, exhibits a full gamut of digital cutting and highperformance routing solutions with the latest in workflow automation. This includes the Robot PortaTable 130, a robotic pick-andplace option consisting of a roller table with a collaborative robot arm mounted on it. The PortaTable does not require fencing and can be quickly and easily moved from one Zünd cutter to another. Creating efficiencies beyond the cut is the goal of all the #LetsTalkWorkflow topics Zünd features in the booth, including the Visualizer projection system, parts labeling, and IoT options. INFO# 495

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Register Now

If you are a member of the sign and graphics community, the exhibitors mentioned in this preview as well as a host of others encourage you to attend the ISA International Sign Expo in April. Visit signexpo.org to register today. D digitaloutput.net

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Creating Playscapes Wide Format Printing and Finishing for Early Education

by Cassandra Balentine

B

eyond commercial applications like signs and banners, print is a powerful tool for nearly any industry. In some cases, it is utilized to simplify tasks and make them repeatable.

Fit and Fun Playscapes, LLC takes the capabilities afforded by modern digital printing and finishing technologies and applies it to early education and childhood development.

Cutting a Niche

placed to create colorful, innovative, and engaging games that promote physical activity and emotional learning.

While this idea proved successful, Gunther also got to thinking—what if games moved inside? From there additional concepts were born, including roll out activity mats for use during gym class or movement breaks in the classroom; and floor stickers, which offer a more permanent installation of indoor activities and exercises.

Today these products contribute to the company’s steady Approximately 12 years ago, Pam Gunther volunteered growth, moving from the Gunthers’ kitchen table, to a small to help paint the schoolyard at her children’s school. As closet, a brick-and-mortar store in a local strip mall, and she and members of the parent teacher association hand painted a playful design over the course of a few weeks, she finally to a 5,000 square foot office and production studio in Poughkeepsie, NY got to thinking—there with eight employees. must be a more ef… the Trotec lasers enable the company fective way to do this.

Its client base is This led to the idea for to offer brand materials and incorporate mostly schools, healththe company’s inaugucare providers, and ral product, stencils. In layers for a more comprehensive product municipal parks. All lieu of hand painting right out of the box. of its business comes designs from scratch, from the Fit and Fun stencils can be easily

1 & 2) Fit and Fun Playscapes takes the capabilities afforded by modern digital printing and finishing technologies and applies it to early education and childhood development to promote physical activity and emotional learning.

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Playscapes website and it ships across the U.S. and beyond.

The company has more than 40 different copyrights for its products and over a dozen trademarks. It maintains a stock of these printed and cut products to ship out fast as needed.

Higher Quality, More Control From the start, Fit and Fun Playscapes did all of its own designs, but brokered out the production.

However, after a few years it realized printing and cutting in house would bring higher quality, lower costs, and more control.

It started the journey of in-house production with an HP Inc. Latex 570 Printer, a Summa cutter, a Graphic Finishing Partners, LLC laminator, and a Caldera RIP. These were quickly put to work producing the floor stickers and roll out activity mats.

strengthen and improve production. This lead to the purchase of a second HP Latex device.

Stencil Work

With the in-house production of its floor stickers and roll out activity mats a well-oiled machine, the next project was to bring Fit and Fun Playscapes’ flagship product—stencils—under its own roof.

The company’s stencils are made from thick, commercial-grade plastic, making them durable for pavement markings. However, manufacturing requires a more powerful cutter than what is used for floor stickers and roll out activity mats.

Eventually a Trotec Laser SP2000 was purchased. The SP series CO2 laser cutters are well suited for cutting large format materials, like the

commercial-grade plastic used in the stencils. After installing the first, a second was added shortly after.

In addition to in-house laser cutting capabilities, the Trotec lasers enable the company to offer brand materials and incorporate layers for a more comprehensive product right out of the box.

Each stencil package is designed for ease of use and install, including illustrated application instructions and suggestions on how long the painting will take and how many volunteers are needed.

The company also sells paint separately at pre-calculated amounts that contain enough for each reusable stencil and include colors that match what is seen on its product pages.

One of Fit and Fun Playscapes’ best-selling products is one of its oldest, signature designs—the Daisy Hopscotch. More than 12 feet long, it creates a movement path for children to follow and features a set of playful green leaves, each with their own shape, and numbers layered on top.

Utilizing the Tools

While hand painting is always an option, schoolyards and playgrounds are areas that experience a lot of wear and tear. With products like Fit and Fun Playscapes’ reusable stencils, this effort is streamlined. The company offers a well-rounded offering that utilizes wide format print and finishing tools outside of the traditional print shop. D See page 29 for more info.

This all happened around Fall 2019 and the pandemic arrived shortly after. On a positive note, it gave the company some time to get to know the equipment and experiment with what could be accomplished.

The effects of COVID-19 led Pam’s husband, Gary, to the business.

“During this time I started to learn about wide format printing. I stumbled through, making a lot of mistakes and having HP vendors out a bunch of times,” he shares.

Fit and Fun Playscapes came to the realization that an industry veteran could help perfect the print and finishing process. A production manager was hired to digitaloutput.net

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Vendor Perspective Meeting Quality Demands

by Cassandra Balentine

E

ach year, Digital Output polls ink manufacturers to discuss the latest and greatest when it comes to digital inks, as well as any challenges and considerations from the past year and beyond. From eco-solvent to latex, UV, and solvent, ink trends move towards industrial applications and test out new surfaces.

Ink Trends

When it comes to ink use, Pedro J. Martinez, CEO, AFFORD, points to increased ink consumption. “There are areas of decrease, such as solvent-based inks, but there are more areas where the growth is substantial over the last few years,” he shares.

Martinez believes we are at the beginning of big industrial markets transforming from analog to inkjet technology. “Still, inkjet needs to develop to solve some of the challenges

1 & 2) LSINC’s PeriOne direct to object digital printer uses Marabu UltraJet DLE-A, which offers ideal adhesion on glass items.

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associated with this, but we see that over the years most of the challenges are being solved and new challenges show up when more requests are being made in regards to speed, quality, and performance.”

AFFORD produces a range of wide format inks including eco-solvent, UV, solvent, latex, and water based. Among its water-based inks, AFFORD develops options for direct to fabric, direct to garment, dye-sublimation, and more recently plastics and cardboard packaging.

Syd Northup, VP of sales, digital U.S., digital inks, Marabu North America, sees customers continuing to move to UV inks because of its ability to print on unique substrates and applications. Part of It is our thought that most customers this is driven by direct will prioritize maintenance and ink to object UV printing on glass, aluminum, consistency over price. steel, and plastic.

— Pedro J. Martinez, CEO, AFFORD Marabu’s UltraJet DLE-A is one of the

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company’s stand out products, according to Northup. “This ink can be installed in flatbed or direct to object printers.”

We can’t get too far in a trend piece without discussing the lasting effects of COVID-19. One positive is that experts say the COVID-19 pandemic did not impact the use of inks all that much. Northup reports an increase in volume over the past six to nine months.

Martinez notes that while during the first month of pandemic lockdowns there was a reduction in orders, signage was active at the restart. “Areas like events were very quiet but have recovered quite well,” he comments.

In terms of applications, Northup sees print providers adding value and pivoting to new applications utilizing digital printing.

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Martinez adds that performance is key, noting that digital inks must work perfectly or the system won’t work at all. “This means that customers won’t compromise the performance of the system. It is our thought that most customers will prioritize maintenance and ink consistency over price.”

Demands of Ink

Print providers expect consistent, quality ink, even as they evolve to new substrates and surfaces. Ink manufacturers deliver by keeping up with the latest demands.

Visit the Target Chart section of digitaloutput.net for a list of vendors offering ink sets. D See page 29 for more info.

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WEBINAR digitaloutput.net

AVAILABLE

n o i t c a ttr A

by Melissa Donovan

isplay and point of purchase (POP) graphics utilize every available surface to capture the consumer’s attention.

This includes, but isn’t limited to, walls, partitions, windows, ceilings, countertops, and floors. Each offer “wow” factor when paired with the correct media and imagery.

Floor graphics regularly generate glances, as people are constantly looking down at their feet while walking or browsing on their phones. When the COVID-19 pandemic first { 18 } April 2023 | Digital Output

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started, floor graphics shined, playing an instrumental role in social distancing. While this is no longer as necessary or popular as it once was, floor graphics continue to thrive in advertising and POP scenarios.

Spike in Popularity

The buzz surrounding floor graphics during the initial stages of the pandemic has quieted down. With the over saturation of this application used for social distancing its been challenging to get back to floor graphics’ usage for

promotional purposes. However, it is apparent all of the many advantages remain.

“During the pandemic there was a mad rush to get social distance guidelines out to the masses and the overkill of floor graphics was born. As people begin to come back out, they want to experience more of life pre-pandemic, so the directional floor graphics and the six-foot spacing squares on the floor are being removed,”

Above) Drytac Polar Street FX is specifically developed for rough ground or wall surfaces such as brick, concrete, or asphalt.

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explains Ryan Allen, regional technical specialist, Avery Dennison Graphic Solutions.

Nate Goodman, product manager, Mactac, points out that “COVID-19 graphics were more instructional signage than the normal promotional messaging that we are used to. Since these types of messages are no longer used, the design has changed but the purpose remains the same and COVID-19 has even conditioned people to look at the floor more.”

Daniel Farias, technical engineer, Drytac Canada Inc., admits that “it is possible, with the relative

normalization of the pandemic situation, that floor graphics have lost some of the buzz they had during the pandemic, and some companies might have overused it.

However, this doesn’t mean floor graphics are no longer a valuable tool for retailers and other businesses. Floor graphics can still play an important role in visual merchandising and in-store marketing, helping to create a more immersive shopping experience and drive customer engagement and sales.”

Roy Ritchie, president, DreamScape, does not believe there’s been an over saturation of floor graphics, but shares just how beneficial

this application can be. “For example, if a brand has a temporary in-store promotion, adding graphics to the floor will enhance their space, help define it, and attract eyeballs. Plus, if the space your POP display or fixtures are located in will have unattractive floors, adding a large floor graphic is an excellent solution to transform that space into a more attractive environment for your promotion and products.”

“Imagine if just five percent of floorspace was utilized for advertising campaigns in grocery stores alone on average that would be 2,100 square feet per store. The

space is there, and just like the checkout lane has suggestive selling products, the same can be said for the floor graphic with a quick response (QR) code and discount or link to recipes or product tips.

It adds value to the customer to choose that product,” explains Steve Yarbrough, customer experience manager, Neschen Inc. To overcome deterrents toward floor graphics, print providers need to think of new ways to successfully sell them, especially in display and POP. “Now is the time to reintroduce floor graphics as a revenue producer. The floor space can be sold to brands

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they’re versatile and can be used to promote a range of products and services, and they can be placed in locations that are highly visible and accessible to shoppers. PSPs should also focus on providing solutions that are more sustainable, made from eco-friendly materials, and provide more durability. This helps establish their products as a more responsible choice for retailers and businesses,” shares Farias.

1 for advertising space; brands can drive revenue by innovative and inviting graphics that entice consumers to choose their products,” suggests Mike Richardson, business development manager, graphics media, Jessup Manufacturing Company.

“Print providers should do their homework, be intentional with designs, and impress clients with exciting, bright colorful graphics that draw the eye and get the message across. In my opinion, there is always space for floor graphics if they are done correctly. With the right designs and messaging, they continue to be powerful,” says Michael Aldrich, product manager, FDC Graphic Films, Inc.

Angel Georgiou, senior marketing specialist, imaging supplies, Canon Solutions America, believes it’s time to get more creative in how 1) FloorSignage AlumiGraphics Grip is designed for exterior walkways like asphalt and concrete.

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we use floor graphics. “I think a lot of people forgot how to use the floor—even directional signage and area visibility in a point of sale environment—since there is still a lot of COVID-19 signage that hasn’t been removed. Floor graphics can be attention getters, there are so many more options than just a logo or product advertisement.”

“If you use floor graphics as part of the experience and are intentional with your branding, they provide an excellent addition to any display or POP advertising,” recommends Bill Rothe, EVP clear sales, Better Life Technology.

There will always be demand for effective advertising solutions, and this is something print service providers (PSPs) must convey to their customers. “They need to communicate the many benefits of floor graphics such as it’s an easy and cost-effective way to communicate a message,

Another suggestion, educate on where floor graphics can be used, expanding into outside of stores on sidewalks and even parking lots, shares Micah Causey, VP, FloorSignage, LLC. “Graphics placed in these locations provide initial exposure to customers before they enter a store and are inundated with a plethora of signage and advertising messages inside.”

Trends in Retail

Display and POP signage is predominately seen in retail environments. For floor graphics to remain relevant, it’s important they address certain trends in imagery, dimensional size, messaging, and turnover.

“In recent years, floor graphics in retail environments have become more dynamic and engaging, with an emphasis on bold colors, high-quality imagery, and eye-catching designs. This is due to the growing importance of visual merchandising and in-store marketing, which are seen as key drivers of customer engagement and sales. Retailers and brands use floor graphics to create an immersive shopping experience and to communicate their message in an impactful way,” says Farias.

An example, points out Aldrich, is in grocery stores. “What’s trending in grocery store aisles is graphics indicating a product in that specific aisle is for sale or sponsored by a company. For example, Bud Lite may be advertising a new flavor of beer for the Super Bowl. These can also be used to promote other products in the store to get your attention.”

One way to make the advertisement more immersive—make it larger. “There is also a growing trend towards larger floor graphics, with retailers and brands looking to create impactful visuals that can be seen from a distance. This is especially effective in large, open spaces like malls and airports, where floor graphics are used to create a sense of direction and guide customers to specific areas of the store,” continues Farias.

Rothe says so far in 2023 he’s received inquiries that involve larger size floor graphics. These are included in display quotes and being used as part of the overall experience.

“There are a wide variety of shapes and sizes for graphics because of the custom nature of the application. I would say most common is wayfinding and instructional signage that is medium to small in size,” adds Goodman.

When it comes to messaging, Allen notices directional signage and signage with a call to action are trends from the pandemic that have continued. People still also use QR codes for anything from menus to in-store specials.

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“There is tremendous opportunity to reimagine helpful advertising space, especially with the postpandemic increase in comfort with using QR codes. Creativity for POP campaigns focused on customer engagement and convenient product or event information can inject life and activity into this marketing space,” agrees Matt Edwards, product manager for digital print media solutions, General Formulations.

Turnover is quick in retail. As such, “we hear that many end users are demanding products that can be easily applied and removed by their staff rather than professional installers,” says Causey.

“Floor graphics in POP and advertising environments are updated or replaced on a regular basis.

Retail environments change advertising campaigns and promotional deals frequently, so floor graphics supporting those campaigns need to be updated or replaced to stay relevant and effective,” notes Farias.

POP and advertising environments tend to be short term— less than three months—according to Richardson. “These floor graphics are used for a shopping season, for example back to school. In grocery we see floor graphics in the checkout areas,

these may be brand promotions or invitations to join the retail store’s loyalty points program.”

“The turnover is usually focused on specialty or sale products that are marketed. A constantly turning graphic at a certain location can be very profitable for a converter if it is sold as a bi-weekly or monthly changeout,” advises Allen.

Edwin Ramos, director of sales, ACCO Brands, says “you want it to be noticed, not something that blends in all the time. Changing out graphics to match what’s popular with the season will help promotional efforts.”

Heavy Traffic

Anti-slip floor graphics are important—you can read more about the topic on page 24. But, we could argue that graphics with slip resistance are even more important in high-traffic areas.

These include retail as well restaurants or hospitality locations, any place where a floor graphic is used for POP and advertising purposes. To ensure the right media is used for the job, a PSP must conduct due diligence.

“The level of traffic, floor material, and environment play a big part on selecting the right material. A one-step product may be

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encounter oily liquids, water, spilled drink, or a dropped french fry? Do you expect the graphic will need to be cleaned? If so how, mop, pressure washer, or floor scrubber? What kind of traffic will it encounter, foot traffic only or could it encounter cars, forklifts, or dollies?

2 suitable based on duration but ink durability should also be considered. Two-step systems utilizing a overlaminate to protect the graphics are much more resilient but cost more. The more you understand about the application and customer’s expectation, the better you recommend the right product to service the need in the most economical manner,” advises Dave Ofstein, quality manager, Nekoosa.

understand their specific needs and to provide recommendations on materials, testing, and best practices for installation, maintenance, and cleaning to guarantee the safety and longevity of the floor graphics.”

Farias notes it is also important for “print providers to work closely with their clients to

Specific needs, listed by Richardson, might include how long the end customer expects the graphic to be in use. Does the end use customer expect the graphic to look just as bright and clean on day 90 as it did on day one? Will this graphic be placed indoors or outdoors? Will the graphic

INFO# COMPANY 121 ACCO Brands

WEBSITE accobrands.com

companies mentioned

See page 29 for more info.

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Avery Dennison Graphic Solutions

graphics.averydennison.com

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Better Life Technology

bltllc.com

124

Canon Solutions America

csa.canon.com

125

DreamScape

dreamscapewalls.com

126

Drytac

drytac.com

127

FDC Graphic Films, Inc.

fdcfilms.com

128

FloorSignage, LLC

alumigraphics.com generalformulations.com

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General Formulations

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Jessup Manufacturing Company

jessupmfg.com

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Mactac

mactac.com

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Nekoosa

nekoosa.com

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Neschen Inc.

neschen.de

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Traffic is more than just pedestrian-related, it could be turning wheels from shopping carts, rolling luggage, or even floor cleaning equipment, points out Causey.

“It is important to note that high levels of traffic will take its toll on the product and wear down its slip-resistant property requiring the customer to monitor the graphics and have them replaced as needed.”

Avoiding an accident because of a floor graphic is paramount.

“No one wants a shopper to slip and fall from the result of their floor graphic not being properly tested and certified. Whenever the conversation comes up about floor graphics, print providers need to make sure the product carries a valid certification,” stresses Ritchie.

“The print provider must know the materials and laminates.

Choosing a product on preference or price is not the answer when it comes to a POP or hightraffic area floor graphic. Choosing a material because it has the proper certifications and is made for that type of application can be the difference between a lawsuit or a lasting product,” advises Allen.

2) Nekoosa’s Walk-On Graphics are recommended for use on smooth, clean, flat surfaces.

You can’t use any old substrate.

“It might be tempting to use available materials to create floor graphics, but it’s important to use durable floor graphic laminates and base materials to ensure the best possible performance and safety,” says Edwards.

“You might have a great slip rating on a laminate, yet you put it on a cheap or an incorrect print media and it lifts causing a trip hazard, or it simply just gets destroyed. When choosing floor graphics materials, it is essential they are suitable and safe for their intended environment,” recommends Yarbrough.

Even after installation, floor graphics should be checked repeatedly to avoid any accidents.

“It is very important that where there is heavy traffic the floor graphic is inspected frequently and has the appropriate slip resistance for the location. The edges could get kicked up over time and it could cause a completely different type of hazard,” notes Goodman.

A Powerful Presence

With the rise of floor graphics during the COVID-19 pandemic this application still packs a punch in the advertising world.

There are an array of opportunities available to marketers looking to utilize floor graphics for promotional purposes.

We discuss floor graphics’ powerful presence in display and POP as well as anti-slip certification requirements in our recent webinar, which is available on digitaloutput.net/webinars. D digitaloutput.net

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WEBINAR digitaloutput.net

AVAILABLE

by Melissa Donovan

loor graphics offer great visual appeal— but behind that pretty picture, safety measures are in constant motion. Print service providers (PSPs) must be active participants when it comes to choosing the right material for the job.

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for graphics adhered to a floor whether it’s wood, tile, or concrete—indoors or outdoors.

Something as trivial as a spot of cleaning solution on the graphic can result in an injury. “Slip resistance is affected by factors such as floor coatings, fuel residue, grease, water, detergents, contamination, chemical treatments, cleaning, and wear,” says Micah Causey, VP, FloorSignage, LLC.

Testing standards and certifications are in place on national and international levels to ensure floor graphic media is performing with the least amount of risk. These are conducted on the first surface point of the graphic, meaning if it’s a two-step floor graphic system, then the overlaminate is tested and certified for anti-slip. For one step, only the base material is tested.

Above) Asphalt Art and SideWalk, from Jessup, feature B101.1/ B101.3 certification.

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High Test Marks

Anti-slip or slip-resistant standards are executed by associations tasked with measuring the coefficient of friction (COF) of a surface. COF can be dynamic or static. Newer practices favor dynamic COF (DCOF), as it is cited to be a more real-world illustration of someone walking over the testing surface.

In general terms, “anti-slip is measured when someone is standing/walking over a floor graphic during normal conditions, on level surfaces. DCOF is the global standard used to determine slip resistance. If the DCOF score is

0.42 or greater, the surface is considered high traction, and has high slip resistance. Floor graphics with a low-traction range, below 0.30, present a higher risk of slip incidents,” explains Edwin Ramos, director of sales, ACCO Brands.

In the U.S., common slip-resistance testing standards come from associations including the American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM), American National Standards Institute (ANSI), and Underwriters Laboratories (UL).

ASTM and ANSI

ASTM E303 is a test method that uses a pendulum tester to assess

the DCOF of the surface being tested. The method was revised in 2022 to replicate even further other pendulum test methods in the rest of the world and it is now one of the most widely known and reliable ways to test for pedestrian slip resistance, according to Daniel Farias, technical engineer, Drytac Canada Inc. “ASTM E303 relies on replicating, in a consistent and accurate way, the DCOF of a heel on floor surfaces, since it has been determined that a person’s heel is the part of the foot that starts slipping first in most floor slip situations. The device involves

a swinging arm, with a rubber slider mounted on the end that sweeps over a surface and slides over it for a determined contact distance. This test can be performed in both dry and wet conditions so is valid for indoor and outdoor situations, and the results obtained are very user friendly to interpret,” continues Farias.

ASTM E303 test results are measured by a single pendulum test value and classified in three different ranges, high slip potential between 0 to 24, moderate slip potential between 25 to 35, and low slip potential for results over 36.

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UL UL is accredited in both Canada and the U.S. “It certifies products with the intent to make the world safer for consumers and workers. Along with product safety testing it sets industry standards for companies to follow during the process of innovating new products,” notes Michael Aldrich, product manager, FDC Graphic Films, Inc.

1 Ryan Allen, regional technical specialist, Avery Dennison Graphic Solutions, notes that standards such as ASTM E303 are updated annually to include new technology or more precise testing.

An example of this is ANSI A137.1/A326.3. “The newer ANSI A326.3 is practically the same as the ANSI A137.1 but it did not count with the involvement of the National Floor Safety Institute (NFSI)—although there were 61 organizations in the approval of ANSI A326.3,” shares Farias.

The ANSI A137.1/A326.3 method uses a digital tribometer to measure the DCOF of a surface, it can also be measured on dry and wet conditions and specifies a minimum of 0.42 for safety.

Farias argues that beyond the minimum DCOF, other factors need to 1) Drytac’s Polar Street FX is a PVC-free, aluminum print media that boasts several slip-ratings allowing for slip-resistant floor graphics.

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be considered such as type of use; traffic; expected contaminants, maintenance, and wear; and manufacturers’ recommendations, but the ANSI A137.1/A326.3 standard gives no guidance on how to consider the mentioned factors.

“Nevertheless, this testing method provides useful comparisons between large areas of a surface or different surfaces as it can perform significantly more tests per hour than the pendulum, but it is recommended that a pendulum tester is used in conjunction with it to assess whether a surface’s slip resistance is suitable for the intended use,” continues Farias.

Roy Ritchie, president, DreamScape, says the two certifications that are critical to floor graphics are the AS HB198:2014 (AS/NZS 4586) pendulum test and ANSI A137.1/A326.3. “AS HB198:2014 (AS/NZS 4586) is utilized around the world and resolves the short comings of older tests.”

UL410 is the standard developed to test a variety of surfaces and material as slip resistant. “To be considered slip resistant, the material has to achieve a static COF (SCOF) of 0.5 or greater. SCOF is measured using a James Machine by applying weight downward through a leather foot onto the test surface and at the same time, the sample holding table begins moving laterally away from the direction of the weight.

The machine records the point at which the shoe slips as the SCOF,” explains Farias.

He says the downside of this test method is that the SCOF measures how slippery a floor may be when the test subject is standing still, failing to represent accurately when someone is actually walking over the sample.

“The UL410 testing method was originally created for wax floor treatments and sealers. SCOF is not a real-world slip hazard environment, and rated product could pose an inadvertent injury risk,” advises Steve Yarbrough, customer experience manager, Neschen Inc. Mike Richardson, business development manager, graphics media,

Jessup Manufacturing Company, notes that ASTM D2047 uses the same test method and scale as UL410. “It is a dry static test that measures the COF. The dynamic test with a swinging pendulum is a more robust method, like the B101 standard conducted and certified by the NFSI, which is both a wet and dry test.”

“NFSI has become more popular than standard ASTM ratings previously used. You will see the NFSI symbol used from media manufacturers in their sales collateral. Most of these tests are for the U.S. only,” notes Angel Georgiou, senior marketing specialist, imaging supplies, Canon Solutions America.

Other Requirements

While standards like UL410, AS HB198:2014 (AS/NZS 4586), and ANSI A137.1/A326.3 are recognized internationally, certain regions may require a specific variation or European equivalent, shares Matt Edwards, product manager for digital print media solutions, General Formulations.

Regional or European testing equivalents include the U.K.’s BS 7976-2; DIN 51130, DIN 51131, and DIN5097 from Germany; and the Australian AS/NZS 4586:2013, notes Causey.

DIN 51130 is a German ramp test.

“It is rated with a value from R9 to R13. The test method uses a cleated boot and oil as a contaminate slip angle of R, which is six to ten degrees equivalent of 0.11 to 0.18 COF for hallways and aisles, R10 is 0.18 to 0.34 COF for transition areas or fast food courts, R11 is digitaloutput.net

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0.34 to 0.51 COF for wet areas like bars, or bathrooms in hospitals or aged care facilities, and ranges to R13 which is 35+ degrees slip, or 0.70+ COF,” explains Yarbrough.

“Even though the mentioned organizations are recognized worldwide, it is important to note that the standards and certifications needed can vary by country or depend on the application, so it is essential to check the specific requirements of your customer especially if supplying products internationally,” advises Farias.

Specific buildings or spaces may have requirements of their own.

In general, “new construction is where the certifications are mostly needed to be approved and used.

Commercial space and areas of retail would also request a certification of some type,” shares Allen.

“Certain venues—big amusement parks or municipal governments—have teams that require certain standards. Typically, these organizations will require a wet/ dry dynamic test such as the NFSI B101.1 and/or the more recent version B101.3,” notes Richardson.

Layers on Layers

Floor graphics are available as two options—one- or two-step

processes. One step means the media is designed to not require a separate overlaminate on top of it. Two step includes a base material and a laminate placed over it.

When it comes to the question of whether the media is approved for anti-slip and even anti-scruff certification, the part that must be tested is the layer the traffic comes into contact with.

“Certifications for slip and scuff are for the first surface, the surface that people would come into contact with. Issues pertaining to slip and scuff resistance always qualify on the top layer.

If a material is not laminated, that material would be the one that would need to qualify for the certification,” explains Allen.

“Test methods are used to determine the slip rating of the surface that is being crossed. That could be either the overlaminate or the base media of a printed one-step product where a laminate is not required,” seconds Nate Goodman, product manager, Mactac.

If it is a two-part floor graphic system, however, that doesn’t mean the base should be ignored completely. If an overlaminate is included in the build, then both

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“This is a very important distinction. Will your floor or ground graphic possibly get wet? If yes, a wet slip rating is required. One such rating is the NFSI B101.1 or the B101.3 test. This is a dynamic test that uses a swinging pendulum and in the case of the B101.1 test, distilled water is used. For the B101.3 test, soapy water is used. Both tests have two parts, one lab-controlled part and a second half which is a three month in situation and tested again at the end of the three month time frame,” explains Richardson.

2 the base and overlaminate are tested together as a single unit, says Farias.

Under Water

“This is because the slip resistance of the floor graphic is determined by the combination of the base media and the overlaminate. The base media, such as the adhesive vinyl or film, provides the structural support for the graphic, while the overlaminate provides a layer of protection and can enhance the slip resistance of the graphic, as the overlaminate can change the surface texture and friction of the base media,” shares Farias.

companies mentioned INFO# COMPANY 106 ACCO Brands

As media and ink advances, digitally printed graphics are seen and used everywhere. In response, “anti-slip certifications have changed to include various locations for floor graphics to better understand the elements,” says Ramos.

For example, certain floor graphic materials are compatible for use in pools or water fountains.

Additionally, graphics are more apt to get wet depending on the environment, say it’s outside and it might be rained on.

See next page for more info.

WEBSITE accobrands.com

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Avery Dennison Graphic Solutions

graphics.averydennison.com

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Better Life Technology

bltllc.com

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Canon Solutions America

csa.canon.com

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DreamScape

dreamscapewalls.com

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Drytac

drytac.com

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FDC Graphic Films, Inc.

fdcfilms.com

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FloorSignage, LLC

alumigraphics.com

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General Formulations

generalformulations.com

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Jessup Manufacturing Company

jessupmfg.com

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Mactac

mactac.com

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Nekoosa

nekoosa.com

118

Neschen Inc.

neschen.de

{ 28 } April 2023 | Digital Output

DO_23_4-2_AntiSlipFloorRevFinal-SWMD.indd 28

Different tests and certifications are in place for water locations.

“Separate testing would be needed to determine if a certain product would be deemed safe for a location that is subjected to standing water,” says Allen. Some of the tests aforementioned don’t include water. For example, standing water is not an application method covered by the UL410 test.

“If an area is routinely exposed to water, then a more stringent testing method is necessary. There are ANSI A137.1/A326.3 methods that may be more appropriate,” suggests Dave Ofstein, quality manager, Nekoosa.

Just because the material in question scores high on dry slip resistance, doesn’t mean the material will perform well in wet circumstances. “It is imperative to consider the expected conditions of use of the slip resistance surface at the time of determining against which standard the surface should

2) ACCO Brands’ SEAL Floor Guard offers a durable, scuff- and slip-resistant surface for foot traffic safety.

be tested. If the floor is likely to get wet at some point, then an wet DCOF should be measured by any of the standards capable of doing so,” recommends Farias.

“The testing definitely changes when moving from dry to wet as you significantly change the amount of possible friction on the material surface. Immediately any smooth floor laminate is eliminated and even some textured films perform poorly. If you install floor graphics in a location prone to regular moisture, you either want to forego floor graphics or look for a non-skid material instead,” suggests Edwards.

Beyond slip-resistance testing, Farias points out “it is also worth noting that the materials used in floor graphics that will be subjected to water exposure should be waterproof or water resistant to prevent the graphics from dissolving or peeling off. In addition, regular cleaning and maintenance should be done to the floor graphic to help retain its slip-resistance performance over time.”

“If you know a graphic is going to be in a wet environment, you want to make sure you have a higher rating and it is approved for such location. You don’t want your graphic to be a slip and slide, and you don’t want it lifting causing a trip hazard. The surface should be clean and dry and free of any contaminants prior to installation. Products must adhere well to the floor surface for the desired duration of the project without curling at the edges and have a non-slip surface to prevent accidents,” adheres Yarbrough. digitaloutput.net

3/15/23 9:16 PM

Look at testing methods B101.1/ B101.3 from NFSI. “Both methods use a digital tribometer to measure COF, static coefficient in the case of the B101.1 standard, and dynamic coefficient based on the B101.3 standard, however in January 2020 the NFSI announced that its ANSI accreditation to develop floor safety standards had been terminated and this termination effectively outdated these two methods,” explains Farias.

Goodman provides another example with ASTM C1028, a test method that became obsolete because it produced misleading results.

It is because of this and other scenarios that Goodman sees the possibility of a test method being mandated by OSHA in the future to eliminate confusion.

“Many products utilized are not properly certified—especially with respect to slip resistance.

In fact, most products rely on ancient test methods that can’t determine the slipperiness of a surface,” cautions Ritchie. digitaloutput.net

DO_23_4-2_AntiSlipFloorRevFinal-SWMD.indd 29

“UL-certified laminates have been around for a while. With COVID-19 restrictions there were lots of new technologies in antislip films and options to choose from, some UL-approved. There is always room for improvement, and I would say we will see more and better options in the future for multiple floor surface applications,” shares Aldrich.

This is especially true in the U.S. “The testing in the U.S. has improved however it is not yet as demanding or as thorough as standards in Australia and Europe. Because of this there are many products being sold in the U.S. for floor graphics that would not pass in other countries,” shares Causey.

“In the last few years Americans have adopted the European standards for a more universal approach,” adds Bill Rothe, EVP clear sales, Better Life Technology.

That being said, Georgiou believes more materials are tested because the product choices are increasing.

This is especially ideal for onestep floor graphic systems because it’s “easier for more PSPs to participate in confidently offering that application to their clients.”

The various testing methods for anti-slip requirements on floor graphic material are vast and constantly changing, which is why print providers need to remain aware of the importance of COF when choosing floor graphic media, however this is not the only critical factor. “They need to know type of use—outdoor/ indoor, concrete/ title/carpet; traffic level; expected contaminants, maintenance, and wear; and manufacturers’ guidelines and recommendations,” suggests Ramos.

To learn more about anti-slip certifications and testing, new floor graphic substrates, and how this application is fairing in the display and point of purchase space, visit digitaloutput. net/webinars and tune in to our latest webinar. D

ADVERTISER

24 Alpina Manufacturing, LLC 23 Alpina Manufacturing, LLC 1 AP Lazer 25 Banner Ups by Budnick 2 Better Life Technology 29 Delivery Signs 3 Digitech USA 4 FDC Graphic Films, Inc. 18 FDC Graphic Films, Inc. 19 FLEXcon 20 FloorSignage, LLC 5 INX International Ink Co. 6 Jessup Mfg. Co. 7 Lintec of America, Inc. 8 Mutoh America, Inc. 9 New Force Magnetics Co. 21 New Force Magnetics Co. 22 Newlife Magnetics, LLC 10 Newlife Magnetics, LLC 27 Panel Processing 11 PRESTOTEX 12 Signs365 13 swissQprint 14 TEKRA LLC 15 Trotec Laser, Inc. 16 Ultraflex Systems, Inc. 28 Vision Engraving & Routing Systems 17 Zund America, Inc.

COMPANY

121 ACCO Brands 106 ACCO Brands 445 AFFORD 122 Avery Dennison Graphic Solutions 107 Avery Dennison Graphic Solutions 123 Better Life Technology 108 Better Life Technology 450 Caldera 124 Canon Solutions America 109 Canon Solutions America 125 DreamScape 110 DreamScape 126 Drytac 111 Drytac 127 FDC Graphic Films, Inc. 112 FDC Graphic Films, Inc. 440 Fedrigoni Self-Adhesives 128 FloorSignage, LLC 113 FloorSignage, LLC 129 General Formulations 114 General Formulations 441 General Formulations 451 Graphic Finishing Partners, LLC 452 HP Inc. 130 Jessup Manufacturing Company 115 Jessup Manufacturing Company 131 Mactac 116 Mactac 442 Mactac 446 Marabu North America 132 Nekoosa 117 Nekoosa 133 Neschen Inc. 118 Neschen Inc. 453 Summa 454 Trotec Laser Inc.

PAGE

In the Know

WEBSITE

23 fastchangeframes.com 23 bannergrip.com 7 aplazer.com 23 bannerups.com 25 bltllc.com/gfg 23 yardsignsresellers.com 9 digitechusa.com 21 fdcfilms.com/3400 31 fdcfilms.com 30 flexcon.com 31 floorsignage.com 11 triangleinx.com 19 jessupmfg.com 17 digitalwindowgraphics.com 35 mutoh.com 13 newforcemagnetics.com 30 newforcemagnetics.com 31 newlifemagnetics.com 33 newlifemagnetics.com 23 panel.com 27 prestotex.com 36 signs365.com 13 swissqprint.com 33 tekra.com 15 troteclaser.com 17 ultraflexx.com 23 visionengravers.com 2 zund.com

PAGE

“Improvements primarily focus on increasing the accuracy and consistency of slip resistance testing and incorporating new test methods to better simulate real-world conditions, also giving priority to testing slip resistance when surfaces are wet, and testing the DCOF instead of the static one, as well as covering a range of flooring types,” explains Farias.

Anti-slip certifications continue to evolve, with slip resistance standards changing as awareness of slip-and-fall accidents grows, according to Farias. Another area that impacts slip resistance is the popularity of sustainable materials and flooring. “Certifications and testing methods for slip resistance will probably consider the environmental impact of the materials, as well as their performance.”

INFO#

Anti-slip certifications change over time in response to new materials being introduced as well as other advancements.

INFO#

Seasons of Change

18 24 16 18 24 18 24 14 18 24 18 24 18 24 18 24 32 18 24 18 24 32 14 14 18 24 18 24 32 16 18 24 18 24 14 14

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#21

Website

225

3A Composites USA

3acompositesusa.com/display

226

3M Commercial Solutions

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227

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228

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awsubstrates.com

230

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allsquare.com

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#19

{ 30 } April 2023 | Digital Output

DO_23_4-7_LFMediaChartRevFinal-SWMD.indd 30

digitaloutput.net

3/15/23 9:22 PM

INFO# Company

Website

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286

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308

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315

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301

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digitaloutput.net

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by Digital Output Staff

ased on a report from Acumen Research and Consulting published in December 2022, in North America alone, the automotive wrap films market share was more than 35.8 percent in 2021. “This expansion is primarily the result of the presence of major automakers in the region. Color-changing advanced technologies and an increase in

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research and development expenses by major influencers contribute to the expansion of the region’s automotive wrap films market,” states the report.

The study, Automative Wrap Films Market and Region Forecast, 2022 - 2030, also notes that the global automotive wrap films market revenue was worth USD

4,689 million in 2021. It forecasts the automotive wrap films market will be worth USD 28,344 million in 2030. That means a compound annual growth rate of 22.4 percent from 2022 to 2030.

Below) Fedrigoni Self-Adhesives Ri-Jet C50 Ultimate Slide & Tack is ideal for wrapping cars and vehicle fleets, thanks to its adaptability on irregular surfaces, such as bumpers, mirrors, and van corrugations.

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To match demand, there must be material—whether that be color change films or substrates optimized for digital print. Unfortunately, the raw materials that make up the media—PVC, plasticizers, pigments, fillers, processing aids, and certain additives—are experiencing supply chain delays, which lead to pricing volatility.

material delays or competition’s product shortages” and instead a “constant area of growth and improvement as part of a corporate direction to meet market demands and continue our own product and solution innovation.”

Committed Vendors

Fedrigoni Self-Adhesives is new to the vehicle wrap market, so it has a different spin on the current state of affairs. According to Melissa Harton, marketing manager, North America, Fedrigoni SelfAdhesives, the company began servicing the European market in December 2022 and at press time had not been impacted by supply chain disruptions.

Delays and cost obviously impact print service providers (PSPs) from doing their jobs. So how is it being remedied? New products that may not include certain components, older products revamped, and the use of material not specifically designed for the job at hand.

Supply chain challenges aren’t disappearing anytime soon. New product roll outs for media intended for vehicle wraps are influenced in a number of ways, however that hasn’t deterred vendors from continuing to advance the industry.

“The challenges over the last few years allow both customers and suppliers the chance to get creative in manufacturing and raw materials used but this comes with delays in the release of new products.

Many manufacturers are also consolidating products. With that said, Mactac is launching new colors and print medias for wraps in 2023 as we continue to create high demand, innovative products,” notes Amanda Smith marketing communications manager, Mactac.

Matt Edwards, product manager for digital print media solutions, General Formulations, says new product roll outs are more than “responding to specific raw digitaloutput.net

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“That said, hearing of the outages and backorders puts pressure on us to fill orders faster and keep our house clean in terms of inventory and supply chain, and it puts pressure to provide new and different options. But with all of this, we need to stay focused on providing products that work consistently with the highest quality,” continues Edwards.

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“Currently, Fedrigoni Self-Adhesives’ cast vinyl for the vehicle wraps market are made with components that are readily available in Europe. At this time, Fedrigoni Self-Adhesives does not foresee major supply challenges for its materials and is eager to begin offering vehicle graphics to the North American market in 2023,” she continues.

Construction Focus

In response, new products are introduced that don’t require some of the raw materials that may be effected by the supply chain. Or even

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Getting By

In the face of adversity, print providers continue to prove their creativity. With supply chain issues, many are forced to rely on dated material or even material not specially designed for vehicle wraps to get the job completed.

1 older products are re-introduced without the more challenging-toobtain components.

An example of an older product being revamped in response to the supply chain challenges—albeit not for vehicle wraps—is Mactac’s high-performance permanent wallNOODLE. The company announced the modification—a new, heavier liner—of the multi-print wall mural product in November 2022. According to Mactac, the new 90# stay flat polyethylenecoated kraft liner ensures customers more consistent and uninterrupted product availability.

“At Mactac we work with raw material suppliers of key components to come up with new products that meet our needs as well as bringing on other sources for the same material as a backup. This allows us to have a steady flow of 1) Wrapped by SD-based Cutting Edge using GF 830 AutoMark Cast with DRIFT Technology and complemented by F 840 AutoMark Matte Clear UV Cast Laminate.

companies mentioned INFO# COMPANY 440 Fedrigoni Self-Adhesives

materials needed to continue consistent production,” explains Smith.

Edwards cautions that “wrap films in general are precise chemistries that are not open to substitutions with ingredients, so formulations need to take into account the longterm availability of the components as well as a robust supply chain throughout. This contract negotiation process is not unlike how any ongoing business might operate to ensure consistency and quality.”

General Formulations continues to roll out new product. In August 2022 it announced GF 830 AutoMark Cast with DRIFT Technology.

This premium, full-body gloss white wrap film is designed to meet the long-term demands of full or partial vehicle wraps as well as many other graphic applications. The DRIFT Technology and adhesive combination offer the right amount of adhesive tack and Micro Air Egress channels that make application quick, easy, and bubble free.

See page 29 for more info.

WEBSITE selfadhesives.fedrigoni.com

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General Formulations

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Mactac

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Harton provides one example. “In the European market, we have seen printers/installers utilizing polymeric calendared films as opposed to cast vinyl for their total or partial wraps due to material cost savings.

When using polymeric film in place of cast vinyl, installers often need to cut the film in complex areas such as vehicle recesses. Polymeric films are typically used for shortterm applications.”

“There is a somewhat natural tendency to make do with what we have on hand, hope for the best, and fix our mistakes if or when they become problems. If the exact solution you want is not available, you can check first for adjacent materials from other suppliers or similar materials, but always keep in mind the intended use and manufacturer’s recommendations for applications,” recommends Edwards.

Smith says in her experience, it is more about print providers stocking up on materials when they can to ensure they have the material they need when they need it. “Now the question is whether it is the right media for that specific application. That can be a risk the PSP may not want to take.”

Easing Up

It’s been difficult to forecast the ups and downs of the supply chain. Seemingly, anything that can

happen has happened, but then again—should we be surprised when something else comes out of left field? The vendors interviewed for this article admit the situation is fluid.

“In most areas we’re already seeing the challenges improve; lead times have gotten shorter and materials are more readily available, but it changes every day,” explains Edwards.

“We believe the supply chain restraints will start to lighten in 2023 but nothing is certain,” adds Smith.

New Normal

Sourcing media used in vehicle wraps isn’t as easy as it was once was, and with the supply chain challenges not going away anytime soon, how PSPs navigate this odd time is up to them.

Product rollouts are influenced, either by being delayed or in the better scenario, the new product is designed without the raw materials that may cause delays. Older products are revamped to ensure consistent availability.

Also, PSPs—so many already trained to do more with less—rely on dated material or material not specifically used for vehicle wraps to get by. While this isn’t explicitly recommended for a host of reasons, it is a good stop gap to leverage inventoried media to its fullest until supply chain issues ease up.

Despite the challenges, vendors supplying vehicle graphic media continue to address demand by introducing new products as best they can. D

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