Latex Compatible Media Guide Let Class BEGIN

The COMPLETE Sihl Latex Compatible Media Guide Let Class BEGIN.

From Imaging Paper to Canvas... HOW TO CHOOSE Just Got Easier! About Sihl Digital Imaging How to Buy Sihl Products Sihl is a leading manufacturer of digital print media for display For Sihl Digital Imaging product information, please call graphics, photo and art reproduction, point-of-sale advertising, 1-800-366-7393 or visit our website, www.sihlusa.com, CAD, offi ce and at-home printing. where you can fi nd product information and an authorized Sihl reseller near you. Sihl’s expansive portfolio of digital imaging media includes: Photo Papers, 100% recycled, pressure sensitive, block-out and About Our Group presentation matte papers, clear, white and backlit fi lms, semi The foundation stone was laid in Milan, Italy by Diego Mosna rigid fi lm for pop-up and roll-up displays, canvas, scrim banner, when he founded Diatec in 1970. Today we are an interna- pressure sensitive vinyl, adhesive backed papers and fi lms, and tionally active group of companies that focuses on refi ning pa- fabrics transfer papers. per and fi lms and specializes in superior technical applications.

Sihl is a part of the Diatec Group of companies. Headquar- Continual product development and increasingly short life tered in Cles, Italy, Sihl has manufacturing sites in the USA, cycles necessitate not only state-of-the-art production facilities, Germany, France, Italy and Switzerland. Diatec is a manufac- but also a high level of technical know-how and skill, com- turing Group, linked by coating ﬁ lms, papers and specialty bined with a business instinct and the ability to put ideas into substrates as our source of value addition... practice. We are “THE COATING COMPANY.” The Diatec Group strives to be not only a supplier, but also a partner to its customers.

Locations

Arkwright Production Site Diatec Cles S.p.A. Rhode Island, USA Cles, Italy

Sihl AG Production Site Diatex S.p.A. Bern, Switzerland Cles and Arborio, Italy

Sihl GmbH Production Site Diatechnologies s.a.s. Duren, Germany Châteauroux, France Photo Paper --Latex Inkjet Products--

How to Choose the Right Photo Paper

Sihl breaks down the top photo applications and the right media to match.

Choosing the right photo paper can be as simple as it can be complicated. If you go by the numbers, you could differentiate the products by caliper or ﬁ nish, but that doesn’t really help you choose the right paper, does it? With so many choices, how do you narrow down the ﬁ eld?

Keep it simple. Identify your key requirements and work backwards.

BEST FOR BEST FOR BEST FOR BEST FOR EVERYDAY POSTERS MOUNTING / PROTOTYPES PHOTO QUALITY “THICK” PHOTO MATTE

3240 Pipeline™ S 3670 Imola™ Latex 3145 Glamour™ S 3243 Malibu™ Satin Photo Paper - 8 mil Pearl Photo Paper PSA - 9.5 mil Satin Photo Board - 12 mil Matte Photo Paper - 7 mil

» Looking for an everyday photo » If you want to create a poster » Semi-rigid photo paper that is » When the requirements call for ex- paper that dries instantly and can to adhere to a mounting board fl exible enough to roll, but stiff tended shadow detail and tonal range handle the heated cure of the or other surface, why make the enough to stand or hang without with absolutely no glare, don’t hide latex printer without a problem? process more complicated than it mounting. behind a laminate. Start the same has to be? way you fi nish. » 3240 Pipeline™ S is an 8 mil, » 3145 Glamour™ S is a 12 mil, smooth, satin photo paper that » 3670 Imola™ PSA is an in- semi-rigid photo board that de- » 3243 Malibu™ Latex is a 7 mil, delivers maximum image perfor- stant dry, 7 mil photo paper with livers premium photo quality on bright white, premium matte paper mance, black density and color a 2 mil, silicon release liner. The latex inkjet printers. Glamour™ that can tackle your most demanding vibrancy with latex inkjet printers. proprietary base paper and coat- expands the capabilities of latex inkload, drytime and shadow detail re- Unlike traditional photo papers, ing allow for maximum fl exibility printers, truly bridging the gap quirements. The instant dry, matte fin- New Product New Product Pipeline™ Latex Photo features without cracking, even for 90° between UV fl atbed and roll-to- ish provides “plug and play” printing a proprietary coating technology folds in prototype applications. roll printing. With an instant dry New Product when selecting standard “HP White that is not impacted by the cure The specially formulated, adjust- photo coating, Glamour™ pro- Satin Poster Paper.” Malibu™ is ideal temperature of the latex printers. able adhesive allows for easier ap- vides outstanding image quality for a variety of applications including The result is a perfectly smooth plication to a variety of mounting and dot gain control on a board an economical alternative to photo and dry print that establishes a surfaces. that is stiff enough to stand or paper. new standard of color, quality and hang, yet fl exible enough to roll. detail for the Latex printer series. Glamour™ is perfect for appli- Also See: cations ranging from high end » 3157 Pacifi ca™ Also See: photo fi nishing to hanging signs, Matte Paper - 8 mil » 3249 Pipeline™ G easel signs and point of sale dis- Gloss Photo Paper - 8 mil plays.

Also See: » 3144 Glamour™ G Gloss Photo Board - 12 mil Imaging Paper --Latex Inkjet Products--

How to Choose the Right Imaging Paper

From billboard to wall mural, and even wallpaper, we’ve got you covered. If you believe every wall was meant to be covered, look no further than Sihl Imaging Papers. These economical, water and weather resistant papers are qualiﬁ ed for outdoor applications including billboard and wet posting, as well as indoor decorative and full wall murals. These non-PVC alternatives offer a world of possibilities for indoor and outdoor, textured or smooth, paste or adhesive, short term or permanent graphics.

BEST FOR BEST FOR BEST FOR EVERYDAY POSTERS BLOCKOUT WALLPAPER EVERYDAY SIGNAGE POSTED SIGNAGE

3686 TriSolv™ Gloss 3687 TriSolv™ Satin 3196 Wet Strength™ PrimeArt Paper - 8 mil PrimeArt Paper Blueback - 6 mil Poster Paper - 10 mil

» Not everything printed on latex print- » When short term advertising calls for » Okay, we are in the paper category, not ers wraps around a vehicle or hangs posting new graphics over old ones, self adhesive vinyl, banner or other prod- with grommets. Paper is the preferred only a blockout layer can prevent the old ucts associated with outdoor strength and solution for low cost signage that can graphic from showing through the new durability. However, latex saturated paper be used for a variety of applications, one. offers outstanding durabilty and strength indoors or outdoors. even when wet. » 3687 TriSolv™ Paper Blueback is » 3686 TriSolv™ Paper is a premium, an economical weight, bright white, » 3196 Wet Strength™ Paper is 8 mil, bright white, gloss coated paper wet strength paper that is qualiﬁ ed for a 10 mil, premium weight, wet with excellent print quality and drytime. billboard and outdoor advertising use. strength paper. The base paper is All TriSolv™ papers are multi-layer 3687 features good print quality, excel- infused with latex, allowing it to Top Pick Top coated, water and weather resistant and lent outdoor durability, and excellent be extremely durable and maintain its qualiﬁ ed for billboard, outdoor posting scratch resistance. You can apply 3687 stength when wet. This makes 3196 an and wall mural applications. The propri- directly on top of an old graphic instead ideal alternative to PVC for wallpaper and etary TriSolv™ coating delivers excellent of removing it. The blueback will other decorative applications. 3196 is uni- scratch resistance without lamination prevent the old graphic from showing versally compatible with latex, solvent and and withstands folding without crack- through. UVC printers. ing. Also See: Also See: » 3689 TriSolv™ PostArt Paper » 3145 Glamour™ S Satin Photo Board - 12 mil POS / POP --Latex Inkjet Products--

Rolling out the Choices for Durable Graphics

Why this demanding application requires a calculated approach

Choosing the right point of sale, retractable, pop-up or trade show display ﬁ lm is a complex equation balancing durability and cost. A low cost graphic that looks great but tears too easily is no more successful than an indestructible graphic that only needs to last for one event. The choices can be overwhelming.

Now throw into the equation the extreme heat used in the cure cycle on a latex printer and all of a sudden, everything you thought was certain is now in question again.

After thorough testing of our entire Display Film line, we have narrowed down the choices to what really works on Latex printers.

BESTBEST FORFOR BEST FOR BEST FOR BEST FOR PORTABLEFLAT DISPLAY WALL UNITS / FLAT WALL FIRE RETARDANCY ROLLUP BANNERS EXHIBITRETAIL / RETAIL SIGNAGE GRAPHICS EXHIBIT / RETAIL GRAPHICS OR SOFT HAND (ECONOMICAL POLYPRO) (PREMIUM(POLYESTER) POLYESTER) (POLYESTER) (POLYESTER FABRIC)

3515 PolySOL™ 3516 PolySOL™ 3629 SyntiSOL™ 3502 Expo™ Matte Roll-up Film Blockout - 7 mil Pop-Up Film Blockout - 12 mil Polypro Film - 7 mil Fire Retardant Banner - 12 mil *2” core only

» Maximum durability, vivid » Quite simply a dimensionally stable » For single use and short term » Fabric offers soft hand and color and universal compatibility film that delivers in every characteris- roll-up or retractable banners, smooth “drape” with good tear for any POS application with tic. From printing to finishing, instal- polypropylene is a great choice. resistance and lay fl at properties. “shine-through protection.” lation to removal, PoylSOL™ delivers flexibility, durability and quality. » 3629 SyntiSOL™ is a tear re- » 3502 Expo™ is a fl ame » 3515 PolySOL™ is a 7 mil, sistant, smooth, polypropylene retardant (NFPA certifi ed), ultra white, polyester fi lm with an » 3516 PolySOL™ Pop-Up is a 12 display fi lm with a “low glare,” durable, water resistant banner. instant dry, glossy fi nish for out- mil, polyester display fi lm with a “low satin fi nish and a water resistant, The NFPA certifi cation is the best standing “color pop” and a gray- glare,” satin fi nish and an instant scratch resistant coating. The in class certifi cation for fl ame back for 100% blockout. The du- dry, water resistant coating. The SyntiSOL™ family of products lay spread and a common require- rable construction is engineered durable, 12 mil construction can be extremely fl at, both on the printer ment for trade shows and other to withstand repeated rolling in used unlaminated to create a durable and in fi nal application. 3629 is installations. 3502 has a bright portable display units without exhibit or POS graphic engineered to compatible with latex, solvent, white, outdoor durable coating tearing or edge fraying. PolyS- withstand repeated rolling in portable and UVC printers. and a fl exible, tear resistant base, OL™ can be overlaminated with display units and abuse from a hands- making it ideal for applications either low-melt or pressure sensi- on experience without cupping, Also See: ranging from rollup displays to tive laminates. warping or scratching. For additional » 3394 SyntiART™ outdoor banners.

protection or to change the ﬁ nish, Textured Polypropylene PolySOL™ can be overlaminated with both pressure sensitive and hot laminates. Backlit Film --Latex Inkjet Products--

Shedding Some Light on Backlit What really matters when selecting backlit ﬁ lms?

Choosing the right backlit fi lm can be tricky. Let’s be honest. The most important aspects when choosing a backlit fi lm are density, density and density. Regardless of whether your graphic is going inside or outside, whether it is large or small, mounting to Plexiglas or “sandwiching” between two layers, you want your blacks to be dark, your colors vibrant and your graphic fl at.

Sihl factories are one of the leading developers and manufacturers of backlit film for every print technology. Latex inkjet is no exception.

BEST FOR BEST FOR DURABLE BACKLIT INDOOR BACKLIT DISPLAYS DISPLAYS

3182 PermiVIEW™ Latex 3152 Twilight™ Latex Matte Matte Backlit Film - 7 mil Backlit Film - 8 mil

» Long term, outdoor durability with » Quite simply the best backlit fi lm on the a robust coating design built for market today. This fi lm offers everything maximum print density and produc- you want and nothing you don’t. tion speed. » 3152 Twilight™ is an 8 mil, matte, » 3182 PermiVIEW™ Latex Back- backlit fi lm with an ultra absorbant, lit Film is a premium, 7 mil, back- matte coating designed for maximum lit fi lm designed for Latex inkjet image performance, black density and printers. PermiVIEW™ features a color vibrancy with Latex inkjet printers. Top Pick Top durable coating that provides ex- Twilight™ is constructed on a premium, cellent image performance, black New product polyester base making it ideal for large density and color vibrancy. The du- displays and lightbox applications. rable coating design provides excellent scratch and smudge resistan- *Print settings and temperature controls tance and will not fade or yellow are critical for backlit printing on Latex. when displayed in direct sunlight or Oversaturating and overdrying can cause outdoors. the ink and coatings to get dry and brittle. Use our pre-tested settings for best re- sults. Visit www.sihlusa.com for recom- mended settings on the latest printers. Canvas --Latex Inkjet Products--

Stretching the Options for Canvas Flexibility and versatility make latex printers the perfect solution for canvas.

The demand for printed canvas has ballooned in recent years and it doesn’t show any sign of slowing down. Today’s market reaches well beyond traditional wedding and por- trait studios, to commercial and home decorating and fi ne art licensed duplication. The technology of choice is no longer just water-based inkjet. Today, latex inkjet, with its uniquely fl exible ink that is so important for gallery wraps, might just offer the perfect solution for fl exibility, versatility and speed.

BEST FOR BEST FOR BEST FOR BEST FOR HIGH QUALITY DÉCOR PRODUCTION EVERYDAY DÉCOR PRODUCTION PHOTO AND FINE ART MATTE PHOTO AND FINE ART GLOSS

3134 Presto™ SG 3129 Bravo™ Matte 3609 Picasso™ 3123 Vivace™ Semi-Gloss Canvas - 17 mil Production Canvas - 21 mil Satin Canvas - 17 mil Gloss Canvas - 13 mil

» “Gallery Wrap Canvas” with » The economical solution for the » An everyday canvas should be » A glossy textile fabric for price premium print performance and growing demand of dècor can- economical and offer good char- conscious, décor projects that of- 180º folding without edge crack- vas for applications ranging from acteristics for print production fers soft hand, smooth fi nish and ing. commercial and home decorating and post process fi nishing. good tear resistance. to fi ne art duplication. » 3134 Presto™ is a premium, » 3609 Picasso™ Satin Canvas » 3123 Vivace™ is designed from bright white , inkjet coated can- » 3129 Bravo™ Production Can- is a premium, bright white, inkjet the bottom up with high volume vas designed to produce solid vas is designed from the bottom coated canvas designed to pro- production in mind. Starting with blacks, vivid colors and smooth up with high volume production duce solid blacks, vivid colors and a 1:1 weave stucture and a 100% gradients. The 17 mil, poly/cot- in mind. Starting with a 2:1 weave smooth gradients. The 17 mil, polyester base, Vivace™ features ton blend provides a fl exible base stucture made of a traditional poly/cotton blend provides a fl ex- a high gloss coating that delivers New product for easy stretching without crack- poly/cotton blend, Bravo™ fea- ible base for easy stretching with- New product rich blacks and brilliant colors. ing. Presto™ canvas is compat- New product tures a high performance, matte out cracking. Picasso™ canvas is The absence of cotton compared ible with solvent, latex and UVC coating, a natural looking fi nish compatible with solvent, UVC and to traditional canvas products printers. and uniform structure. latex printers. makes Vivace™ ideal for gallery wrap, stretching and framing ap- Also See: Also See: Also See: plications. There will be no edge » 3146 Presto™ S » 3133 Virtuoso™ » 3146 Presto™ S cracking and no sagging with this Satin 1:1 Canvas Matte 1:1 Canvas Satin 1:1 Canvas canvas.

» 3133 Virtuoso™ » 3133 Virtuoso™ Also See: Matte 1:1 Canvas Matte 1:1 Canvas » 3394 SyntiART™ Textured Polypropylene Banner / Vinyl --Latex Inkjet Products--

Choosing the Right Banner

BEST FOR From scrim banner to polypropylene BEST FOR FIRE RETARDANCY PORTABLE DISPLAY UNITS / to polyester and more, latex inkjet OR SOFT HAND RETAIL SIGNAGE (POLYESTER FABRIC) printers offer compatibility with a wide array of materials for banner 3502 Expo™ Matte 3394 SyntiART™ Matte Fire Retardant Banner - 12 mil Textured Polypropylene Film - 9 mil applications. *2” core only

Keep in mind, compatibility doesn’t always equate to success in real world print production. The heat and cure cycles on latex printers can wreak havoc on some soft, ﬂ exible and dimensionally unstable materi-

als, creating warping, headstrikes » Fabric offers soft hand and smooth » A textured polypropylene ﬁ lm for applications rang- and curl. “drape” with good tear resistance and layﬂ at ing from gallery wrapped canvas to banner stands and properties. wall murals.

» 3502 Expo™ is a fl ame retardant (NFPA » 3394 SyntiART™ is a tear resistant, embossed, poly- certifi ed), ultra durable, water resistant ban- propylene fi lm with a “low glare,” satin fi nish and a ner. The NFPA certifi cation is the best in class water resistant, scratch resistant coating. SyntiART™ certifi cation for fl ame spread and a common is the latest addition to the SyntiSOL™ family of prod- requirement for trade shows and other instal- ucts which all feature a high performance coating and lations. 3502 has a bright white, outdoor excellent water and scratch resistance. SyntiART™ is durable coating and a fl exible, tear resistant compatible with solvent, UVC and latex printers. base, making it ideal for applications ranging from rollup displays to outdoor banners. Also See: » 3629 SyntiSOL™ Polypro Film

BEST FOR BEST FOR BEST FOR LARGE SMALL / ECONOMICAL LARGE / ULTRA DURABLE LONG TERM SHORT TERM LONG TERM

Top Pick Top 2 SIDED (SEMI-MATTE) 2 SIDED (SEMI-MATTE) SINGLE SIDED

3118 SureBetTM 3109 SureBetTM 3120 TMaxTM Vinyl Banner - 13 oz - Gloss Semi-Matte Semi-Matte 3121 TMaxTM Vinyl Banner - 13 oz - Matte Vinyl Banner 2 Sided - 18 oz Vinyl Banner 2 Sided- 13 oz

Weight: 18 oz per Yard Weight: 13 oz per Yard Weight: 13 oz per Yard Yarn Weight: 500 x 500 Denier Yarn Weight: 250 x 250 Denier Yarn Weight: 1000 x 1000 Denier Thread Count: 28 x 28 thread per inch Thread Count: 36 x 36 thread per inch Thread Count: 9 x 9 thread per inch Thickness: 18 mil / 460 Microns Thickness: 14 mil / 340 Microns Thickness: 14 mil / 390 Microns Support Cloth: Polyester Support Cloth: Polyester Support Cloth: Polyester Tensile Strength: 1850/1350 (warp/weft N/5CM) Tensile Strength: 1300/1100 (warp/weft N/5CM) Tensile Strength: 1500/1200 (warp/weft N/5CM) Tear Strength: 240/220 (warp/weft N/M) Tear Strength: 120/110 (warp/weft N/M) Tear Strength: 240/190 (warp/weft N/M) Low Temp Crack: -10° C Low Temp Crack: -10° C Low Temp Crack: -10° C -Compatible Printers--

*For further information please refer to our website, www.sihlusa.com

Sihl does not mass produce custom ICC or RIP pro- ® HP Designjet L25500 files for our line of inkjet printable media. We do HP Latex Ink generate a few custom profiles in the application » http://www.hp.com laboratories of our factories in the US and Europe, but these are limited by the printer, software and ink combinations we have at each facility. When possible, we publish printer settings charts for printers on which we have determined the best "standard" setting. These can be used as a starting point, from which you can relinearize to further refine ink limits and color balance, or they can be ® HP Designjet L26500 used as is for print production. HP Latex Ink » http://www.hp.com Custom profiles are relatively easy to make today. Many printer and RIP manufacturers offer this as a service or will even walk you through the process online. Some RIP and printer manufacturers ac- tively profile Sihl media and make the profiles avail- able for download on their websites. Additionally, printer and RIP manufacturers provide a wide array of standard and custom printer settings with the standardk, installed version of their product. Frequently there is an intuitive setting that matches either the material or the finish, which is a perfect ® HP Designjet L28500 match for our media. For example, "White Satin HP Latex Ink Poster Paper" for photo papers, "Heavy Textile » http://www.hp.com Banner" for canvas and scrim banner, "Premium Vivid Color Backlit" for backlit films.

» If you are experiencing drying issues: Latex printers use two heat cycles, drying and curing, to bond the ink to the media substrate and produce a fi nished print. Each cycle has a specifi c purpose. The “drying stage” is required to evaporate the high water content used as a carrier for the latex ink and to form the initial bond between HP® Scitex LX600 the ink and the media. The “curing stage” is HP® Scitex LX820 required to remove the remaining co-solvents from ® HP Scitex LX820 the ink and to cure the latex fi lm protective layer. HP Latex Ink » http://www.hp.com As a general rule, you should not adjust the drying temperature settings. Set the drying temperature at a default 131°F. Reducing this temperature too low can cause quality defects. If you don’t completely evaporate the moisture from the ink, you may still achieve a “cure,” of the latex layer through the cure cycle, but the image layer will still be effected. You may experience a qual- Mimaki® JV400LX Mimaki Latex Ink ity degredation in the image layer in the form of » http://www.mimakiusa.com oversaturation, ink bleeding or dot gain that takes away from the sharpness of the print because you did not remove the moisture. Increasing the drying temperature too high can cause banding, wrinkling or warping. » If you are experiencing coalescing or bleeding: » If you see banding (dark lines between passes): Turn up the “cure” heat in 5 degree increments. You Speed up the media feed. The media is advancing too can also try switching to a higher resolution print setting. slowly, overlapping consecutive ink passes from the car- This increases the time between passes and produces riage. If the printer and software has an option to run a smaller ink droplets, allowing for better drying. This also "media feed calibration," do so and follow the prompts. increases the amount of dwell time at the curing stage. This will adjust the speed at which the media is fed through the printer. » If you are experiencing head strikes: Rigid and semi-rigid media or media with a strong curl This can also be solved by reducing the vacuum settings. to it, requires extra preparation before printing. Feed This will allow the media to feed smoothly, without the first few inches past the exit roller and front lip of interference. the platen to avoid the curled leading edge. You might also need to reduce the curing temperature if the cause » Optimized Latex media vs Compatible: of the headstrikes is warping or wrinkling. Sihl manufactures a wide variety or media types for all print technology. By developing optimized coatings and media solutions, Sihl media is designed for the highest » If you are experiencing curing problems: speed and highest quality print production. That means You should explore the wide range of cure temperatures, fewer hours spent messing around with print and heat vaccum levels and airfl ow options on the printer. Don’t settings and more time spent... printing! be afraid to reduce the cure temperature to as low as 160°F or to increase it as high as 240°F. The curing » Some General Rules for Curing by Categories: function works in tandem with the printer passes. The main reason you would lower the cure temperature is » 4 pass because your base material is deforming, warping or A waste of time curling from too much heat. This is common with thin and soft materials. Since you are lowering the cure » 6 pass temperature, you have to increase the number of passes Uncoated papers, matte coated papers, water based to establish proper cure. This essentially increases the papers amount of dwell time at the curing stage. » 8 pass If you want to lay down maximum ink for high density Water based or solvent coated photo paper applications such as backlit or canvas, for example, you may fi nd you need additional curing. This can be » 10-12 pass achieved by either increasing the curing temperature, in- For most products - SAV, Scrim, Canvas, Polyester, PP, creasing the number of passes (dwell time at the curing PET etc. station) or a combination of both. » 12-16 pass » If you see banding (white lines between passes): Canvas, Fine Art, Textile (items that need lower cure Slow down the media feed. The media is advancing temperatures because of base materials) too quickly, leaving a space between ink passes from the carriage. If the printer and software has an option » 20 pass to run a "media feed calibration," do so and follow the If extra cure time is needed for max ink load…yes it is prompts. This will adjust the speed at which the media slower! is fed through the printer.

This can also be caused by too much or uneven tension from the media take-up reel. Unroll some of the media on the take-up and allow for some slack in the path. This will allow the media to feed from the mechanism on the platen rather then being pulled by the take-up reel. As long as the media interacts with the sensor (usually at the bottom of the printer), the take-up reel will still engage and collect the media. Just because you CAN print on anything... Doesn’t mean you SHOULD.

Sihl Inkjet Media... MORE CHOICES for EVERY PRINTER and EVERY APPLICATION SOLVENT / AQUEOUS / UV CURE / LATEX / DIGITAL PRESS / “GREEN”

How to Buy Sihl Products

For Sihl Digital Imaging product information, please call 1-800-366-7393 or visit our website www.sihlusa.com where you can ﬁ nd more product information, and an authorized Sihl reseller near you.

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