Masterpiece Graphix

Do you need a low cost, durable clear substrate that can utilized as an alternative to polycarbonate? Look no further than Masterpiece Premium 7 mil Clear Polyester w/ tipped sheet (MGX-1360), a new digital product offering from the Masterpiece/Transilwrap partnership. A viable alternative to polycarbonate, MGX-1360 is suitable for nameplate, durable label and membrane switch production.

New to the MGX and Transilwrap digital catalog, ultra-clear polyester is a versatile plastic substrate that is ideal for graphics, packaging, electrical and industrial use. The substrate is durable and offers anti-curl characteristics. Masterpiece/Transilwrap 7 mil Clear Polyester features a tipped-on white tissue paper sheet with a glue edge on the short side.

MGX-1360 is an in-stock product in 12”x18” sheets; roll options as well as other thicknesses and sizes are available by request. Digital-ready clear polyester is also available as a compatible product for dry toner presses like the Kodak Nexpress & Xerox iGen; please specify your press model when ordering to ensure you receive the right product for your digital press.

For more information and digitally printed samples of this new material, please contact your MGX Sales Rep, or request it by email.

Do you have a Transilwrap product in mind that you would like to purchase for your digital press? Ask MGX! We can help formulate a solution for you based on your desired substrate and application For more information on Masterpiece Graphix’s full line of polyester products as well as digital options from Transilwrap, please contact your MGX Sales Rep directly or email our sales team.

Many digital press applications require a sturdy material to be used outdoors. Suitable materials need to be able to stand up to the elements: UV exposure, extreme temperatures and wind resistance are just some of the factors that can degrade an outdoor substrate over time. Masterpiece Graphix offers many substrate options that can withstand outdoor conditions. Below are some of the most common outdoors substrates that MGX customers request:

UV-Resistant Polycarbonate

If your application calls for a durable, weatherable plastic that will hold up to all sorts of rigorous use, polycarbonate is an ideal choice. MGX stocks several types of HP Indigo-compatible polycarbonate sheets, including 10 mil Velvet/Matte Makrofol® UV-1 Polycarbonate C1S (MGX-1089). Use of a polycarbonate formulated for UV resistance is essential for outdoor use, as yellowing will occur if the polycarbonate is not outdoor rated. Outdoor membrane switches, instrument panels, machinery nameplates, bulletproof windows, and outdoor signage are all viable applications for UV-resistant polycarbonate sheets. This material is made for reverse-printing applications, so the sheet is digital-ready on the matte side, and finished printed piece is applied velvet-side up to protect the ink. The velvet side is also scratch-resistant as the material masks any surface scratches within the velvet texture. Other custom polycarbonate stocks are available; contact your MGX sales rep for more information on other UV-resistant polycarbonates.

MGX/Transilwrap Styrene

High impact polystyrene is an economical, easy-to-handle substrate ideal for die-cutting and guillotine cut and punch. The film can be duplex printed to offer rich, vibrant colors in backlit sign applications. MGX digital styrene is economically priced, 100% recyclable, and is perfect for disposable outdoor signage and backlit displays. Unlike PVC, styrene is UV-resistant and doesn’t become brittle due to outdoor exposure. Masterpiece Graphix offers Transilwrap Digital 15 mil White Styrene C2S (MGX-1306) and 24 mil White Styrene C2S (MGX-1283). Both stocks are HP Indigo-compatible, however 24 mil styrene is recommended only for use on an HP Indigo S2000 press. HP Indigo-compatible rolls up to 13” width are also available. Dry toner-compatible styrene for digital presses like the Kodak Nexpress & Xerox iGen can be ordered from MGX on a custom product basis. Other colors, thicknesses and custom options are available by request.

MGX/Transilwrap Pro-Print®

A diverse synthetic paper, Pro-Print® is an environmentally-friendly and durable white opaque sheet. The substrate is highly heat-resistant up to 350° F and is microwavable. A versatile material, Pro-Print® can be folded, hot stamped, embossed, die cut, riveted, stapled, and sewn, lending itself to multiple end-use applications. Co-branded MGX/Transilwrap Proprint® is available as a custom HP Indigo-compatible product in sheets or as rolls.

acpo Digital Overlaminate with UV Inhibitors

When an appropriate outdoor-ready digital substrate isn’t available, an UV-resistant overlaminate film can offer increased protection after printing to make a material outdoor-ready. Masterpiece Graphix offers several acpo digital overlaminate products that are specifically engineered to perform well on digital inks. Masterpiece Graphix’s Clear Medium Release Polyester Overlaminate w/ UV Inhibitors (691DIG) maintains optical clarity after the material is laminated. The material provides an attractive glossy finish and features excellent resistance to moisture, oils, acids, alkailis, and chemicals. This material contains a UV inhibitor, offering protection from the outdoor elements which will protect the printed substrate from sunlight, weathering, and aging.

Outdoor Weatherable Vinyls

Masterpiece Graphix is proud to offer 2, 5, and 10-year weatherable vinyls on a custom order basis. These materials have been rigorously tested and proven to last under outdoor conditions for the amount of time specified. Many standard vinyl sheets will become brittle and eventually break due to UV exposure. Minimum order quantities do apply; please contact your MGX sales rep directly or email our sales team to request more information including a custom quote.

…And Much More!

Is there a digital-ready outdoor substrate you want that isn’t mentioned in this article! Ask MGX! We can help you select, trial and perfect your desired digital substrate. We can offer many digital-ready plastics and specialty synthetics as a result of our partnership with Transilwrap. Contact your MGX sales rep directly or email our sales team to request information, pricing, and lead time on your requested digital weatherable substrates.

Advances in digital press technology have allowed industrial sheet press users to manufacture durable labels for a multitude of end-use applications. The HP Indigo is ideal for industrial manufacturing because of its ability to print on thicker sheet substrates like polycarbonate, polyethylene and PVC vinyl. Your company can greatly benefit from the versatility of your press by creating membrane switch overlays for electronic devices with keypads.

A membrane switch is an electronic on/off switch with a graphic interfaced keypad, allowing users to dial in setting via a touch screen, which is printed on tough material like polycarbonate. The visible portion that the operator uses to enter setting is the membrane switch’s graphic overlay.The membrane switch is not visible to the user but lies underneath the graphic overlay, relaying the user’s desired settings and controls to the machinery.

The design of the graphic overlay is very important because it displays the object’s brand identity, instructions, machine feedback and tactile feel that is crucial for the operator to enter in he/she’s desired settings.  Every time an operator uses this overlay and the switches below them, they interact firsthand with your company’s product. This is why it is so important to design an eye-catching, easy to understand yet 100% functional membrane switch graphic overlay.

Membrane switches can be used on many devices across many industries, including food service, medical equipment, exercise equipment, office equipment, household appliances, automotive panels, and industrial machinery. Digital press production of membrane switch graphic overlays is an ideal way to manufacture membrane switch overlays. Digital technology can economically print short-run jobs -the typical size of a membrane switch overlay print run. Digital’s variable data technology allows for multiple options for different color variances of the same product or to allow for production of graphic overlays in different languages. Many membrane switches are reverse-printed to protect the digital ink from getting damaged or scratched for a longer product lifespan. A graphic overlay could also be laminated with acpo digital overlaminate to protect the substrate the stresses of continued use and a harsh environment.

Masterpiece Graphix offers polycarbonate, polyester and polyethylene sheets that are HP Indigo-compatible for all membrane switch options. Polyester typically holds up longer than polyethylene and polycarbonate in membrane switch applications. MGX’s digital material experts can help guide you in selecting substrates for your particular membrane switch overlay job. For more information on MGX materials for membrane switch overlays, please contact your MGX sales rep.