GerberColor Finishing Foils EDGE FX P81878A Abrasion Guard SPF

Description

GerberColor Finishing Foils EDGE FX P81878A Abrasion Guard SPF

DESCRIPTION
GerberColor™ Finishing (GCF) Series Foils are durable, dimensionally stable, resin-based,
pigmented foils designed for use with the GERBER EDGE®, GERBER EDGE 2®, and GERBER
EDGE FX™ thermal transfer printing systems, in conjunction with EDGE READY™ materials.
The Finishing Series Foils have been developed primarily for overprint applications, which
enhance the durability and/or the appearance of printed images, and consist of:
♦ Abrasion Guard™ SPF (GCF-214)
♦ Matte Finish (GCF-334) (discontinued)
INTENDED APPLICATIONS
Abrasion Guard SPF (Sign Protection Formula) is specifically designed to improve the UV
resistance of EDGE-printed graphics. This clear, topcoat GerberColor Foil also protects
graphics from moderate abrasion from contact or handling. It has an expected performance life
of five years (when printed by itself). When applied as a protective overprint on other
GerberColor Foils, Abrasion Guard SPF will extend the life of the base color by up to 30%.
Matte Clear is designed to reduce the gloss level of printed graphics or cut vinyl. Graphics and
vinyl that have been overprinted with Matte Finish will have their gloss level reduced by 60%.
If extreme petrochemical contact is anticipated, refer to the Gerber Guard™ manufactured by
3M and Gerber Guard™ 9 manufactured by 3M Product Bulletins.
PERFORMANCE LIFE
When printed on EDGE READY materials and applied vertically on stationary, non-vehicle sign
applications, GerberColor Abrasion Guard SPF has an expected performance life of up to five
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years (when printed by itself). When applied as a protective overprint on other GerberColor
Foils, Abrasion Guard SPF will extend the life of the base color by up to 30%. Matte Finish has
an expected performance life of three years.
Performance statements are based upon laboratory and/or lifetime tests that we believe are
reliable. Exposure angle, environmental conditions and maintenance of markings will affect
ultimate performance.
Continuous exposure in regions that experience maximum sunny days will result in decreased
performance.
SHELF LIFE AND STORAGE
Printed graphics should be applied within one year. GerberColor Foils, film and printed graphics
(with or without pre-mask) should be kept in a clean area free from excessive moisture and
direct sunlight. Store foils at 40ºF to 90ºF (4ºC to 32ºC) and 40% to 60% humidity. When not in
use, cartridges should be kept in their package sleeves. Use a paper interleaf between printed
materials that are stacked or rolled. Do not store printed graphics face to face.
PRINTING
GCF Foils are compatible with EDGE READY materials in overprint combinations with the
following GerberColor Series – GerberColor Spot (GCS), GerberColor Process Pro™ CMYK
(GCP), and GerberColor Transparent (GCT).
Abrasion Guard SPF will be included as the last foil in a print when the Abrasion Guard box is
checked in the QuickPlot print settings screen.
♦ Beginning with OMEGA™ version 2.6.1, downloads to update the plot files with
unique Abrasion Guard SPF settings are available from the Gerber web site
(www.gspinc.com). If for some reason this download is unavailable to you then use
the standard Abrasion Guard settings.
Recommended working environment is as follows:
• Operating temperature: 50ºF to 95ºF / 10ºC to 35ºC
• Recommended temperature for assured printing accuracy: 68ºF to 78ºF / 20ºC to 26ºC
• Operating humidity: 20% to 90% relative humidity, non-condensing (maximum range;
actual range varies by material used)
PROTECTING GRAPHICS
Gerber Technology offers products that are designed to protect vinyl and printed graphics.
Gerber Guard is a durable, dimensionally stable, glossy vinyl overlaminate. This film has a
petrochemical-resistant construction and is intended to be used when markings may be
exposed to petrochemical spillage and/or severe handling conditions.
Gerber UVGuard™ is a custom-formulated, 1-mil, clear, polyvinyl fluoride (PVF) laminating film
designed to further expand the resistance to weathering of printed graphics up to five years.
Gerber UVGuard™ 9 manufactured by 3M is a 2-mil, glossy, clear, mildew-resistant, polyvinyl
fluoride laminating film with a petrochemical-resistant adhesive system. It is designed to further
expand the resistance to weathering of printed graphics up to nine years. Gerber UVGuard 9
has the highest protection from UV fade.
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Gerber StrikeGuard™ is an 8.0-mil, clear, glossy overlaminate film designed for a variety of
applications. This heavy-duty overlaminate film is ideal for the protection of graphics, up to two
years, and is especially beneficial where printed graphics experience severe handling and
forceful impact. Gerber StrikeGuard is not recommended in applications that require
petrochemical protection or where additional UV or vandal resistance is desired.
Abrasion Guard™ SPF (Sign Protection Formula) is a clear, top-coat GerberColor Finishing
Series (GCF) Foil designed for use with EDGE® Series thermal transfer printing systems, to
protect graphics from moderate contact and exposure to harmful effects of UV rays. It has an
expected performance life of five years (when printed by itself). When applied as a protective
overprint on other GerberColor Foils, Abrasion Guard SPF will extend the life of the base color
by up to 30%.
Matte Clear (discontinued) is a clear matte finish, top coat GerberColor Foil designed for use
with EDGE® Series thermal transfer printing systems, to reduce glare and protect graphics from
moderate contact or handling. It has an expected performance life of three years.
APPLICATION TECHNIQUES
When transferring EDGE-printed graphics, Gerber standard tack application tape is required.
Printed graphics should be allowed to cure for 15 minutes prior to application of transfer tape.
MAINTENANCE
To clean printed graphics, use a mild, non-abrasive soap with a soft cloth or sponge. Avoid
using alcohol-based cleansers or soaps containing grit or abrasives. Automated vehicle washing
systems that use rotary cleaning brushes should be avoided.
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
Characteristics GCF-214 (Abrasion Guard) GCF-334 (Matte Finish)
Pigment Resin-Based Resin-Based
Coat Weight 4 microns 4 microns
CHEMICAL RESISTANCE (Printed on Gerber High Performance Series 220)
Chemical Agent Exposure Time Results
SAE 20 Motor Oil 24 hours No Effect
50/50 Ethylene Glycol/Water 24 hours No Effect
Dish Detergent / Water 24 hours No Effect
Water 24 hours No Effect
10% Hydrochloric Acid 10 minutes No Effect
10% Ammonium Hydroxide 10 minutes No Effect
Mineral Spirits 10 minutes No Effect
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RELATED LITERATURE
Refer to Product Bulletins of relevant foils and materials for product-specific handling,
production, and finishing information.
CONTACT INFORMATION
For help with questions concerning Gerber products, please call your distributor or Gerber
Customer Service at 1-800-222-7446 or (860) 644-1551. Visit us on the Internet
at www.gspinc.com to learn more about our many other foils, materials and equipment.
EDGE, GERBER EDGE, GERBER EDGE 2, Gerber Scientific Products, GerberCal, GerberGraphics, GRAPHIX ADVANTAGE, GSP, and Images on Vinyl are Registered
Trademarks of Gerber Technology.
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Category: Materials FastFact #: N/A Supplied by: Aftermarkets Last Modified: 05/16/18