Gerber ImageCast Film Clear

Description

Gerber ImageCast Film Clear

ImageCast 15” Punched EDGE READY Color 10 Yard 50 Yard Clear P65579A P65580A

Cast 2.5 mil vinyl film with a clear adhesive system suitable for all types of graphic displays. This material is similar to Clear Enamel Receptive without the enamel receptive coating. Five-year exterior life.

DESCRIPTION
Gerber ImageCast is a 2.5-mil, durable, clear, cast vinyl custom formulated for use with the
GERBER EDGE®, GERBER EDGE 2®, and GERBER EDGE FX thermal transfer printing
systems, in conjunction with GerberColor Foils.
INTENDED APPLICATIONS
Gerber ImageCast is ideally suited for exterior emblems, signs, and point of purchase displays.
Because the vinyl and adhesive are clear, Gerber ImageCast can be used for window and
second-surface applications. The user should determine the suitability of all substrates prior to
actual application.
This film is not recommended for use on surfaces with corrugations and compound curves. It is
also not intended for applications where petrochemical contact may occur. If petrochemical
exposure is anticipated, refer to the section below on protecting graphics.
PERFORMANCE LIFE (UNPRINTED)
Gerber ImageCast has an expected performance life of up to five years when applied vertically.
Performance statements are based upon field experience and exposure tests conducted
throughout the United States. Substrate selection, exposure angle, environmental conditions,
and maintenance of markings will affect actual performance. Continuous exposure in regions
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that experience maximum sunny days will result in decreased performance. This product is not
recommended for horizontal applications.
SHELF LIFE AND STORAGE
Apply film within one year of receipt. Printed graphics should also be applied within one year.
Film and printed graphics (with or without premask) should be kept in a clean area free from
excessive moisture and direct sunlight. Maintain temperature at less than 100F (38C) and
50% relative humidity.
Use a paper interleaf between layers of stacked or rolled printed materials. Do not stack printed
graphics face to face.
PRINTING
If your software material selection palette does not have Gerber ImageCast, use 3M Series 220
or Gerber HP Series 220 normal print settings.
GerberColor Spot (GCS), GerberColor Process Pro™ CMYK (GCP), GerberColor Medal
(GCM), and GerberColor Transparent (GCT) Series Foils can be used to print onto ImageCast.
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 manufactured by 3M 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, extremely durable polyvinyl fluoride
(PVF) laminating film designed to further expand the resistance to weathering of printed
graphics for 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.
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 up to 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%.
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CUTTING
Gerber ImageCast can be cut on any 15-inch EDGE-compatible sprocketed plotter. A 30°
SuperSharp blade is recommended. Plotters can be set to full speed.
A test cut should be performed to determine the ideal tool force setting.
SUBSTRATE PREPARATION
Before applying your graphic, wash the surface of your substrate with warm water and
detergent. Do not use soaps or other cleaners with lotions or creams as they will leave a
residue. Thoroughly rinse the surface and allow it to completely dry.
Saturate a clean paper towel with a solvent-based cleaner and wipe the substrate surface. Be
certain to follow all manufacturer safety guidelines when using any solvent. Dry the surface with
a lint-free paper towel before the solvent evaporates.
If applying to glass, solvent wipe the surface with a 2 to 1 mixture of water and isopropyl
alcohol. Glass temperatures can vary across the surface. These temperature variations can
produce stresses which may cause the glass to break. Use caution when applying to glass.
Some polycarbonate substrates may weaken when certain vinyl films are applied to them.
Because of this possibility, the user will need to determine if safety items such as helmets,
safety shields, and some windshields are compatible with their vinyl’s adhesive.
Many paint systems (e.g. two-part urethane) and some polycarbonate substrates will outgas if
they are not fully cured. Outgassing can cause permanent bubbling in most films; substrates
should be tested for outgassing prior to final application.
APPLICATION TECHNIQUES
Wet or dry application methods can be used with Gerber ImageCast and panels can be
overlapped or butted.
Gerber standard tack application tape is required for all EDGE-printed graphics.
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 with rotary brushes should also be avoided.
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
Thickness 2.5 mils
Film Color Clear
Adhesive PSA
Adhesive Color Clear
Liner 78-lb kraft paper
Dimensional Stability .007 in (.2 mm)
Operating Temperature -40°F to 225F (-40C to 93C)
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CHEMICAL RESISTANCE (UNPRINTED)
Chemical Agent Exposure Time Result
Water 24 hours No effect
50/50 Ethylene glycol water 24 hours No effect
Reference Fuel 1 hour Slight film softening
SAE 20 motor oil 24 hours No effect
#1 diesel fuel 1 hour Edge lifting
10% Hydrochloric acid 10 minutes No effect
10% Ammonium Hydroxide 10 minutes No effect
Mineral spirits 10 minutes No effect
Methyl Alcohol 10 minutes No effect
VM & P Naphtha 10 minutes No effect
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.gerbertechnology.com/signage to learn more about our many other foils, materials and
equipment.
When sold by Gerber, use only the corresponding Gerber Product Bulletin to determine product details, including but not limited to appropriate uses, warranty and processing.
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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GerberCal, GerberColor, GerberColor Spectratone, GerberGauge, GerberGlow, GerberMag, GerberMask, GerberVision, GS 15, GS15plus, GSP Plot, GSxplus, GSx,
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Category: EDGE READY™ FastFact #: 5544 Supplied by: Aftermarkets Last Modified: 02/27/18