When you are buying any digital printer, here are some things that you should consider, especially if you are a first time buyer: Anything mechanical can breakdown. What reputation does the manufacturer have for building reliable equipment? In the event of a problem, what service and technical support does the manufacturer provide? Read more »
How Thermoplastics and Thermosets Differ
Thermoplastic and thermoset plastics are both comprised of very large polymer chains. Both have similarly sounding names. Each type of plastic, however, is very unique. Here’s how thermoplastics and thermosets differ. Cast vinyls are thermoplastics, which are very soft and conformable films, suitable for fleet graphics application over rivets and corrugations. Photo courtesy of Nazdar. Read more »
Differences Between Stains and Dyes
Dyes and stains are both used to color wood. To the uninitiated masses both types of products are one in the same. For this reason, these terms are frequently used interchangeably albeit incorrectly. While both dyes and stains are similar in appearance and intended use, the similarity ends there. In fact, dyes and stains each […] Read more »
Using Chip Carving Knives in Letter Carving
You can use chip carving knives for more than just carving geometric designs in boxes, plates or furniture. These specialized knives are also great tools when used to carve incised letters. I have also used these knives for carving details in brittle wood prone to tear out. Read more »
Laminating Application Tape and HotMask™ Films
Stick It In Reverse How you apply an application tape to a vinyl graphic or a HotMask™ transfer tape to a printed heat transfer applique can affect the appearance of the finished product. If you get wrinkles or bubbles in the paper application tape, I can just about guarantee that you will get wrinkles and […] Read more »
Power Carving with Flexible Shaft Tools
Flexible shaft carving systems are not a necessity for woodcarving, but they sure are nice to have for several reasons. Carving with gouges or knives is generally a slow, thoughtful process. To save time I often will use my high speed flexible shaft tool to rough out a carving. With a coarse carbide burr you […] Read more »
Making the Most of Application Fluids
Using application fluids isn’t rocket science, but it’s not child’s play, either. Discover what you need to know to make the most of application fluids. Read more »
Stadium Advertising: A Sporty Opportunity
Why do you need to understand the advertising opportunities in stadiums? So you can help to sell it to your client. Discover what you need to know about stadium wrappings sporty opportunity. Read more »
When Ink Is Not the Problem with Digital Printing, Part I
Variables like surface tension, media expansion and ink absorption take on new dimensions on larger substrates. If the paper doesn’t advance, it could cause blobs of ink or other ugly outcomes. If the media stretches even a little, you could get blurs. Tiling can become a challenge on larger prints. Read on to discover what […] Read more »
When Ink Is Not the Problem with Digital Printing, Part II
Beyond dust and dirt, several factors impact the ink’s ability to stick to the substrate. The carrier aqueous-based or solvent-based is another key factor in the final outcome. Then there’s calibration. Read more »
