PALIGHT®
A family of products used for print, display, fabrication and more
Palram has been producing PVC products since 1963, and is proud of its reputation as a global leader in this sector. Based on the knowledge and expertise accumulated during this time, Palram developed a line of products to meet a variety of application needs and budgets. PALIGHT foamed PVC sheets (also known as cellular PVC) are significantly lighter and more cost-effective than other options such as solid PVC sheets. They also offer excellent rigidity and performance. PALIGHT is one of the many products that Palram has developed for the evolving and diversifying print, display, and fabrication market.
APPLICATIONS
FREE FOAM VS. CELUKA TECHNOLOGY
Free Foam and Celuka are the two predominant types of PVC manufacturing technologies. While both of them have been available for some time, Palram favors the Free Foam method as it produces a more consistent density throughout the panel.
The cellular structure of the panel’s core is dense and, if manufactured to Palram’s high standards, does not contain voids or large air bubbles. Celuka PVC typically has a less dense core structure but has a harder “skin” on the outer surface which can sometimes result in chipping when cut.
The image shown here has been highlighted with blue to illustrate the typical thickness of the harder skin. If you look at the edge of the Celuka product, you’ll see chipping has occurred. Fabrication and milling of Free Foam PVC are generally easier and result in a better finish than Celuka products.
Frequently Asked Questions
3D letters and/or 3D logos are made of plastic, metal or foam. They reinforce an upscale image and create a clear highlighted message. These signs can be illuminated when required.
Multiwall polycarbonate should be used when the key design parameter is thermal insulation. Solid polycarbonate should be used when the key design parameter is acoustic insulation and glass-like appearance.
For use in illuminated signage, PALSUN, PALSUN CS (Coil Stock) and PALGLAS are suitable for the sign face; and PALBOARD, PALOPAQUE, and PALIGHT for the body of the letters or symbols. For print & display, Palram's entire product portfolio can be used based on the specific application. This choice depends on a combination of several parameters, including the cost of the media, its durability, and its suitability for the specific application. Please visit Palram’s Flat sheet application catalog for more information.
Sign faces are usually made from polycarbonate or acrylic. For extreme conditions such as heavy hail, low temperatures, or high temperatures produced when thermo-forming, polycarbonate is probably more suitable. For sign boxes or channel letter cans, PVC, multi-layered PVC and foam PVC can be used.
There are different white substrates available but in order to achieve a true colored image according to the design, a process of profiling (ICC profile) needs to be done. By using a natural white substrate (a tint which been made with no extra additives), the process of measuring and profiling becomes very simple and fast.
Before: use a protected sheet with PE masking, store unused inkjet printable media in original packaging and in a clean area, and avoid touching the print side by handling the edges of the sheet or by using lint-free white gloves.
After: avoid any finishing until prints are completely dry, store the printed media in a clean environment, and avoid dust from sticking to the fresh cured ink.
In terms of ink adhesion properties, both polymers act very differently. PVC is a ready-to-use polymer so no pre-treatment needs to be done before printing (on rigid or flexible media). Polypropylene has different chemical properties and for this reason, needs to get a pre-treatment coat ('Corona'), which has a limited shelf life.
This is based on a combination of several parameters, but the main ones are the cost of the media and its durability, and its fit to the required application. Please visit Palram’s Flat Sheet Application Catalog.
A strict spec of diagonal (from angle to angle) during the production process is feasible for this.
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