What is Self-Adhesive Vinyl?
This article takes a closer look at vinyl and explores some of its properties.
Vinyl is probably the world's most versatile plastic material.
It is a type of plastic that comes from combining ethylene (found in crude oil) and chlorine (found in salt). When combined together these substances become Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) resin, or as it is better known - Vinyl. It is then further processed to be made more flexible, rigid, semi-liquid, clear or colourful, thick or thin.
Vinyl was first invented in 1920 by scientists who wanted to develop a material that would help to manufacture everyday products that were easier to make, more durable, and cheaper than what was available. Today, vinyl has become the second largest manufactured and sold plastic resin in the entire world.
Although the most common use of vinyl is that in construction (e.g. vinyl flooring) there are hundreds of other applications particularly in the sign industry where vinyl products include vinyl stickers, vinyl graphics, banners, vehicle graphics and floor stickers.
Vinyl is a very strong and durable plastic material that can be manufactured in a variety of colours and properties. It is resistant to moisture and humidity.
How "Green" is Vinyl?
Despite public perception vinyl can easily be recycled and is a very environmentally friendly material. Vinyl helps in the preservation of environmental resources since approximately 57% of vinyl is made from common salt, which is a renewable natural substance. Non-replenish able resources such as crude oil only account for 43% of vinyl resin. When crude oil runs out, the oil element of vinyl could be substituted with another oil source such as vegetable oil.
Different Types of Self-Adhesive Vinyl
Self-adhesive vinyl comes in three main categories, namely: monomeric vinyl, polymeric vinyl and cast vinyl. The differences relate to the way they are made.
Monomeric vinyl is the cheapest of the self-adhesive vinyls with a bond-life of up to 3 years. It has a tendency to shrink over time and often comes with a water based adhesive that limits the bond life. Most promotional stickers are made with monomeric vinyl since the sticker life expectancy does not need to be greater that 1 year.
Polymeric vinyl can have a bond life of anything up to 7 years. Generally it is prone to less shrinkage and often comes with a solvent based adhesive that repels moisture and thus enhances the bond life. General vinyl signage should normally be made with quality polymeric vinyls.
Cast vinyl is the deluxe of vinyls with properties that allow the vinyl to "memorise" curves and contours in the surface and to stay in position without returning to its original flat postion. Vehicle wraps use cast vinyls since the vinyl has to be applied over all the contours of a vehicle.
About the Author
Edge Signs is a UK based Sign and Graphics Shop specialising in the production of custom made digital printing, signage and display products.
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