Printing on Expanded PVC (Sintra / Komatex)
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or vinyl for short, is one of the most commonly used plastics in the world due to its durability, versatility, and cost; resulting in it being the most sought-after material for printing permanent or semi-permanent retail graphics. PVC vinyl comes in three common forms used for graphic applications (Flexible film, Rigid film, Expanded PVC). Expanded PVC is often referred to by its trade names (Sintra®, Komatex®, Celtec®, Palight®). Due to Expanded PVCs, many characteristics including durability, ease of fabrication, printability, rigidity, weather resistance, profile appearance, impact resistance, and cost; the material is ideal for use in Point of Purchase displays or retail signage applications.
Furthermore, expanded PVC allows clients to promote their brand or convey any kind of a message in a fashionable and attention-grabbing way, ensuring their marketing strategies are successful.
Here at Hopkins Printing, we stock and print on all of the different brands of expanded PVC creating vivid, eye-catching, and high-quality graphics.
What is Expanded PVC?
Expanded PVC (Sintra® / Komatex®) is a polyvinyl chloride plastic with air injected into it during extrusion. This process creates a rigid homogenous closed-cell foam plastic material with a matte surface finish on both sides. The strong fine-celled structure provides good surface strength with excellent print qualities. Being non-toxic, expanded PVC is labeled as a safe material. The closed cell foam from durable PVC makes Expanded PVC boards weather resistant and chemical resistant.
Why Use Expanded PVC?
Expanded PVC is the most universal and cost-effective solution for rigid signage applications. Retailers, brands and point-of-purchase display companies who are looking for a safe, attractive, durable, rigid and in-expensive graphic usually default to Komatex or some other expanded PVC product because of the numerous benefits and few negatives. Some of the fundamental properties that describe expanded PVC in the best possible way are:
Rigid
- Self-standing rigid signage requires less hardware and is generally more durable than a thin flexible material. Komatex and other expanded PVC materials are available at thicknesses ranging from 1mm to 15mm. The thickness and density of material are two main characteristics that affect rigidity and durability.
Attractive and Professional
- In the retail world, people are unable to tell that expanded PVC is a fine-celled foam product. The closed cell nature adds thickness and an attractive side profile without the extra plastic. Additionally, Komatex is available in different colors but primarily stocked in white or black for POP display use. Colors beyond white can add perceived value and impress. Hopkins Printing commonly screen prints or digitally prints a white primer under any CMYK print to make the printed colors stand out.
Weather and Moisture resistant
- Due to the fine closed-cell nature of the material and the fact it is made from stable PVC plastic, Komatex White is weather, moisture, and chemical resistant. Komatex White is suitable for outdoor applications and resists damage from UV as well. Simple Processing
Durable
- Expanded PVC is less dense and thus even easier to cut and fabricate than a comparable thick and denser plastic like polystyrene. Expanded PVC like Komatex is great for thermoforming, bonding, heat bending, router cutting, laminating, and can be die-cut in thin gauges. Cutting is generally easier and less strenuous making it faster and easier to cut.
Affordable
- You would think a material with so many benefits must cost a fortune. But, that’s not always the case. Expanded PVC is less dense so comparably thick plastics are usually much more expensive and harder to process. Since Komatex is ideal for digital printing, screen printing, and router cutting, the cost to process is substantially lower and savings are passed down to the client. Expanded PVC is common around the printing industry from a variety of manufacturers making it easy to obtain through distribution channels helping drive competition and lower pricing.
Common expanded PVC uses
Because of its numerous advantages, expanded PVC can be used for countless projects and have multiple purposes. Nevertheless, some of the most common uses include:
- Retail signage
- Point of Purchase displays
- Dimensional lettering
- Kiosks and exhibits
- Point of Sale displays
- Shop window decor
- Shelves and fixtures
- Smaller home accessories
- Photo mounting
- Photo booth props
- Prototypes
Why choose Hopkins Printing?
Together with the Hopkins Printing team of industry veterans, you can create some of the most mesmerizing designs that translate well to the plastic surface. You can be confident your projects will be approached with a great level of attention, care, and quality.
Hopkins Printing has been digital printing, screen printing, laminating, and cutting Komatex, Sintra, and other expanded PVC materials for over 60 years. Combining a versatile and high-performing material such as expanded PVC with advanced printing techniques and skilled Hopkins Printing team members, you’ll end up with the highest quality signage money can buy that’ll surely last a long time.
Final thoughts
All in all, you can’t go wrong with expanded PVC, whether you’re looking for durability, availability, quality of print and cut, opacity, ease of use, or cost-efficiency. The Hopkins Printing team is here to assist you in the decision-making process, which will ensure you receive the best bang for your buck and on point for what you’re looking for on this form of plastic.
To start the creation of your unique expanded PVC items, contact Hopkins Printing today!