Why should I be interested in Sub-surface printing?

What is Sub-surface printing?

For labels and graphic overlays that need to be highly durable, provide harsh environment protection, and offer an outstanding visual appearance, sub-surface printing delivers a versatile solution.

Sub-surface or under-surface printing employs a technique where the label or graphic is printed (in reverse) on the back of a transparent plastic film or substrate. 

Long-lasting and reliable

This label printing technique is ideal for creating long-lasting, transparent labels as the print content – such as graphic images – are protected underneath the plastic substrate.

Key features

• Protection from abrasion damage if the surface of the label is scratched
• Protection against solvents, chemicals, oils and cleaning agents
• Hygienic and easily wiped cleaned
• Highly resistant to environmental damage caused by temperature, humidity and light exposure 

UV inhibitors can be added to the print materials to increase product life in outdoor or high UV exposed applications.

PVC, Polyester and Polycarbonate

Three substrate materials are used for sub-surface printing:

• PVC is ideal for general purpose sub-surface label applications and is available in either a gloss or matt surface finish.
• Polyester delivers improved resilience to heat and chemicals and has a matt or gloss surface finish.
• Polycarbonate is the most versatile material and enables a wide range of surface finishes, user buttons, embossed features, clear windows and is extremely resistant to chemicals and temperature.

An acrylic adhesive layer is applied to the rear most surface of the label to enable adhesion to most materials, machinery and equipment.

All colours, shapes and sizes

Sub-surface printed labels can be tailored to precisely meet specific customer requirements. With the exception of half tonal logos, there is no limitation on the number of colours that can be used. Business logos and corporate colours can be accurately reproduced.

Applications

Sub-surface printing provides the ideal labelling solutions for challenging environments, outdoor exposure and harsh industrial applications as the printed surface will not wear away or degrade. The automotive, aviation, marine and medical industries all use sub-surface printed labels and graphic overlays extensively because of the excellent long-term durability that sub-surface printing offers.

For advice or to find out more about our rigid plastic labels, call us on 01473 820060 or email sales@InformProducts.co.uk

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