Holographic vinyl

[RobertLambie]

Hi Martyn

Any Holographic films that I know of are polyester films mate.
I am guessing, but I would say that the only printers that will be able to print to this material would be Thermal, UV ink and “maybe” Latex. Any other ink will not cure properly, smudge at best or just run on the surface.
A possible workaround would be to print to a clear laminate and mount that onto the Holographic film.

[Martyn Heath]

Thanks rob, i did think it may be more specialised.

[RobertLambie]

Actually, I think I am wrong with regard to Latex. I am doubtful of that too.

[David Wilde]

We were able to print direct to some using our UV printer. The vinyl was supplied by the customer though so can’t be sure that all holographic vinyl would be the same and don’t know the brand ofthe vinyl we used.

[David Hammond]

No idea, but from my experience printing the Brushed Aluminium vinyl, it’s a pain in the bottom to cut in a cutter. I would image holographic would have similar issues.

The pain being getting the machine to read registration marks, or when it does that it reads them accurately and cuts accurately. That’s on both our Roland and Graphtec.

[RobertLambie]

@DavidHammond
That’s a good point worth noting and testing for with regard to the reflective surface David.

@david-wilde1
Thanks for confirming that David.

The reason UV and Thermal printers can print to the polyester surface is that thermal is a dry ink ribbon cured onto the material surface via the print head. Whereas UV printing is cured instantly via UV light as it is applied to the surface.
Inkjet printers use heat and fans to cure the ink, but some printers may not reach the heat required to cure the ink on the polyester, and others may not do it fast enough. So the ink simply smudges or runs off the surface. I think the fact the film is chrome/reflective will also prevent proper curing temperatures as the film will reflect heat. Meaning much longer or higher heat exposure to cure the solvent.

The reason I mention HP Latex “might” do it, is really just down to the fact I have printed mirrored Chrome wrapping vinyl through our latex machines. the heat used in HP latex printers is substantially more than solvent printers, exceeding 100 degrees. It is still chrome and will reflect, but it is also a cast vinyl and has a more porous surface, which will help again, whereas Polyester is not porous.

I think the most pain-free option would be to get your supplier of the Holographic film to send it directly to your trade print supplier and specify UV printing to the material. They will take the headache of the whole process away. Obviously, the trade printer must have a UV printer.

Alternatively, ask “David Wilde” if he is able to quote you for doing the work, and if he can, it keeps the trade work amongst our members. Win-Win! That said Martyn, I am forgetting you are based in Finland, mate. 🤔

[Martyn Heath]

Thanks for all the pointers and info guys. Must say you never stop coming accross new materials and products that people request but obviously you cant do it all and this is part of a bigger order for other products so thought i would atleast find out some info but i think i will decline and push them online to get them.