I commonly receive questions from customers about selecting the right materials for exposed applications: How do you know if a material will retain its aesthetic duties as well as functionality? When can lower cost alternatives be used? Are all vinyls, polycarbonates, and polyesters mostly the same? How does intense heat or sun exposure affect each material? From a vendor’s standpoint, these are ALL important questions to ask when making your next material selection. In this blog entry I’ll shed some light on important things to look for when choosing the perfect material for outdoor applications, so that you can stop wasting time, resources and most importantly – money.
Engineering vs. Marketing vs. Purchasing is a time-honored debate, and one that I come across in most companies I work with. Engineering is calling for material specifications, marketing wants the packaging to promote the product’s worth, and purchasing wants to bring it all together in a cost-efficient manner. While their goals may be different, they all have one thing in common: they want it done right! I bring this up because if you are working with a vendor who is willing to educate and help you to explore viable options, it is very possible to satisfy at least two, if not all, of these needs.
I have found that engineering and marketing departments like the look and functionality of utilizing polycarbonate for many of their exposed labeling applications. It generally looks great when applied, the printing is protected because it is a sub-surface print, and the logo or instructions will remain intact for quite a while. What many don’t realize is most polycarbonates will yellow severely when exposed to the sun for an extended period of time. Often it will yellow even more than most other materials considered. On top of that, generally speaking, it is also a higher cost alternative. What most vendors will not tell you is that there are hybrid materials out there that resist UV exposure much better – and are less costly.
For polyesters, there are both top-surface and sub-surface printed materials. In terms of sub-surface materials, these generally perform better than polycarbonates in high heat and outdoor applications. They will retain the same look and will easily resist yellowing. The downside is they are expensive. You pay for what you get, however, make sure your reason for the sub-surface material is justified. This is where your engineering department needs to work with your vendor to make sure you are not “over engineering” a specification.
For the top-surface polyesters and vinyls, it is vitally important that you make sure you specify an outdoor application. Often times I see OEM’s who have equipment exposed to the elements and their vendors are using a cheaper version without ever bringing it to their customer’s attention. Not all polyesters and vinyls are created equal. There are significant differences between an outdoor-rated material and one that isn’t up to par. A material that is strongly suited to brave the elements will reduce yellowing and material degradation.
Lastly, make sure your vendor is using an ink system that is UV resistant and can augment the performance with a clear-coat or laminate.
A Quick Overview:
Polycarbonates: Take caution when choosing a polycarbonate for outdoor applications – not only can they be expensive, but they will yellow when exposed to the sun for an extended period of time.
Sub-Surface Polyesters: These perform better than polycarbonates in high heat and outdoor applications. Just double-check to make sure your specs are correctly aligned to use this material.
Top-Surface Polyesters or Vinyls: Not all polyesters and vinyls are created equal. Make sure to specify between your outdoor vs. indoor applications when picking your material.
UV Protection: Is your vendor using a UV resistant ink system? Now’s the time to check!
