{"id":1204,"date":"2020-04-13T17:24:06","date_gmt":"2020-04-13T17:24:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.arlon.com\/blog\/?p=1204"},"modified":"2020-04-21T22:19:47","modified_gmt":"2020-04-21T22:19:47","slug":"cast-or-calendered-vinyl-film-to-spec-or-not-to-spec","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.arlon.com\/blog\/cast-or-calendered-vinyl-film-to-spec-or-not-to-spec\/","title":{"rendered":"Cast or Calendered Vinyl Film – To Spec Or Not To Spec"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In the branded world we know today, there are vinyl films for every substrate. Concrete, porta-potties, and trains are all examples of branding on substrates we see every day. But when you choose a vinyl film for your next job, how do you know you\u2019re making the right choice to maximize your profit? Step one in selecting a vinyl film is deciding between Cast or Calendered. Below we will take a quick look at the difference between a Cast or Calendered vinyl and how choosing the right film will help you improve your film spec odds tremendously. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cast and Calendered 101 <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The terms Cast and Calendered refer to the ingredients used and the manufacturing method of each vinyl. Cast begins as a paint-like substance, called organosol. Orgnisol poured over a sheet and run through a series of ovens cures the liquid into a solid film, creating what we know as a Cast vinyl. Calendered film starts as a dough-like substance called plastisol<\/a>, run between a series of hot rollers to press the film to the desired thickness. The casting process produces stress-free film, that over its lifetime, will have minimal shrinkage. In contrast, the calendering process produces stressed film, that over its much shorter lifetime, can shrink noticeably. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cast or Calendered for Flat Surfaces <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you are applying to a Flat (2D) surface, you can choose between the two types of film based on the desired durability, especially in outdoor applications. Now, for short term durability, a calendered film will be your ideal selection. For long term, a cast film will be the way to go. For an indoor application with no exposure, use a calendered film, but keep in mind that it will still have some shrinkage. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Arlon's
Arlon’s DPF 510 GTR a 3.2-mil (80 micron) calendered film.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Cast or Calendered for Curved Surfaces <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When applying to a curved (3D) or compound curved surface application, a cast film is your go-to. Does that mean you cannot use a calendared product? No! 3D application is possible with calendered film, but with little to no long-term durability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Arlon
Arlon SLX\u00ae Cast Wrap & Series 3270 Matte – Wrapped by Scribbles & Drips – Photography by J Cole Photography<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Maximizing Durability <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Film type isn\u2019t the only thing you need to take into consideration when choosing which product to use; a proper laminate pairing is also essential. To increase your graphic\u2019s durability, use a laminate of equal or better quality. For example, using a calendered base film with cast overlaminate is a great way to extend graphic durability by having the laminate stabilize the base film. Using a cast base film with a calendered overlaminate will work oppositely, allowing the laminate to shrink and cause failure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When we break it down, a cast film is the best option for long-term (4+ years), 3D application. While calendered is the best option for 2D, short to mid-term (2+ years) application. Want to learn more about vinyl? Check out our blog on Pre-Installation Steps for Wall Vinyl Applications<\/a><\/p>\n\r\n\t\t