New Clariguard™ Laser Engravable Polycarbonate

CET Films, a division of Nekoosa Coated Products, has introduced Clariguard™, a laser engravable polycarbonate film.  The new CET film provides a cost effective solution for producing tamper-proof security-sensitive documents.

Clariguard™ incorporates a new non-carbon additive in the polycarbonate, which enables certain types of lasers to create a photographic image inside the film itself.

Here’s how Clariguard™ works. To create a tamper-proof docu­ment, you only need a single sheet of CET’s new laser engravable polycarbonate. Clariguard™ incorporates a new non-carbon additive in the polycarbonate, which enables certain types of lasers to create a photographic image inside the film itself.

As a laser beam exposes the film, it converts a proprietary non-carbon additive into black particles, producing a permanent  image. Because the image is inside the film, rather than on the surface of the film, it cannot be tamper with.

No additional material, inks, toners or foils are needed to laser engrave CET Films’ Clariguard™ polycarbonate. Nevertheless, Clariguard™ can be print­ed using offset or screen print processes.

The unique non-carbon Clariguard™ formulation also improves production speeds, reducing manufacturing costs, in addition to produc­ing a higher-resolution, photographic quality image compared to other laser engravable films.

Because the engraving of the image occurs inside the film itself, Clariguard™ is also a much more cost-effective and more secure alternative to multi-layer laminated security documents. Sensitive information is not sandwiched between multiple laminated overlays.

Once the document is engraved, criminals cannot tamper with and alter the im­age. Sensitive security documents are safe and secure. And because Clariguard™ is made of durable polycarbonate, it can withstand thousands of flexes and provide up to 10 years of rigorous use.

Laser engravable Clariguard™ films provide highly tamper-resistant personalization solutions for secure identification needs. The new CET film is perfect for producing Credit Cards, Passports, Machine Readable Travel Documents, Security Documents, Driver’s Licenses and ID Cards.

While Clariguard™ can be used to manufacture single film security cards, the base stock polycarbonate film can also be permanently fused with other Clariguard™ films for composite cards.

About CET Films Corp.: Founded in 1973 and headquartered in Lakewood, New Jersey, CET Films,  manufactures cast custom extruded films for a range of niche graphic arts and ancillary markets. Resin capabilities include acrylics, PC, PVC and PETg. For more information on CET Films Corp. visit www.cetfilms.com. 

NEW INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEOS.  Five new videos have been added to RTape’s  YouTube channel. The following is a description of the new videos:

Squeegee Technique. Nothing is more basic in vinyl application than the squeegee. But some squeegees work better than others. And there are right ways and wrong ways to use this simple tool. This video clip reviews squeegee selection, squeegee care and squeegee technique. Click here to view the Squeegee Technique video.

Wet Applications. Dry applications are typically recommended for most vinyl applications. For those exceptions to the rule, this instructional video explains the right way to perform a wet application. Click here to view the Wet Applications video.

Introducing AT65. Installing multiple color overlays with a paper application tape is not much easier than driving in the dark without your headlights. For these challenging applications, RTape developed its AT65, the universal high tack film. This video clip explains the features and benefits of this remarkable new film application tape. Click here to view the Introducing AT65 video.

Application of Window Graphics. Installing vinyl graphics on glass can be challenging, because the adhesive aggressively grabs onto this high energy surface. Repositioning graphics on window is generally difficult, if not impossible. This instructional video explains how to dry apply window graphics right the first time. It also describes the necessary steps required for surface preparation. Click here to view the Application of Window Graphics video.

Transferring Frosted Window Graphics Films.  Because frosted window films are highly textured, transferring cut vinyl graphics can be problematic. This video provides direction in selection of the right application tape and how to apply these films quickly, easily and without problems. Click here to view the Transferring Frosted Window Graphics Films video.

COMMENTS PLEASE  

To contact Jim Hingst, write him at hingstjim@gmail.com or at Jim Hingst, PO Box 671, Chesterton, IN 46304 USA. For immediate assistance, call RTape at 1-800-440-1250 or 908-753-5570. RTape is a division of Nekoosa Holdings. Jim Hingst 

About Vinyl Sign Techniques 

RTape Business Development Manager, Jim Hingst, is a recognized authority in the field of vinyl graphics application. In Vinyl Sign Techniques, Hingst provides a comprehensive guide to the vinyl graphics business. Built around his firsthand experiences working for major fleet graphics screen printers and pressure sensitive manufacturers, Hingst offers a perspective on the vinyl business that thoroughly covers sales and marketing, materials, fabrication, and installation and removal of vinyl products of all kinds. Vinyl Sign Techniques has something for everybody in the vinyl graphics business. Hingst’s book, provides ideas and techniques for graphics fabricators and installers along with advice for executives and salespeople that will result in higher sales and profits.

© 2014 Jim Hingst