Converting Synaps OM Synthetic Paper

 If a design requires a die cut shape
and drilled holes, it is more efficient
 to order a die that can cut the
holes and the shape at the same time.

While Synaps® OM synthetic papers are tear resistant, plastic films are notch sensitive. To avoid tear out, follow the recommended steps below when handling and processing this type of material to prevent damage.

Another common challenge that printers encounter when dealing with plastic is static. Static can cause difficulties in aligning a stack. To minimize static, lay the stack on a grounded metal table the day before converting to allow the electrical charge to dissipate. Plant humidity above 50% can also help avoid or reduce static problems. 

Guillotining

Synaps® OM synthetic paper can be cut on a guillotine press. To ensure clean cuts, use a sharp and clean angled blade. Nicks in the blade will create a nick in the material. Material nicks are starting points for a tear to propagate. To prevent cutting problems, the height of the material stack should not exceed 2” (5 cm).

                                                                        

Die cutting

Synaps® OM can be die cut using steel rule dies. Use sharp hard steel blades and free of nicks.  Inner corners should be rounded. Avoid inside angles less than 90 degrees.  Corners with sharp angles are potentially starting points for material tears. When cutting complex shapes, cylinder type die cutting presses will produce the cleanest cuts, compared to platen type presses. Prior to production, always perform a test, which can reveal potential problems.

Drilling

In drilling Synaps® OM, best results are achieved using Teflon coated drill bits, which are less prone to sticking issues. Drill bits should be sharp, clean and free of nicks. In drilling operations, use short dwell times to prevent heat generation and sticking issues. The drill bit should be ¼” in diameter or more. 

Sticky problems often can be mitigated by spraying the bit with a dry silicone spray.  As well as minimizing drilling problems, silicone spray can extend the sharpness and the life of the bit. Allow sufficient dwell times when drilling to allow the heat generated in the bit to dissipate.

The absolute maximum height of the material stack to 2” (5 cm), when drilling.  Drilling higher stacks of material results in greater heat build up that can weld sheets together. The rule of thumb is that the shorter the stack, the less heat that will develop.

Processing Tip: If a design requires a die cut shape and drilled holes, it is more efficient to order a die that can cut the holes and the shape at the same time.

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About Jim Hingst: After fourteen years as Business Development Manager at RTape, Jim Hingst retired. He was involved in many facets of the company’s business, including marketing, sales, product development and technical service.

Hingst began his career 42 years ago in the graphic arts field creating and producing advertising and promotional materials for a large test equipment manufacturer.  Working for offset printers, large format screen printers, vinyl film manufacturers, and application tape companies, his experience included estimating, production planning, purchasing and production art, as well as sales and marketing. In his capacity as a salesman, Hingst was recognized with numerous sales achievement awards.

Drawing on his experience in production and as graphics installation subcontractor, Hingst provided the industry with practical advice, publishing more than 150 articles for  publications, such as  Signs Canada, SignCraft,  Signs of the Times, Screen Printing, Sign and Digital Graphics and  Sign Builder Illustrated. He also posted more than 325 stories on his blog (hingstssignpost.blogspot.com). In 2007 Hingst’s book, Vinyl Sign Techniques, was published.

© 2015 Jim Hingst