Discussion Mimaki's UV Flatbed Onboard Primer

[DbyD]

Looking for feedback from anyone running Mimaki's Onboard Primer System. In particular, I need to know the effectiveness of the primer on acrylics (all types) and ACM (aluminum composite materials). What are the strengths and weaknesses?

 

[Pauly]

No experience with it, but also not a fan. just means it'll take longer to print. acrylic can be a pain to print on but you can get digital acrylic for UV inks to adhere to. Same with aluminium composite sheets. But i've never had an adhesion issue with aluminium.

 

[SignMeUpGraphics]

Pauly, do you have a source for Optix DA? I can't find anyone up here that stocks it any more.
We've been using Shinkolite as a replacement, but it isn't a true digital acrylic.

 

[Pauly]

Pauly, do you have a source for Optix DA? I can't find anyone up here that stocks it any more.
We've been using Shinkolite as a replacement, but it isn't a true digital acrylic.

I use shinkolite when i can't get a size in Optix DA. But i use mulfords plastics for Optix DA

 

[SignMeUpGraphics]

Pfft, Mulfords up here claim they haven't had stock of Optix since last year.
I might try ring the Melbourne office, as several people in Sydney refuse to acknowledge that it's available for sale any more.
Cheers. Apologies for drifting off topic.

 

[Pauly]

Pfft, Mulfords up here claim they haven't had stock of Optix since last year.
I might try ring the Melbourne office, as several people in Sydney refuse to acknowledge that it's available for sale any more.
Cheers. Apologies for drifting off topic.

I haven't ordered it in a few months, but i think i have 1 sheet left. but i've never had a problem getting it.
Have you tried adhesion promotors?

 

[SignMeUpGraphics]

Yeah, we destroyed 4 full sheets of Shinkolite before discovering that the Océ adhesion promoter for acrylic is only for first face printing, not second.
Spoke to the local tech and he was surprised I was using it at all, as they don't even recommend it any more.
He suggested we move to IJ257 instead.

 

[Steve Weist]

DBYD, there are different types of Jet table primers as well as wipe on adhesion promoters for the Mimaki UV led flatbeds. I will be happy to test your products in our testing center to verify which Primer is best for your applications. Feel free to contact me if would like help.

Steve Weist
#1 Mimaki UV Dealer in the USA
615-812-3001
www.pdsequipment.com
www.mimakiinkjet.com

 

[bowtievega]

We have been our JFX-200 with primer since January. The primer definitely increases the adhesion for acrylic, polycarb and ACM. Obviously it slows down the printing process if you are printing white as well as color. All of our printing on acrylic and polycarb is 2nd surface for illuminated directory maps, ADA signs, etc. We need really good adhesion for ACM as we typically are performing additional work to the signs after they are printed and cut. Most of those signs are exterior and get a sprayed on clear coat or possibly back painted a custom color. Most of our work is here in the southwest so UV protection is huge. The primer pretty much guarantees we won't have any issues applying spray mask or transfer tape to the printed face during those operations. With out primer, occasionally we could have some lifting when removing protective masking from the prints.

 

[DbyD]

Thanks to all for your responses to my question. Bowtievega, great to hear from someone with several month's experience!

 

[Steve Weist]

We have been our JFX-200 with primer since January. The primer definitely increases the adhesion for acrylic, polycarb and ACM. Obviously it slows down the printing process if you are printing white as well as color. All of our printing on acrylic and polycarb is 2nd surface for illuminated directory maps, ADA signs, etc. We need really good adhesion for ACM as we typically are performing additional work to the signs after they are printed and cut. Most of those signs are exterior and get a sprayed on clear coat or possibly back painted a custom color. Most of our work is here in the southwest so UV protection is huge. The primer pretty much guarantees we won't have any issues applying spray mask or transfer tape to the printed face during those operations. With out primer, occasionally we could have some lifting when removing protective masking from the prints.

Are you using PR100 or PR 200 Primer in your JFX 200?