oracal 3640 vs oracal 3850

[bigben]

I had this customer that wanted his small backlit sign done (repeat customer). I did not had oracal 3850 left in stock so I printed it on 3640 with the 3850 profile. After compared it to and exact same piece I had in stock (with and without backlit), I did not notice any difference in colors or diffusion.

I'm sure there is a logical reason why I should continue to use 3850, but I can't figure what. Does anyone can help me with this one?

Thanks.

Ben

 

[bigben]

You are right Pat. And there is also the glue type waterbase (3640) vs solvent (3850). I know I should use 3850, but the price difference is major between them. If only I had a good reason to not use the 3640, it would convinced me.

 

[Sign Works]

You are right Pat. And there is also the glue type waterbase (3640) vs solvent (3850). I know I should use 3850, but the price difference is major between them. If only I had a good reason to not use the 3640, it would convinced me.

There is a good reason for the price difference. 3640 is an "ECONOMY" grade vinyl that shrinks terribly in a short period of time. If this application is intended for long term exterior use then it's a recipe for failure. The only thing I use 3640 for is golf tournament signs that are intended for one day use.

 

[bigben]

There is a good reason for the price difference. 3640 is an "ECONOMY" grade vinyl that shrinks terribly in a short period of time. If this application is intended for long term exterior use then it's a recipe for failure. The only thing I use 3640 for is golf tournament signs that are intended for one day use.

and why 3640 would shrink more than 3850 other than it's an economy vinyl? But your point is very valuable.

 

[J Hill Designs]

'long term' vs 'short to medium term'.....

 

[Sign Works]

and why 3640 would shrink more than 3850 other than it's an economy vinyl? But your point is very valuable.

Simply put there are different grades of calendered vinyls as well as their adhesives, research Momomeric vs Polymeric Calendered Films. I would imagine the 3850 is a Polymeric Calendered Film (Intermediate Grade) where as the 3640 is a Monomeric Calendered Film (Economy Grade). Also the 3850 has a Solvent Based Adhesive where as the 3640 has a Water Based Adhesive.

Helpful tool - Oracal Inkjet Digital Media Selection Guide
http://www.orafol.com/gp/americas/en/digital-inkjet-media-selection-guide

 

[bigben]

Simply put there are different grades of calendered vinyls as well as their adhesives, research Momomeric vs Polymeric Calendered Films. I would imagine the 3850 is a Polymeric Calendered Film (Intermediate Grade) where as the 3640 is a Monomeric Calendered Film (Economy Grade). Also the 3850 has a Solvent Based Adhesive where as the 3640 has a Water Based Adhesive.

Great, thank you. That convinced me.