Need Help Top Value Banner printing issues: snaking, spotting, streaking

[GP Boone]

Hi all,

We run Top Value brand 13oz. banner substrate on our HP560 and we've been having issues with various slotching, snaking, color issues, etc. I'm 99% sure the issue is in the material as when we wipe it down or use the wiper roller we don't typically get it. But we're getting some pushback from our distributor about the problem being the printer, not the material and I was just wondering if anyone had run into the same issue. Thanks!

 

[Dan360]

We've had issues with TVF banners that were older. Seems like the shelf life is quite short when it comes to latex. We tried to use older rolls that have been sitting around the shop for a while and have the same problems. Also had the problem with a couple rolls we printed on right after we got them from our distributor, luckily they replaced them no questions. My understanding is that it's a plasticizer issue, we see it most with Ultraflexx stuff but occasionally with TVF and other brands.

 

[GP Boone]

Thanks for the response! We discovered that even though the TVF 38", 54" and 63" are all supposed to be the same thing, there's an easily discernible difference in the materials. Some were thicker and better made than others; one was even a shade of slightly off-white. Is that something you've experienced as well?

 

[Dan360]

We typically use the 38" and the 63", but I have not noticed a difference in those terms. The main difference I've seen between the sizes is that the larger rolls tend to cause more problems when we're printing the entire roll in one go.

We did have a roll sitting here for around 6 months and was noticeably yellow compared to a new one, but my guess is that's just how fast it ages.

 

[Reveal1]

Hi all,

We run Top Value brand 13oz. banner substrate on our HP560 and we've been having issues with various slotching, snaking, color issues, etc. I'm 99% sure the issue is in the material as when we wipe it down or use the wiper roller we don't typically get it. But we're getting some pushback from our distributor about the problem being the printer, not the material and I was just wondering if anyone had run into the same issue. Thanks!

We don't use Top Value but have had those same issues with several other brands on our 560. Key banner (matte) from Grimco was something we came to rely on but they dropped it in favor of an inferior house brand. Now using Arlon DPF 313 with good results on our 560.

 

[GP Boone]

We've had issues with TVF banners that were older. Seems like the shelf life is quite short when it comes to latex. We tried to use older rolls that have been sitting around the shop for a while and have the same problems. Also had the problem with a couple rolls we printed on right after we got them from our distributor, luckily they replaced them no questions. My understanding is that it's a plasticizer issue, we see it most with Ultraflexx stuff but occasionally with TVF and other brands.

Just out of curiosity, when you say "older" and the shelf life is "quite short"--how long are you talking?3 months? 6 months? a year or two? Thanks again!!

 

[Dan360]

In my experience it varies quite a bit with the stuff, I don't trust any rolls older than 6 months but sometimes it works. Usually single sided stuff is fine but the second side doesn't run properly.