Ever wonder why you would choose PVC over other materials? Here’s a bit more information to help you understand why PVC is so common in the signage industry.
PVC is a rigid board of expanded closed-cell Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) extruded with a matte finish.
It is directly printable using our UV Ink. PVC is available in a wide variety of thicknesses, densities, sizes, and colors.
In our industry, it is often formed into shapes using wood and foam board fabrication techniques. PVC is heat formable and chemical resistant.
How It’s Made
PVC (like most plastic sheets) is manufactured from plastic pellets. These plastic pellets are typically made from oil, natural gas, or recycled plastic.
The pellets are heated then forced through a extruder, similar to the Playdough press you might have used as a kid, except instead of a star shape, the die (or the shape of the hole) is flat, making one continuous sheet.
The sheet is trimmed square, then stacked neatly on a pallet. This is how we purchase it.
Industry Names & Manufacturers
At FireSprint, we refer to the size and gauge (thickness) of the PVC when referencing.
For example “3 Millimeter PVC”
Some other names are:
- Expanded PVC
- PVC Sheet
- Foam PVC
Brands:
- Sintra
- iON
- Komatex
- Celtec
- Palite
Common Applications
- 2mm PVC
- Point of purchase / retail displays
- Windmaster signage
- Pump toppers
- Auto plates
- 3mm PVC
- Point of purchase / retail displays
- Semi-permanent posters
- Table top easel backs
- 6mm PVC
- Real Estate signage
- Store fixtures
- Golf paddle (“Quiet Please”)
- Display boards