Melville, NY—Canon USA announced two weather-resistant media options for their imagePrograpf large-format printers: Canon Water Resistant Adhesive Matte Vinyl (330gsm) and Canon Water Resistant Matte Banner Vinyl (480gsm). Both are designed to withstand most weather elements for up to six months without lamination.
For posters, banners as well as signage, the media can be used in conjunction with aqueous imagePrograf printers. As a result, print service providers can produce colorful output for outdoor displays.
“Many of our customers have a need for signs, posters or banners that can both be used outdoors and have the high-quality look that one has come to expect from a pigment ink printer,” said Toyotsugu Kuwamura, executive vice president and general manager, Business Imaging Solutions Group, Canon USA.
“With this in mind, Canon has refined our media offerings to help protect what is most important: the image. With the combination of these media types and an imagePrograf aqueous pigment printer, the end result is a frame worthy print that can be hung outdoors. This is just the latest innovation from Canon to help the end user get the most out of our products.”
Key Features of Weather-Resistant Media
Among the key features of the media is the ability to produce vibrant applications through environmentally friendly technology. With their expanded color range and more durability, users can print color posters without the fumes associated with solvent ink technology.
In addition, both media are designed to enable lasting image quality and resistance to fading commonly seen in outdoor applications. Canon-conducted tests show they are capable of withstanding six months of outdoor use without the need to laminate the output.
The media also feature a durable ink-receiving layer that sits on top of the base material. This helps protect absorbed ink from running when exposed. The layer also provides resistance to ultraviolet photo degradation—a critical component for output exposed to prolonged periods of sunlight.
Moreover, Canon’s water-resistant media contains a binder with low water solubility over the base material. This aids in protecting the ink-receiving layer, so it will not dissolve in water.
Notably, the Water Resistant Adhesive Matte Vinyl (330gsm) features a peel away back to allow for easier application and repositioning. In addition, air release grooves provide the ability to smooth out air bubbles when hanging directly onto a surface. The media also has a gray adhesive, which helps prevent overlapping images when placed over a separate piece of media. And Canon claims the vinyl material conforms to curves and depressions, allowing for application on various surfaces.
In addition, Water Resistant Matte Banner Vinyl (480gsm) lends itself to outdoor banners, tapestries and long displays. It has attached grommets for rope or wire hanging. A three-layer base material, consisting of vinyl and polyester on top of another layer of vinyl, is designed for durability with certain weather conditions.
Available Media Sizes
The Canon Water Resistant Adhesive Matte Vinyl (330gsm) and Water Resistant Matte Banner Vinyl (480gsm) are available in 24, 36 and 42 inches. The Water Resistant Adhesive Matte Vinyl is also available in 54 inches, and the Water Resistant Matte Banner Vinyl in 60 inches. usa.canon.com