07 Gravotech uses an in-line extrusion process, which means the material has never been in roll form. This process removes the inherent curling tendencies of rolled product. Then, the lamination process is controlled (through even temperature distribution) to produce a final flat sheet. More importantly, all our 2- ply indoor materials are actually 3-ply materials. The problem inherent with 2-ply indoor materials originates from the fact that the cap and core are made of different materials. This is true with all major engraving sheet-stock providers (not just Gravotech). What happens in this situation is that the materials are pressed entirely flat during the heated lamination process, but since the two different materials have different expansion/contraction characteristics, the final product tends to curl a little as it cools. To overcome this problem, we put a cap on each side of the core. This layering technique balances the “pulling” from each cap, and the result is a sheet that lays perfectly flat. Therefore, when you purchase a sheet of red/white Gravoply, the sheet is constructed with a red cap, over a white core, over another white cap. Our outdoor sheet stock (Gravoglas 2-Plex) does not require this triple layer effect because the cap and the core are actually made of identical modified acrylic. UV STABLE Our versatile indoor/outdoor materials maintain their original color even in the toughest environments since they are UV stabilized. These materials can also be used for indoor facility signs where UV lighting can affect the color integrity, as well as properties of the plastic. SHEET FLATNESS WHY DO YOU CARE? We understand the importance of color consistency, but perhaps you’ve never considered cap consistency as a fundamental trait. Well, how many times have you had to re-run a job because halfway through completion, the cutter didn’t reach through the cap? It’s incredibly frustrating after a large matrixed job runs for over an hour, and you return only to find out the job has to be re-run. Trying to engrave deeper to compensate can add wear to your cutter, reduce your productivity, and “bleed” characters together. How much time have you spent trying to make a “bowed” sheet lay flat? When creating raised letter signage, how many times, when weeding the profile material from the base material, has it snapped into numerous little pieces requiring extra time to clean? It all comes down to the old adage: “time is money”. It is worth the extra effort to provide a quality product that reduces problem engraving and maximizes your bottom line.
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