Premier Signs has been working with 3M materials for wrapping applications since the company first moved into vehicle wrapping in 2005 in response to customer demand. “It was a natural progression from cut vinyl applications,” says Premier Signs’ Scott Thorburn. “We, therefore, took the decision to employ more staff and move to bigger premises that would include a dedicated wrapping bay.”
“3M was our preferred choice of vinyl to use for wrapping as 3M is known worldwide as a quality brand (and not just in vinyl),” he adds.
In 2011 Premier Signs completed a 3M Commercial Graphics Products and Application Training Course and then became 3M Authorised Vehicle Wrappers after attending a 3M assessment course in 2012.
“This enabled us to achieve improvements in finish and quality, and volume of business has subsequently increased due to the overall quality of the work we are producing using 3M products,” continues Mr. Thorburn.
Two 3M wrapping products regularly used by Premier Signs are 3M’s 1080 Series and IJ180Cv3, supplied by William Smith.
1080 Series is used for wrapping a whole range of vehicles and more besides: from Smart cars to Lamborghinis and anything in between including motorbikes, car interiors, fridges, kitchen cupboard units and their own cars.
In addition to full and part vehicle wraps, the range of items wrapped with IJ180Cv3 includes beer fonts, wheel covers, scooter panels, desk tops, golf buggies, trailers, helicopters, boats, and catamarans.
“We like the colour options available in 1080 Series as well as the finish and ease of fitting. It’s a very good material and easy to fit, providing that you know what you are doing,” explains Mr. Thorburn. “IJ180Cv3 offers good print quality and finish, and, again is very good quality and easy to fit, with the correct training. We have confidence in the products and the Controltac adhesive has allowed us to tackle larger sections in single pieces.”
“William smith has always been helpful and all orders have been delivered by mid-day the next day, even when ordered in the late afternoon. Our account manager has always been quick to provide us with any information required and keeps us up-to-date with new products and techniques, even in areas outside of vehicle wrapping,” concludes Mr. Thorburn.
3M 1080 Series is a long term, removable dual cast film that has been designed with sufficient rigidity to allow easy handling without the need for application tape. Featuring 3M’s Controltac Comply pressure-activated adhesive, 1080 Series is easy to reposition and ready to use straight from the box. With up to six years durability, these films offer excellent opacity and are highly weather resistant. 1080 Series is suitable for flat surfaces and simple curves.
3M IJ180Cv3
is a short to long term removable film for inkjet and screen printing. It offers great conformability and can be applied in extreme hot and cold temperatures, so that workshop temperature is less critical. It is suitable for vehicle wraps, vehicle livery and advertising wraps and comes with 10 years durability and 6 years MCS warranty. IJ180Cv3 is suitable for curved surfaces but not deep recesses. In addition, Controltac Adhesive makes IJ180Cv3 easy to reposition, enabling faster and easier application for large format graphics, with improved finish, resulting in time savings, faster turnaround and reduced wastage.
For further information visit www.vehiclewrapfilms.co.uk or contact Chris Bradley at: WILLIAM SMITH Grove Works, Barnard Castle, County Durham, DL12 8JG Telephone: 01833 694707 Free Fax: 0800 783 4829 E-mail: info@williamsmith.co.uk Website: www.williamsmith.co.uk