Chloe Zhang
Corrugated plastic is a popular choice for outdoor signage due to its durability, lightweight nature, and ability to withstand the elements. It is often used to promote businesses, announce events, or display advertisements, directional information, or safety instructions. Printing on corrugated plastic can be done through various methods, including direct-to-substrate printing, sticker printing, vinyl printing, or outsourcing to companies with flatbed printers. The chosen method depends on factors such as budget, equipment availability, and the desired quality and quantity of the final product.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Printing methods | Sticker printing, direct-to-substrate printing, vinyl printing, silk-screening, flatbed printing |
| Printing equipment | Inkjet printer, thermal transfer equipment, Epson Stylus Pro GS6000, solvent printer |
| File formats | File formats: .jpg, pdf, image files |
| File requirements | Flatten all layers if not using .jpg, use downloadable templates for correct dimensions |
| Size | Depends on the amount of information to be displayed and the size limit of the plastic sheets |
| Cutting | Cut the plastic sheets to meet requirements |
| Installation | Glue, tape, or other fixing methods |
| Lifespan | Up to 6 months outdoors, multi-year lifespan indoors |
| Customization | Single or double-sided, various shapes and sizes, hole drilling, accessories |
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Sticker printing
To begin the sticker printing process, you will need to purchase the necessary materials, including corrugated plastic panels, printing equipment, label stickers, and cutting tools. You can use an inkjet printer or thermal transfer equipment for printing stickers. Design your stickers using appropriate software or online tools, considering the style and information you want to display.
Once you have finalised your design, print or draw it onto paper, creating a template that matches the size and proportions of your corrugated plastic sheets. This template will guide the placement of stickers on the plastic sheets. Before printing stickers, determine the size and layout of your corrugated plastic sheets. Consider the amount of information you need to display; if you have a lot of content, you may need larger sheets or multiple sheets.
After printing your stickers, cut them out using the appropriate cutting tools. Ensure the stickers fit the size and shape requirements of your corrugated plastic sheets. Finally, install the stickers onto the corrugated plastic sheets. You can use glue, tape, or other suitable fixing methods for installation.
In addition to sticker printing, you can also use inkjet printing to spray patterns or text directly onto corrugated plastic sheets. Alternatively, companies like FedEx Office and Pixartprinting offer custom corrugated plastic printing services with various options for customisation, including single or double-sided printing, different formats, and cutting modes.
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Cutting and processing
Planning:
First, determine the size of the corrugated plastic sheets based on the amount of information to be displayed. If more details need to be included, opt for a larger size. Also, consider the size limit of the sheets to decide if the material needs to be cut. It's essential to plan according to your specific needs and restrictions. This includes thinking about the purpose of the sign, its visibility, and the available printing equipment.
Design:
Use design software or online tools to create the signage design based on the information and style you want to convey. This step ensures that your message is clear and visually appealing.
Cutting:
Use appropriate cutting tools to cut the corrugated plastic sheets to the desired size and shape. This process ensures that the final product meets your requirements. If you're printing multiple signs, cutting the material beforehand can streamline the overall process.
Printing:
There are several printing methods available for corrugated plastic. You can use an inkjet printer or thermal transfer equipment, or opt for sticker printing. For sticker printing, prepare pre-printed label stickers and paste them onto the blank corrugated plastic sheets. This method is cost-effective and suitable for small-scale projects. For larger quantities, consider direct-to-substrate printing or outsourcing to a company with a flatbed printer.
Installation:
Finally, install the printed corrugated plastic signs in the desired locations. You can use glue, tape, or other fixing methods. The lightweight nature of corrugated plastic makes it easy to handle and install, allowing for various display options such as mounting, hanging, or placing on a stand.
Remember that the specific steps may vary depending on the equipment and materials used. Always refer to production tutorials or consult suppliers for guidance to ensure the best results.
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Installation
Once you have determined the size of your corrugated plastic sign according to the amount of information you need to display, you can proceed with the installation.
First, purchase the required materials, including coroplast panels, printing equipment (such as an inkjet printer or thermal transfer equipment), label stickers (optional), and cutting tools. Design your signage using design software or online design tools, taking into account the style and information you want to display.
If you are printing directly onto the corrugated plastic, ensure your printer is capable of direct-to-substrate printing. Alternatively, you can print on adhesive vinyl and then stick it to the coroplast. If you are printing double-sided, you will need separate files for each side. Upload your files, ensuring they are in the correct format and size, and follow the printing instructions for your chosen method.
After printing, cut the corrugated plastic to the required size and shape. Finally, install the sign in your desired position. You can use glue, tape, or other fixing methods. The lightweight nature of corrugated plastic signs makes them easy to handle and install, allowing for versatile display options such as mounting on a fence, hanging from a post, or displaying on a stand.
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File formats
When printing on corrugated plastic, the file format you use depends on the printing service you choose. For example, FedEx Office accepts PDF and image files. You can upload a 2-page PDF file or two separate 1-page PDF files for double-sided printing. You can also upload two separate image files or a combination of a PDF and an image file.
GotPrint, another printing service, recommends uploading files in .jpg format to reduce file size. If you choose another file format, ensure all layers are flattened.
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Outsourcing
For those looking to outsource, companies like FedEx Office offer custom corrugated plastic sign printing services. They provide direct-to-substrate printing, resulting in high-quality, vibrant prints. FedEx Office allows for single or double-sided printing, with the option to upload your own designs. They have over 2,000 locations nationwide, making them a convenient choice for many.
Another company that has been recommended for outsourcing is Insignia Signs, based in Dayton, Ohio. They are mentioned as providing good work and are worth considering for those located in the Columbus, Ohio area.
Before outsourcing, it is important to determine the specific requirements, such as the size, quantity, and desired lifespan of the corrugated plastic signs. These factors will influence the choice of outsourcing partner and ensure that the final product meets your needs.
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Frequently asked questions
There are a few ways to print on corrugated plastic. You can use an inkjet printer or thermal transfer equipment, or for sticker printing, you can paste pre-printed label stickers on blank corrugated plastic signs. If you want to print directly onto the corrugated plastic, you will need a flatbed printer or a solvent printer.
You can design your own corrugated plastic sign using design software or online design tools. You can then upload your design to a printing service, such as FedEx or GotPrint, which will allow you to choose the size, shape, and other specifications of your sign.
Corrugated plastic signs are lightweight, waterproof, and durable, making them suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. They are also highly customizable and can be printed in various shapes and sizes.
