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Frequently asked questions

  

 
 

 

  
How should Foamalite product be stored?

 

 

Ideally Foamalite product like all other PVC sheet material should be stored in a standard warehouse ambient condition (15 -25 °C). They are best stored indoors away from direct sunlight. Sheets should be laid horizontally on a flat clean surface just off the floor. Leaving sheets stand on there sides or ends, even for a short period should be avoided.

If storing product outdoors cannot be avoided, it is advisable that the material should be fully enclosed within a waterproof covering that has reflective qualities. The cover needs to be secure to protect the material against hail, rain and the sun. The protective cover needs to be separated from the sheets perhaps by wooden planks and there needs to be ventilation to avoid heat build up and any subsequent distortion.

 

What can we do to protect the surface finish of the material?

 

 
Most of the product that leaves the production lines has a protective film in place on one side of the sheet. It is advisable not to remove the protective film until absolutely necessary in order to avoid surface scratches or contamination. All sheets are factory packaged and go through strict quality checks to ensure the product will reach the customer in faultless condition.


 
Does sunlight affect the material colour?

 

 
Foamalite like all other plastic materials, will be affected by the UV light. A colour will change according to the variant chosen, its colour and the quantity of radiation absorbed. However this is irrelevent for short term applications and also where a panel is completely coated with an ink or paint. Foamalite would not advise colour sheets for exterior use where extended life is expected.

 

 
What is the best way to clean the sheets?

 

 
The sheets are durable, virtually maintenance free and easily cleaned. Cleaning with a soapy water solution will remove dust from cutting or long term storage. Solvents such as aliphatic, heptane and octane will remove greasy deposits and dust or dirt sticking to the surface. Methylated spirits will also have the same effect. These solvents should be used with a lint free wipe to get the best results and allow panel to dry naturally. Never use cleaning agents that contain silicone compounds as they prevent vinyl inks from sticking to the panel, or those containing abrasives as they will damage the surface of the material.
   
How can we get rid of the static on/in the sheets?
   
Static is produced naturally throughout the extrusion process and when the protective film is being removed and in handling during the processing. It is important to remember that static must be removed (or at worst minimised) from the material prior to screen printing. The static charge can be temporarily neutralised in various ways: by blowing ionised air on to the material, wiping with a soapy water solution. The use of Foamaprint "antistatic" sheet is recommended for sheet printing applications.
   
Where does swarf come from?
   
The process of cutting, grinding or routing through the surface or edge of the sheet will (due to the cellular nature of the product) cause edge fragmentation of individual "cells" of the material. A saw can cause heavier swarf particles as it cuts through the material. Subsequent handling may cause edge fragmentation and create smaller dust or swarf particles. This is generally not an issue with film protected sheets but lower density variants must be considered as more susceptible to swarf ingression. Adequate extraction equipment on conversion equipment will reduce the potential for swarf residues but may not remove all particles.
   
Hints and Tips
   

The following are a few recommendations for the handling and processing of PVCUf sheet material.

  • Always assume that there are dust particles on the surface.
  • Allow the product to stand (having opened the packaging) in the working environment for at least 24 hrs.
  • Never look to process the product close to where it may have been cut to size.
  • Handle the product as little as possible.
  • As a minimum blow each panel down with an airline prior to use.
  • When cleaning with an anti-static solution allow to air dry or blow dry only.
  • Use only lint free cloth.
  • Avoid edge contact.
  • Place removed film as far away from the remaining material as is possible.
  • Avoid through factory air flow (open doorways) when printing.
  • If possible earth the material and people handling it (reduces charge build up slightly).
  • If printing more than one panel try and place the printed side face down between the processes.
  • Blow down each surface between printing passes.
 

 
 
  Foamalite Limited     
Loch Gowna     
Co. Cavan     
Ireland     		      tel: +353 43 6683525/26
     fax: +353 43 6683523		        email: info@foamalite.ie