Choosing the right Rigid Substrates

A rigid substrate is a flat, inflexible material used as a base for printing. It is typically made of materials such as foam board, PVC board, aluminum composite material (ACM), acrylic, or other similar materials. These substrates are used for wide format printing applications that require a stable and sturdy surface, such as signs, posters, displays, and other marketing materials. Rigid substrates are designed to withstand the weight of printing ink and the pressure of printing machinery, and they provide a durable surface that resists wear and tear. They are popular in the printing industry because they are versatile and can be used for a variety of different applications, including indoor and outdoor use, and they offer a high-quality surface for printing high-resolution graphics and text.

What is the best substrate for mounting?

The best substrate for mounting depends on the specific application and desired outcome. However, some of the most commonly used substrates for mounting include:

• Foam board: Foam board is a popular choice for mounting due to its lightweight, rigid, and easy-to-cut properties. It is often used for mounting posters, photographs, and artwork.
• Gator board: Gator board is a stronger and more durable version of foam board. It is made of a rigid polystyrene foam core that is laminated with a wood-fiber veneer. Gator board is often used for mounting larger pieces or where extra durability is needed.
• Sintra board: Sintra board is a lightweight, rigid, and durable substrate made of PVC foam. It is often used for mounting outdoor signage, trade show displays, and other large-format graphics.
• Acrylic: Acrylic is a clear, strong, and durable substrate that is often used for mounting photographs and artwork. It provides a professional, high-quality look and is resistant to fading and yellowing.
• Polystyrene: is one of the most widely used plastics. It is a rigid sheet of plastic which comes in various thicknesses. Polystyrene is an economical and highly effective product for, semi-permanent, temporary or disposable use. It is durable, low moisture resistance, has good impact strength and great for wide format printing.
• Dibond: Dibond is a rigid ACM substrate made up of two aluminum sheets bonded to a solid polyethylene core. It is a strong and durable material that is often used for mounting outdoor signage and large-format graphics.

The choice of substrate for mounting depends on the specific needs of the project, including the size and weight of the piece being mounted, the intended use of the mounted piece, and the desired look and feel of the finished product.

What substrates are used in the display and exhibit industry?

Foam boards and PVC foam are commonly used in the display and exhibit industry due to their lightweight, durable, and versatile nature. They are used to create a variety of displays, exhibits, and graphics, including:

• Trade show displays: Foam boards and PVC foam can be used to create large format graphics and displays for trade shows and exhibitions. They are lightweight and easy to transport, making them ideal for traveling displays.
• Retail displays: Foam boards and PVC foam are often used to create point-of-purchase displays, standees, and signage for retail environments. They can be cut to custom shapes and sizes and can be printed with vibrant graphics and images.
• Museum exhibits: Foam boards and PVC foam are used to create exhibits, dioramas, and panels for museums and science centers. They can be painted, printed, and mounted to create engaging and interactive exhibits.
• Interior decor: Foam boards and PVC foam can be used to create wall murals, artwork, and other decorative elements for interior spaces. They can be printed with custom designs and can be cut to various shapes and sizes.

Overall, foam boards and PVC foam are versatile and cost-effective substrates that can be used in a variety of applications in the display and exhibit industry. They offer a lightweight, durable, and printable surface that can be easily customized to meet the needs of a wide range of projects.

What are the most popular rigid substrate used for wide format printing?

There are several popular rigid substrates used for wide format printing. Here are some of the most common ones:

• Foam board: Foam board is a lightweight substrate that consists of a foam core sandwiched between two sheets of paper. It's popular for indoor signage and displays.
• PVC board: PVC (polyvinyl chloride) board is a plastic substrate that is lightweight, durable, and weather-resistant. It's popular for outdoor signage, trade show displays, and exhibition graphics.
• Aluminum composite material (ACM): ACM is a rigid panel made up of two aluminum sheets bonded to a polyethylene core. It's strong, durable, and weather-resistant, making it a popular choice for outdoor signage.
• Corrugated plastic: Corrugated plastic, also known as Coroplast, is a lightweight and inexpensive substrate that is commonly used for temporary signs and displays.
• Acrylic: Acrylic is a transparent plastic that is often used for high-end indoor signage, backlit displays, and exhibition graphics.
• Dibond: Dibond is a rigid substrate made up of two aluminum sheets bonded to a solid polyethylene core. It's lightweight, durable, and weather-resistant, making it a popular choice for outdoor signage.

The choice of substrate depends on the specific application and desired outcome of the project.