Monomeric, Polymeric or Cast Vinyl? Which is best for me?
Before you get started with your next application, it’s important to give careful consideration to the type of vinyl you’re going to need. Deciding on what you’re sticking to it, whether it’s in or outdoors and how long you need it for are key factors to consider when choosing the most suitable vinyl. While vinyl is a versatile material, some are better suited to certain types of applications, so read our simple guide to find which works best for you.
The difference between Calendared and Cast Vinyl
The terms ‘calendared’ and ‘cast’ refer to the type of process used to manufacture the vinyl. The calendaring process is usually used for monomeric and polymeric vinyl’s and the casting process is used to produce conformable cast vinyl.
Cast Vinyl’s
When creating cast vinyl’s, liquid PVC is poured onto a casting sheet and baked in an oven, producing the cast face film. Cast vinyl is considerably thinner than calendered vinyl and is more conformable, used for complex applications such as vehicle wrapping. Thinner than calendared vinyl, cast vinyl is softer, more flexible and typically has a 10 year life span, compared with a 3-7 year lifespan of a calendared. Overall, cast vinyl brings more benefits than a calendared, but does come with a higher price tag.
Calendared Vinyl’s
When creating calendared vinyl, PVC is melted alongside colorant and plasticiser, in order to soften