The Commercial Graphics Division of diversified technology company 3M has introduced a new warranty service for its graphic films and overlaminates to meet the high quality standards of the European image graphics market. Performance Guarantee adds value for graphics converters by assuring quality, durability and longevity of 3M media used in combination with the printer manufacturers’ original inks. It is available for a wide range of piezo print platforms for varying interior, exterior large-format digital print applications, including fleet signage.

“Having been tried, tested and found highly valuable in the US graphics market, the 3M Performance Guarantee will now provide European converters with the peace of mind that they will generate reliable and lasting impressions for their end customers,” said Rainer Schlösser, European Market Development Manager, 3M’s Commercial Graphics Division. “We’ve designed and engineered our media to work consistently with piezo print platforms and have put them put though rigorous physical diagnostic tests to ensure they conform to 3M’s strict product specifications.”

As a result of comprehensive testing, approved 3M films and overlaminates are guaranteed to be free of media induced artifacts that can cause misprints and are guaranteed to adhere to recommended substrates.

“Vinyls, adhesives, liners, overlaminates, clearcoats and premasks all have different chemistries that must work together for a given application,” said Schlösser. “When chemistry or environmental changes occur, physical properties can change. That is why we take great care and pride in the development and execution of our testing and confidently stand behind our graphic films with the creation of the Performance Guarantee.”

The typical qualification process of printers and inks with 3M films and overlaminates takes four to five months but varies according to the material combinations and applications as detailed on 3M’s web site. To qualify for the Performance Guarantee, the graphics must be installed according to 3M recommendations. The warranty service covers the replacement cost of 3M materials only and does not cover image fade, cracking, peeling or any other performance issues.

HP will serve as the Official Printer of the first annual Lowen Certified Wrap-off Event at ISA International Sign Expo 2009. The HP Scitex TJ8300 Printer will be used to produce more than 7,000 square feet of material for the event, which includes several rounds of vehicle graphic installation competitions to narrow the field from more than 90 installers to two, and determine who can wrap a car in the least amount of time with the fewest errors.

The remaining two contestants will compete to win the title of America’s Best Installer along with the grand prize, which includes a 2009 Ford F-250 XL, an HP Touchsmart tx2-1020us Notebook PC, a truck tool box and wrappers tool set from Mac Tools and a Cyrious Control OOB Gold system.

The HP Scitex TJ8300 Printer delivers a powerful combination of high throughput, cost-effective production and high output quality for a variety of wide-format applications. Providing excellent quality output at speeds of up to 400 m2/hr (4,305 ft2/hr) with sharp small text on a broad selection of supported substrates, the HP Scitex TJ8300 Printer allows customers to drive business growth while delivering maximum return on investment in as little as one year.

What: First annual Lowen Certified Wrap-off EventWho: The event is open to ISA International Sign Expo 2009 attendees. Vehicle graphics installers interested in participating in the wrap-off can preregister at http://www.lowencertified.com/wrapoff/. www.lowencertified.com/wrapoff/

When: Competition rounds take place throughout the day on Thursday, April 16, and Friday, April 17. The final round occurs at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 18.