As a leader in the thriving graphics market, 3M understands the significance of a high-quality installation process for its wide range of products and services.  Well-trained installers are critical to ensuring excellent customer satisfaction and helping maintain the integrity of the industry.

To sustain this level of excellence, 3M offers world-class training, testing and accreditation for installers and installation companies.  Completion of the testing program is a prerequisite for recognition by 3M as a company through the 3M Certified Graphics Installation Company Program, or as an individual installer through the 3M Preferred Graphics Installer Program. In addition, 3M is adding the 3M Endorsed Vehicle Graphics Installer program for installations at car dealerships through the new Scotchprint brand On-Demand Personalized Vehicle Graphics program from 3M.

Training

3M Advanced Installation Training is held at the 3M Center in St. Paul, Minnesota. 3M Graphics Installation Trainers conduct three-day sessions that include vehicle wraps, fleet graphics, boat wraps, smooth walls, textured walls and floor graphics. Skills are refined through discussion, demonstration, and monitored hands-on training. For more information, contact 3Minstallationprograms@mmm.com.

2011 Advanced Installation Training Dates

May 16-18                   September 19-21

June 20-22                   October 17-19

July 18-20                   November 14-16

August 15-17              December 12-14

3M Preferred Graphics Installers from Lowen Corporation conduct courses in Hutchinson, Kansas, to build and refine skills through extensive hands-on practice. They include vehicle accessory disassembly, graphic film installation and removal for vehicle wraps, boat wraps, fleet graphics, smooth walls, textured walls and floor graphics. The course utilizes the curriculum developed by 3M and can run 2-5 days depending on customer requirements. Contact Sean Rhodes at seanr@lowen.com for more information.

2011 Lowen Company Training Dates

April 25-26       May 16-20      May 24-26

Testing

3M Certified Graphics Installation Company Test
This test is required for one or more employees of each member UASG company to achieve the 3M Certified Graphics Installation Company credentials.

For more information regarding the test, contact jlades@comcat.net <mailto:jlades@comcat.net> .

2011 Dates:                             June 27-28                   October 24-25

3M Preferred Graphics Installer Test

This test is required for individual installers to achieve the 3M Preferred Graphics Installer credentials.

For more information regarding the test, contact 3Minstallationprograms@mmm.com.

2011 Dates:                           May 19-20       September 22-23

June 23-24       October 20-21

July 21-22       November 17-18

August 18-19  December 15-16

3M Endorsed Vehicle Graphics Installer Test
This program has multiple skill level designations (1-Star to 4-Star). More information on the testing levels and locations can be found by first registering as an installer on Scotchprint.com. Questions can be directed through Scotchprint.com or 3Minstallationprograms@mmm.com.

Lowen Corporation’s 3M Graphics Authorized Installation Testing Facility

The test for 3M Preferred Graphics Installer credentials may be taken at this facility. For more information regarding the test, contact seanr@lowen.com.

2011 Dates: April 25-26         May 16-20       May 24-26

Ready for Application Nation?

Application Nation is a community created specifically for applicators in the graphics industry. It’s a unique network of peers focused on enhancing standards in application discussion, education, ideas, trends and techniques. Citizens of Application Nation span the globe, representing several areas of expertise, and constantly strive to advance the craft, the technique and the business.

There are vinyl installation and vehicle wrapping training sessions coming up:

Wharton, NJ
Date: June 9th, 2010

Cincinnati, OH
Date: July 28th, 2010

Los Angeles, CA
Date: November 2010 Location: TBD

Click here for more information about these vehicle wrapping training seminars.

The Avery Dennison Graphics & Reflective Products Division just rolled out the MPI 1005 Supercast Series, a line of next generation conformable cast vinyl films.

Supercast films feature enhanced conformability and stay down over complex curves and rivets with no tenting or lifting – a new option that is ideal for vehicle wraps, fleet graphics and architectural applications.

“I’ve been installing vehicle wraps for many years and the Avery MPI 1005 Supercast films are the most conformable films I’ve worked with and seen on the market,” says Justin Pate, a globally recognized graphic installer with 14 years of experience. “It’s like driving a super luxury car and did everything I have always wanted a film to do with the greatest of ease. The print quality is top shelf and wraps are faster and easier to install and the colors really pop.”

Need to learn more about vehicle wrapping? Check out our e-book, How to Wrap Vehicles.

MPI 1005 Supercast is available with Easy Apply RS, Easy Apply and Gloss Opaque LTR technologies to provide faster and easier application and long-term removability. Easy Apply air egress technology helps eliminate wrinkles and bubbles while Easy Apply RS provides repositionability and slideability, allowing the film to be moved easily before pressure is applied.

“These films offer the ultimate in print quality and conformability for a variety of applications,” says Elizabeth Parks, Global Products Manager at Avery Dennison. “Because MPI 1005 Supercast films feature Easy Apply RS and Easy Apply technologies, installation with these films is easier and quicker which reduces application time and lowers cost.”

Key features of the Avery MPI 1005 Supercast series include:

• Enhanced conformability allows the films to stay down over complex curves and rivets
• Expanded color gamut capability
• High gloss and smooth face make images and colors pop
• Consistent printability and enhanced image quality

By pairing MPI 1005 Supercast with Avery Graphics overlaminates, Avery says longer-term durability and rigidity are achieved.

There’s a great article by my friend Rob Ivers over at SignWeb. In it, he talks about how to use squeegees with purpose. Here’s an excerpt:

Proper squeegee technique helps you avoid common application errors – bubbles, wrinkles and zippers. Understanding root causes is critical to developing methods that prevent mistakes.

Bubbles are trapped air. The primary causes of bubbles are nicks in squeegee edges, pre-tack (vinyl adhesion caused by simple contact before it’s been squeegeed or even touched, which prevents all of the air from escaping), incorrect squeegee pressure, and improper squeegee technique (which pushes air towards previously squeegeed areas).

Wrinkles result when vinyl adheres to itself. They may occur when the vinyl has slack, or when pressing your squeegee too hard. Zippers comprise a series of parallel lines (wrinkles and/or “long” bubbles), appropriately named due to their resemblance to one side of a zipper. The most common reason for zippers is pushing air (and, sometimes, excess vinyl) against adhered areas.

From this, I learned squeegees must have smooth edges free of nicks and imperfections. Pay careful attention to the amount of pressure applied. Use too little, and the vinyl won’t adhere well. Too much pressure stretches the vinyl, which creates excess that leads to wrinkles or zippers. When vinyl tends to pre-tack, don’t let the graphic contact the surface prior to squeegeeing. Pre-tack occurs because the film has an adhesive with high initial tack, or because the surface temperature is hot. Proper technique pushes out all of the air. It never directs air towards areas previously adhered.

Be sure to check out our e-books that cover a lot of these same topics in-depth when it comes to vehicle wrapping and other vinyl installations.

3M is rolling out its new installer program. The program aims to provide installation companies and individual installers with increased skill, credibility and visibility in the marketplace. The program will train, recognize and promote highly qualified, professional graphics installers and companies.

“The growing volume and complexity of applications, substrates, curves, contours and textures has increased the need for highly skilled installers and companies. 3M is meeting that need with this new comprehensive training and testing program,” said Tim Boxeth, marketing manager, 3M Graphics Market Center.

According to Boxeth, both national and local brand owners are capitalizing on the advertising value of large-format graphics, but success depends on a great design and print, the proper high-quality materials and expert installation. “Within these critical elements, poor installation can have an adverse effect on the entire job and reduce the impact for the brand owner.  That is why 3M, in conjunction with key partners, will train and recognize more installers and companies on more applications,” said Boxeth.

There are now two options from 3M.  Both add value in the graphics supply chain, provide options depending on the installer(s) approach, and will be promoted by 3M equally.

1.  The 3M Certified Graphics Installation Company program is a continuation of the successful program administered for 3M by the United Application Standards Group (UASG).  This option is for the installation company that would like to be recognized by 3M and UASG for not only its installation skills/knowledge, but also its business practices.  Certification requires meeting certain business requirements and passing a hands-on and written test.  Testing is available at 3M Center in St. Paul, MN.  Visit UASG.org or 3Mgraphics.com for more information.

2.  The 3M Preferred Graphics Installer program is a new program designed for the individual installer that would like to be recognized by 3M for their installation skills and knowledge.  To receive the title, the installer must successfully complete a hands-on and written test and meet some other basic requirements.  Testing is currently available at 3M Center in St. Paul, MN or Lowen Corporation’s 3M Graphics Authorized Installation Testing Facility in Hutchinson, KS. Visit 3Mgraphics.com for more information.

3M also offers preparatory training for the tests at multiple locations throughout the U.S.  Preparatory training is available in cooperation with 3M Technical Service, Wrap Experts and Lowen Corporation.

Avery Dennison is sponsoring six Mutoh “Hands-On” School of Wrap classes around the U.S. throughout 2010. Two of the classes will take place at the Graphics & Reflective Products Division in Mentor, Ohio. Justin Pate, a globally recognized graphic installer, will teach all of the wrap classes utilizing Avery MPI 1005 Easy Apply RS.

“The workshops are a reflection of the work ethic that I have relied on during my 14-year career installing graphics with the highest quality, durability and efficiency,” Pate says.  “My Universal Graphics Installation System (UGIS) is a fluid, easy-to-learn platform. It reduces mistakes and ensures quality which results in significantly lower install times.  This combination provides the installer with a decisive edge in today’s graphic installation field.”

Matt McDonald, Owner of Premier Wraps, based in Fonatan, Calif., sad: “I learned more in three days at MUTOH’s ‘Hands On’ School of Wrap than I have in the last year and half, trying to figure things out on my own. I’ve already put Justin’s techniques (UGIS) to use and it’s amazing how much easier and faster installations go. We wrapped a bass boat in 7 hours after taking the class. My way would have taken at least 15 hrs. Unreal.”

Pate’s workshops are one of a kind.

1. He teaches a clear, easy to understand system (UGIS) that works on any vehicle, with any material.

2. This system, along with other invaluable tips taught in the workshop, creates speed.  There is simply no other installer or workshop out there that fully understands speed wrapping and can clearly teach quality and efficiency like Justin Pate.

3. Participants receive not only training but support and vehicle wrapping tools to take home and get started.

Mutoh’s “Hands-On” School of Wrap 2010 Schedule: Sign up Now, Seating is limited!

For more information and to register please visit: http://www.mutohcarwraps.com/MutohSchoolofWrap.html

Continuing its nationwide vehicle wrap training sessions to educate customers and installers on digital media and proper installation techniques, MACtac announces the dates for its upcoming Application Nation seminars:

• August 6 in San Jose, Calif.
• August 13 in Cincinatti, Ohio
• September 16 in Louisville, Ky.
• October 7-9 in New Orleans, La. at the SGIA Wrap Zone

For more information about the training sessions or to register, visit www.TheApplicationNation.com.