A Partnership in Speed

Client

Professional race-car driver Matt Hawkins, Canton, GA

The Players

Wrap Frenzy, Atlanta, GA (www.wrapfrenzy.com)

Edge Digital Graphics, Kennesaw, GA (www.edgedigitalgraphics.com)

In-Depth Signs & Designs, Ball Ground, GA (www.indepthsigns.com)

Tools & Supplies

Mimaki JV3-160 printer, Oracal Orajet 3951RA professional wrapping film, Mimaki solvent inks, Seal 62 laminator, Oracal Oraguard 290 Premium Cast PVC laminating film

The Job

Advances in digital printing technology have allowed racing graphics to come a long way from the hand-painted logos and designs that were once the norm. Combine that with the ever-increasing popularity of motorsports, and it's easy to see the potential success print providers could encounter by specializing in racing graphics. In-Depth Signs & Designs and Edge Digital Graphics, both based in the Atlanta, GA area, are two design and print shops that have recognized that potential and teamed up to form Wrap Frenzy.

Having established a working relationship a few years back, owners John and Torri Westmoreland of In Depth and owner Al Edge of Edge Digital put the official name of Wrap Frenzy on their collaboration just this past spring. Utilizing the efforts of the companies' combined 10 employees, the partnership capitalizes on each of the company's strong suits, allowing them to tackle jobs from design to installation.

This past year, the venture wrapped a race car for a rising star in the world of speed-Matt Hawkins, a full-time competitor in the USAR Hooters Pro Cup Series.

Production

Using elements from the design of one of Hawkins' previous cars, In-Depth Signs & Designs created the graphics for the wrap in Adobe Illustrator. The Hawkins team approved PDFs of the design, and print-ready files were then sent to Edge Digital Graphics for final output.

Using its Mimaki JV3-160 with Mimaki solvent inks, the shop imaged 250 sq ft of graphics onto Oracal Orajet 3951RA professional wrapping film. The graphics were printed in only seven panels, eliminating any seams in the graphic, 'except for those that are inherent to the vehicle,' says Torri Westmoreland. 'We really, really hate seams.'

Printing took 4 hours. The graphics were then finished with Oracal Oraguard 290 Premium Cast PVC laminating film using a Seal 62 laminator; finishing took 30 min. In-Depth Signs & Designs then received the printed graphics for the install, which took two workers a combined eight hours to complete.

Comment

Westmoreland says the two companies are enjoying the success of their partnership, which plays off their strengths and work ethic. 'Edge Digital Graphics is as meticulous with its printing as we are with our design and installation. It's the perfect match.'