Argotec Announces New Argograph Two-Part Graphic Film System

GREENFIELD, MA USA — October 21, 2013 — Argotec LLC, of Greenfield Massachusetts U.S.A., a global leader in the production of high-performance polyurethane (TPU) films, today announced that it will introduce its new ArgoGraph® Two-Part Graphic Film System at the 2013 SGIA (Specialty Graphic Imaging Association) Expo in Orlando, Florida on October 23-25. ArgoGraph-WHITE is a new printable TPU graphic film ideally suited for demanding outdoor applications. ArgoGraph-CLEAR is a TPU Protective Overlaminate Facestock designed to be applied over printed ArgoGraph-WHITE or other film substrates to protect the graphics underneath.

Formulated from the same base aliphatic TPU resin used to make Argotec’s highly successful paint and surface protection films, ArgoGraph films protect, preserve and prolong the life of advertising and decorative graphics in similarly rugged environments. It may be used on a wide variety of applications, including: wraps and decals for cars; motor coach decorations; fleet truck graphics; motorcycle/dirt bike/ATV and snowmobile decals; power tool labels; sport helmet decorations; public transit advertising graphics; trade show graphics; sports arena graphics; floor advertising graphics; product identification labeling; lawn & garden equipment; and many more.

Historically, film coaters and converters serving the graphics industry have had to choose between clear or conformable or durable graphic films. The introduction of the ArgoGraph Two-Part Graphic Film System now gives them another choice: clear and conformable and durable in both film products.

ArgoGraph-WHITE and CLEAR both exhibit all the desirable characteristics inherent in highly durable aliphatic polyurethanes. These include: abrasion and chip resistance; good hot and cold temperature performance, cold-crack resistance; non-yellowing, UV resistance; no plasticizers to migrate and cause embrittlement or adhesive incompatibility; no additives for consistent adhesive compatibility/anchorage; resistance to hydrocarbons, ozone, bugs, and road chemicals; as well as being highly flexible, conformable, halogen free and PVC free.

Uncoated ArgoGraph-WHITE is available in roll widths of 62 inches (1.57 meters), lengths up to 1000 non-spliced lineal yards (914.4 meters) and thicknesses greater than 2-mils (50 microns). ArgoGraph-CLEAR is also available in the same width and lengths, but in thicknesses greater than 1-mil (25 microns). Both films are extrusion coated onto a high-gloss PET carrier that enables the film to be wound and unwound without need of processing agents. The result is a film with consistent surface tension for high yield and throughput in the PSA coating process. After coating, it will accept matte, textured or paper film release liners.

Art directors, graphics printers and installers go to great lengths and expense to create graphic images designed to promote a brand, convey a strategic message, or in the case of emergency vehicle signage, to protect lives. The right graphic print media and overlaminate film can help deliver and protect that image in the clearest way over long periods of time.

ArgoGraph technical product manager Jeff Ethier concluded, “As new applications emerge for surface protection and durable graphic film products, the performance requirements and subsequent opportunities for TPU film will continue to expand. And Argotec will be at the forefront of their development.”

About Argotec
Argotec LLC is a manufacturer of custom engineered, high-performance, polyurethane film and sheet for a wide variety of critical applications. In addition to flat-die, cast-on-carrier and blown-film-extrusion technologies, Argotec has expertise in resin formulation, substrate design, extrusion coating and multi-layer constructions. Argotec provides TPU film and sheet products globally to the international specialty films market, including graphic and surface protection films, optical interlayers, films for medical applications, adhesive coaters, plastics converters and fabricators, as well as direct to OEM’s. Further information about Argotec may be obtained at www.argotec.com/GraphicFilms.