The Solvent Enhanced Media (SEM) product line from Avery Dennison Graphics Division enables signmakers to produce outdoor-durable banners, floor graphics, flat signage and certain types of vehicle graphics on lower-cost inkjet printers from Mimaki, Mutoh, Roland, and Signwarehouse that use mild solvent inks. These more environmentally friendly, mild-solvent inks don't require the extensive ventilation systems used with true solvent inks but they do require media that has been treated to optimize ink adhesion.
Avery's second-generation SEM products were developed to provide faster drying times, a better color gamut, improved durability, and better water and scratch resistance. The product line includes: cast and calendered pressure-sensitive vinyls; banner materials; and white and backlit/frontlit polyester films. A fleet-marking film (SEM 1005 EZ) features Avery Dennison “Easy Apply” technology that not only is easy to reposition during installation but also is guaranteed to remove cleanly. The marking film for use with mild-solvent inks works best on vehicle surfaces that are flat or slightly curved. (Avery Dennison Graphics Division: 800-443-9380; www.digital.averygraphics.com)