Thermopolymer that will noticeably change color when vacuum-formed
Thermopolymer that will noticeably change color when vacuum-formed
(OP)
Gentlemen,
Can anyone tell me if a thermopolymer exists that will noticeably and cleanly change color when vacuum formed? Perhaps more information about what I'm trying to do is in order.
I need to take a piece of this dark colored thermopolymer (for example, black) and vacuum form it over a die that has text. I need the raised text to be as white as possible for readability after the vacuum-forming process is completed. The trick is, I need the raised lettering to contrast as much as possible, so a slight color change really won't work.
If anyone can point me in the right direction, that would be great. If this doesn't sound like it would be to difficult to have specially made, please tell me who I can talk to perhaps with the possibility of developing this material.
Can anyone tell me if a thermopolymer exists that will noticeably and cleanly change color when vacuum formed? Perhaps more information about what I'm trying to do is in order.
I need to take a piece of this dark colored thermopolymer (for example, black) and vacuum form it over a die that has text. I need the raised text to be as white as possible for readability after the vacuum-forming process is completed. The trick is, I need the raised lettering to contrast as much as possible, so a slight color change really won't work.
If anyone can point me in the right direction, that would be great. If this doesn't sound like it would be to difficult to have specially made, please tell me who I can talk to perhaps with the possibility of developing this material.





RE: Thermopolymer that will noticeably change color when vacuum-formed
You might be able to back-paint clear plastic after thermoforming, by painting the high spots only white, say with a roller or by masking, the painting it black so it shows white on a black background.
Regards
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Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips Fora.
RE: Thermopolymer that will noticeably change color when vacuum-formed
My follow-up question is this..what thermoplastic gives good forming results and is crystal clear so that the background color/graphic shows through with minimal color distortion? I will also need to try and find this with a matte (not shiny) finish. So, I expect to lose a little of the color contrast through the matte finish.
RE: Thermopolymer that will noticeably change color when vacuum-formed
It is extensively used in the outdoor sign industry, being back painted with lights behind the it.
Regards
eng-tips, by professional engineers for professional engineers
Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips Fora.
RE: Thermopolymer that will noticeably change color when vacuum-formed
There are thermochromic pigments for polymers that change colour with temperature but this effect is usually reversible. On top of that there are pigments that change colour when exposed to UV light. Some of those change irreversibly. That means you could irradiate your text with UV and get the colour contrast you wanted. These pigments are commercially available, a Google search should work.
These ones are reversible but I know there are ones that change colour irreversibly with UV as well.
http://www.matsui-color.com/photopia/
RE: Thermopolymer that will noticeably change color when vacuum-formed
We use large format UV screen printers at our shop now. Perhaps I'll get a sample of this material and try it out.
RE: Thermopolymer that will noticeably change color when vacuum-formed
RE: Thermopolymer that will noticeably change color when vacuum-formed
RE: Thermopolymer that will noticeably change color when vacuum-formed
Thank You
RE: Thermopolymer that will noticeably change color when vacuum-formed
Regards
eng-tips, by professional engineers for professional engineers
Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips Fora.
RE: Thermopolymer that will noticeably change color when vacuum-formed
RE: Thermopolymer that will noticeably change color when vacuum-formed
RE: Thermopolymer that will noticeably change color when vacuum-formed
If you thermoform to shape, then place over a second core with the contrast areas cut into it, then cold form by using a punch to stretch the sheet into the recess in the core you should get a result.
You may need to experiment with the depth of the punching action and the shape of the nose of the punch so as to avoid white outline, but no whitening of the centre of the lettering lines.
Regards
eng-tips, by professional engineers for professional engineers
Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips Fora.