Kodak 8mil User Manual

TECHNICAL DATA / WIDE-FORMAT INKJET MEDIA June 2006 • E2643

KODAK Universal Backlit Film / 8mil

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

This heavy weight front print backlit provides excellent pigment and dye image quality, high-speed drying and universal compatibility at a competitive price. With a heavyweight durable polyester DURATRANS© this film offers excellent print handling and finishing characteristics, exceptional color saturation with a quick dry time.

• Pigment compatibility for long life indoor and outdoor Performance Guaranteed backlit displays.

• Robust coating resists flaking when cut.

• The quick drying receiver layer aids in production speed dye printing.

• Excellent dry time enables high speed printing to take up reel in difficult production environments.

• Robust receiver layer resists scratching and provides excellent print handling and finishing characteristics.

• Universal compatibility allows the use of one single backlit media on all leading wide format printers and inks such as

ENCAD, HP and EPSON.

COMPATIBILITY

When used with the following printers and inks, KODAK Universal Backlit Film / 8mil is recommended for all applications. Recommendations will provide optimal output when using printing paths commonly associated with each printer. These settings are intended as starting points—other combinations of settings may also provide good results. See "Printing Notes" for more information. "Yes" in the Laminate Recommendation column indicates that this media is likely to have good adhesion with laminates in that class.

For compatibility information for all KODAK Wide-Format Inkjet Media, refer to the Inkjet Media Compatibility Chart at

www.kodak.com/go/wideformat.

Ink Compatibility Laminate Recommendation (See Finishing Section)

Manufacturer Model

KODAK PROFESSIONAL

HEWLETTPACKARD DESIGNJET

ENCAD NOVAJET

4000 Series

2000, 2500,

2800, 3000,

3500, 3800 CP

2000, 2500, 2800, 3000,

3500, 3800 CP

5000 Series Dye*

5000 Series UV

ProE/500/600

/ 700/800

Series

ProE/500/600

/ 700/800

Series

Heat

Ink

Dye*,

Pigment

Dye* Coated Paper Yes Yes Yes Yes

UV Coated Paper Yes Yes Yes Yes

GS, GS+

GX*

Print Driver

Media Setting

See Printing

Notes

HW Coated

Paper

Colorlucent

Backlit

See Printing

Notes

See Printing

Notes

Continued Next Page

Activated

Thermal 210-

240°F

(99-116°C)

Yes No Yes Yes

Yes Yes Yes Yes

Yes No Yes Yes

Activated

Temperature

185-195°F

(85-91°C)

display material like support,

Heat

Low

Heat

Assisted 185-195°F (85-91°C)

Pressure Sensitive

Ambient to

120°F

(49°C)

Eastman Kodak Company, 2006

Manufacturer Model

ENCAD NOVAJET

ENCAD NOVAJET/ KODAK

CANON

COLORSPAN DISPLAYMAKER

ProE/500/600

/ 700/800

Series

1000i/

1200i

1000i/

1200i

7250D/7200D

8200D/8400

6200Pg/ 8200Pg/ 6400Pg/

8400Pg

Hi-Res 8/

Esprit/

Series XII

Ink Compatibility Laminate Recommendation (See Finishing Section)

Heat

Ink

GO+

Qi Dye

Qi Pigment

Dye Backprint Film Yes Yes Yes Yes

Pigment Backlit Film Yes

EC*, PC

Print Driver

Media Setting

See Printing

Notes

See Printing

Notes; Printer

Heater Setting:

See Printing

Notes; Printer

Heater Setting:

See Printing

Notes

Activated

Thermal 210-

240°F

(99-116°C)

Yes No Yes Yes

Yes Yes Yes Yes

Yes Yes Yes

Yes No No Yes

Heat

Activated

Low

Temperature

185-195°F (85-91°C)

Heat

Assisted

185-195°F

(85-91°C)

Pressure

Sensitive

Ambient to

120°F

(49°C)

MUTOH FALCON

ROLAND

EPSON STYLUS PRO

* For optimum durability, laminate or overcoat soon after printing within 4 hours).

RJ-4100/

RJ-6100

Hi-Fi Jet FJ-50/

FJ-40, Hi-Fi Jet

Pro FJ-400/

FJ-500/FJ-600

7000/9000 Dye*

7600/9600

10000/10600

7500/9500 Pigment

10000 Series

7600/9600

10600

7800/9800

Dye*, Pigment

Photographic

Dye*

Archival Pigment

ULTRA-

CHROME

Pigment ULTRA-

CHROME K3

Pigment

See Printing

Notes

See Printing

Notes

See Printing

Notes

See Printing

Notes

See Printing

Notes

Backlight Film Yes No Yes Yes

Glossy Film Yes No Yes Yes

Double

Weight Matte

Paper

Yes

Yes Yes Yes Yes

Yes No Yes Yes

Yes-Dye

No-Pigment

Yes-Dye

No-Pigment

Yes Yes

Note: KODAK Universal Backlit Film / 8mil is not recommended for use with "lightfast" dye inks unlaminated due to premature fading (which is caused by oxidation). If prints are laminated within 4 hours of printing to seal the image from exposure to air, the print lifetime can be extended—depending on the type of overlaminate. "Lightfast" inks include: ENCAD GX, ILFORD ARCHIVA, COLORSPAN ENDURACHROME, HEWLETT-PACKARD dyes, and KODAK PROFESSIONAL LIGHTFAST PLUS inks.

2 ٠ KODAK Universal Backlit Film / 8mil E-2643

PRINTING NOTES

The print driver media settings recommended in the compatibility section are intended to provide usable

results with available media profiles found in the printer manufacturer’s provided drivers and RIPs. These recommendations will provide proper ink laydowns with no pooling or bleeding, and color which will be acceptable for many applications. It is suggested that tests be run using these recommendations and color corrections be made to meet user expectations.

In cases where no recommendation is made, choose the media setting closest to the KODAK Wide-Format Inkjet Media you are using. For example, if you are printing on KODAK Premium Photographic Glossy Paper / 180g, choose a setting in your driver or RIP

Custom Profiles

While the above printing recommendations and available profiles from K results for many wide-format inkjet applications, there are applications, such as inkjet proofing, which demand more exacting color requirements. It is suggested that for these applications, custom profiles be built for given ink/media/printer combinations. Many color management and profile building software applications are available which allow the user to manage color to meet their needs. Also, many RIPs will provide color profiling options which allow the user to control the color of their output. Please contact your dealer or

odak technical support for help determining the best

K solution for your application.

odak will provide adequate

which is intended for another glossy photo paper. This should give you a print which requires little or no adjustment to get usable results.

Viewing and Taking Density Readings

When creating profiles for media that is viewed by transmissive light, use transmission measurement

RIPs and Profiles for ENCAD and Other Printers

For more exacting color, several third party RIPs (Raster Image Processors) are available with profiles supporting KODAK media for ENCAD, KODAK and other printers. For more information visit K

odak's website at

www.kodak.com/go/wfiprofiles

Following is a list of RIPs for which ENCAD/KODAK printer support and K

odak-built media profiles are

available:

devices. Transmission measurement devices, especially those which are strip readers, often need to be calibrated several times before they are ready to take density readings.

If a transmission measurement device is not available, acceptable profiles can be created with a reflective device by placing the media printed side up on white paper (a piece of inkjet paper will work) when making measurements. Results may be slightly lighter and less saturated than when a true transmission device is used, but it will provide you with a good starting point and, if

ENCAD

COLORGATE

PHOTO RIP

ONYX GRAPHICS www.onyxgfx.com

SCANVEC AMIABLE www.scanvecamiable.com

www.encad.com/Support/RIP-

Support/ index.asp

www.colorgate.com/home_e/

products_e.html

In addition to the above list, the following software companies provide RIPs and profiles that support ENCAD/KODAK printers:

necessary, you can adjust the brightness and colors with your RIP or image manipulation software.

HEWLETT-PACKARD Printers

Some backlit medias may not work properly with the media sensors on printer take-up spools, such as those supplied with the HP DESIGNJET 5000 and 5500 When this happens, tape a cut piece of the same media over both the front and back media take-up sensors. This will provide enough density for the take-up spool to

printers.

work correctly. Be sure to remove these pieces when

BEST GMBH www.bestcolor.com/bcint/index.htm

AIT

INTERNATIONAL

IMAGE

TECHNOLOGIES

GLOBAL GRAPHICS www.globalgraphics.com

COLORBURST

SYSTEMS

WASATCH

COMPUTER

TECHNOLOGY, INC.

CADLINK

TECHNOLOGY

JET RIP www.jangeun.co.kr

www.applied-image.com/ Shiraz-

RIP.htm

www.imagetechdev.com

www.compatsys.com

www.wasatchinc.com

www.cadlink.com

3 ٠ KODAK Universal Backlit Film / 8mil E-2643

using other types of media or the take-up spool will not operate correctly.

In low humidity environments many types of filmbased media will show static marks when printed on HP DESIGNJET 5000 series printers. These marks, which appear as low density ink blotches aligned with the bottom rubber rollers, are noticeable in areas which are intended to be white and are next to high density areas, such as large black text. The marks are not present within image areas. To help reduce or eliminate these static marks, try one or all of the following suggestions:

• Operate the printer in a higher humidity environment

or place a humidifier near the printer. The static marks will virtually disappear as the humidity is higher, at about 45% RH or higher.

• Print at slower speeds. This will cause less static buildup and make the marks less noticeable.

• Add a 1% or higher fill color for CMYK in white areas; the exact amount to be determined by testing in your working environment. It has been demonstrated in a 30% RH environment that filling white areas with a 1% dot for all 4 chanels, C, M, Y, and K, will virtually remove the marks. The resulting light gray in white areas is not objectionable, especially when prints are trimmed so that no unprinted media is visible as a reference. The fill color can be added in the application that the file was created in or within your RIP software. In ONYX POSTERSHOP, simply use the "Replace Color" tool, select white, and add 1% to all 4 colors.

Caution

When using film based medias on printers in very low humidity conditions, 30% or lower, static charges may be enough to damage your printer. It is not recommended that you print in these conditions. Be sure to follow your printer manufacturers guidelines for operating conditions, which are especially critical when using film based medias.

HANDLING

All inkjet media must be handled with care before and after printing to prevent damage to the ink receiving layer and printed images. Use the following guidelines, your experience, and common sense for the proper care of your media.

• Store unused media in its original packaging, using the core-plugs and plastic sleeves.

• Allow media to acclimate to your environmental conditions for at least 24 hours before use.

• KODAK inkjet media is rolled printable side out. Avoid touching the printable side by handling by the edges of the roll.

• Wear cotton gloves when handling media to avoid scratches, abrasions and fingerprints from moisture and oils on your hands.

• Do not allow the media to come into contact with moisture. Moisture will damage many types of inkjet medias before and after printing.

• Avoid handling, trimming, laminating or other finishing until prints are completely dry. Dry times will vary based on media type, ink type and environmental conditions.

• Do not fold, bend or crease media or damage may occur to the ink receiving layer.

• Do not allow the surface of the media to come into contact with itself or another inkjet media.

• Use media only in recommended operating conditions—see "Physical Characteristics" section.

4 ٠ KODAK Universal Backlit Film / 8mil E-2643

Curl

Most types of roll-based inkjet media will exhibit some amount of curl, either toward the base side or toward the print side. This will vary based on media type and environmental conditions. Some media will curl more in low humidity environments and others in high humidity environments. Also, media may curl more towards the core or end of the roll due to "roll memory."

Although curl is mainly an issue when printing, it can also have an impact on laminating and other finishing procedures. Follow these guidelines, and use your experience and common sense to avoid issues caused by curl.

When printing:

• Advance media several inches past the print platen

before starting a print job.

• Add weights or clips to the leading edge of the

media.

• Attach media to the printer’s take-up spool before

starting printing.

• Adjust vacuum settings accordingly on printers

equipped with variable media vacuum settings.

• Adjust heater and dryer settings on equipped printers

to obtain optimum conditions to ensure flat media. See printer owners' manual for their recommendations.

During finishing:

• Reverse wind media, when completely dry, to

counteract roll memory.

• Do not allow media to remain rolled for extended

periods of time.

• Rough cut prints and lay them flat before laminating.

FINISHING

Detailed information and tips can be found in Kodak publication E-2600, Laminating, Mounting, and Finishing KODAK Wide-Format Inkjet Media.

Lamination

Refer to "Laminate Compatibility" in the Compatibility section for specific printer/ink/laminate recommendations.

Lamination Definitions

Heat Activated Thermal, 210-240°F (99-116°C)

Heat Activated Low Temperature, 185195°F (85-91°C)

Heat Assisted, 185195°F (85-91°C)

Pressure Sensitive, Ambient to 120°F (49°C)

* For both Heat Activated Thermal and Low Temperature, use a laminate

with a total thickness (polyester and adhesive) of 3 mils or less on the face side. Thicker laminates may be applied to the back of the print for increased total thickness.

For best results, use inkjet-specific laminate products and follow the laminate manufacturer's instructions. It is important that your print be dry before laminating. Lamination performance varies as a function of materials, technique, and environmental conditions. For increased durability, choose a laminate with UV protection.

Polyester laminates applied with hot roll laminators at 210-240°F.

Polyester laminates applied with hot roll laminators at 185-195°F.

Polyester or vinyl laminates with pressure sensitive adhesives; specially formulated for inkjet prints, and applied with hot roll laminators at 185-195°F.

Polyester or vinyl laminates with pressure sensitive adhesives on a release liner, applied at ambient conditions or at low temperature, 100-120°F.

possible to be sure that the media meets the necessary requirements.

Do not use this media in a light box or area where the temperature exceeds 80°C (176°F). based media, exposure to high temperatures will cause the base to warp or buckle.

As with all film-

Mounting

For a rigid, durable backlit display, laminate this media and mount it to PLEXIGLASS with an optically clear mounting adhesive. A low-glare front laminate is desirable to reduce reflections in brightly lit areas.

In view boxes that have PLEXIGLASS in them already, mounting is not necessary, and a thicker (10-mil) surface laminate may offer enough rigidity for the print to lay flat. For extra rigidity or for larger displays, laminate the back of the print with a laminate equally thick as the front material.

DISPLAY

KODAK inkjet media is intended for display in typical home, office, and retail environments. Unusual conditions, such as extreme temperatures or humidity, may affect the expected lifetime of the displayed print.

odak is unable to test all possible environments, so it

K is recommended to test display conditions when

5 ٠ KODAK Universal Backlit Film / 8mil E-2643

PERFORMANCE GUARANTEE

Indoor Applications (Fluorescent Display)

Kodak will guarantee prints from compatible systems against noticeable fading, cracking, yellowing, and bleeding when the print is viewed from its intended viewing distance.

The Indoor Performance Guarantee durations will vary based on the media/printer/ink system. The stated durations assume the media is displayed indoors under fluorescent light (average intensity 450-lux, 12 hours/day), and/or with indirect sunlight exposure (at least 6 feet from a window, with no direct sunlight). PLEXIGLAS™, LEXAN™, or a similar sheet must protect prints, and light box illumination is expected to not exceed 5000-lux fluorescent. The guarantee covers both laminated or unlaminated prints as noted in the table below. The unlaminated guarantee assumes the media will be displayed in a typical office environment and will not be exposed to a high level of pollutants (above a typical ozone level for an office environment).

Terms, conditions and additional information about the Performance Guarantee can be found at

www.kodak.com/go/wideformat.

Manufacturer Model Ink Durability

HEWLETT-PACKARD

DESIGNJET

ENCAD NOVAJET 800/700/600/500 Series

ENCAD NOVAJET/

KODAK

EPSON STYLUS PRO

CANON

2000/3000/5000 Series

1000i/

1200i

7600/9600/10000/10600 6 Color Photographic Dye 3 months laminated

10000/10600 6 Color Archival Pigment 1 year laminated

7000/9000 6 Color Dye 1 month laminated

9500 6 Color Pigment 1 year laminated

7600/9600/10600

7800/9800

7250D/7200D/8200D/8400D 6 Color Dye 1 month laminated

6200Pg/8200Pg 6 Color Pigment 2 years laminated

6400Pg/8400Pg 6 Color Pigment 2 years laminated

4/6 Color Dye 1 year laminated

4/6 Color UV 2 years laminated

4/8 Color GS+ 3 months laminated

4/8 Color GX 18 months laminated

4/6/8 Color GO+ 18 months laminated

Qi Dye 6 months laminated

6 Color Qi Pigment 2 years laminated

7 Color ULTRACHROME

Pigment

8 Color ULTRACHROME K3

Pigment

6 months laminated

Eastman Kodak Company, 2006

Outdoor Applications

Outdoor exposure, including exposure to ultraviolet radiation, moisture, oxidation, and chemical pollutants all influence the final outdoor longevity of a graphic image. K quality and suitability of the graphic image print, based on accepted industry test standards, for advertising purposes and other customary outdoor display uses. Specifically, K fading, peeling, cracking, yellowing, bleeding, and running for the periods stated below. PLEXIGLAS™, LEXAN™, or a similar sheet must protect prints, and light box illumination is expected to not exceed 5000-lux fluorescent.

Terms, conditions and additional information about the Performance Guarantee can be found at www.kodak.com/go/wideformat.

Manufacturer Model Ink Durability

HEWLETT-PACKARD DESIGNJET

ENCAD NOVAJET 800/700/600/500 Series 4/6/8 Color GO+ > 6 months laminated*

2000/3000/5000 Series 4/6 Color UV > 6 months laminated*

odak guarantees that the effects of those exposures will not affect the

odak guarantees prints from the systems below against excessive

ENCAD NOVAJET/ KODAK

EPSON STYLUS PRO

CANON

*Durability ratings are not final: Testing in progress.

1000i/

1200i

10000/10600 6 Color Archival Pigment > 6 months laminated*

9500 6 Color Pigment > 6 months laminated*

7600/9600/10600

7800/9800

6200Pg/8200Pg 6 Color Pigment > 6 months laminated*

6400Pg/8400Pg 6 Color Pigment > 6 months laminated*

4 Color Qi Pigment > 6 months laminated*

6 Color Qi Pigment > 6 months laminated*

7 Color ULTRACHROME

Pigment

8 Color ULTRACHROME

Pigment

> 6 months laminated*

Additional Durability Information

The following table can be used as a guide for printers and inks not included in the Performance Guarantee.

Durability Guidelines for Printers Not Included in Performance Guarantee

If Using Expect Durability Similar To:

KODAK PROFESSIONAL LIGHTFAST

PLUS Dye

COLORSPAN EC Dye ENCAD GX

COLORSPAN PC Pigment ENCAD GO+

ROLAND Dye EPSON 9000 Dye

ROLAND Pigment EPSON 9500 Pigment

MUTOH Dye EPSON 9000 Dye

MUTOH Pigment EPSON 9500 Pigment

ENCAD GX

7 ٠ KODAK Universal Backlit Film / 8mil E-2643

ORDERING INFORMATION

KODAK Universal Backlit Film / 8mil

Roll

Length

100 ft (30.5 m) NA 222773-00 222774-00 222775-00 222776-00

24 in. (61 cm) 36 in. (91.4 cm) 42 in. (106.7 cm) 50 in. (127 cm) 60 in. (152.4 cm)

Roll Width / Order No.

16.4 ft (5 m) (sample)

NA = Not available

222772-00 NA NA NA NA

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Physical Characteristics Value Test Method Reference

Caliper

Opacity >70 Tappi T 524

CIE Whiteness 157 Tappi T 524

Weight 275 g/sm ISO 536

Brightness 116 Tappi T 524

60-degree Gloss <5 ISO 7668

L*(D65/10 uvi/BBW) 98 Tappi T 524

Flame Spread Classification TBD ASTM E84

Operating Conditions

Recommended Storage Conditions

8 mil (203µm)

59-86°F (15-30°C),

20-70% RH

(non-condensing)

68°F (20°C),

50% RH

ISO 534

If you have questions or need assistance, visit Kodak’s website at www.kodak.com/go/wfisupport or, in the U.S.,

contact K

The contents of this publication are subject to change without notice.

odak Technical Support at 1-888-436-2347.

EASTMAN KODAK COMPANY • ROCHESTER, NY 14650

KODAK Universal Backlit Film / 8mil Kodak Publication No. E2643 Kodak is a trademark of the Eastman Kodak Company June, 2006

Kodak 8mil User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual