MacDermid Autotype, has introduced what it believes is the world's first films for display applications that combine both anti-glare and anti-graffiti properties in a single material. SigmaGraF Anti-Glare films feature a robust polyester base, protected by a tough hard-coat upper (or outer) surface layer with an inkjet printable underside layer, for reverse printing. Two different inkjet primers are offered: the 'Plus' coating is suitable for aqueous pigment inkjet, and the 'UVjet' primer is recommended for UV curing ink jet printers.
To eliminate the problem of glare, which is a common phenomenon with many display films, MacDermid Autotype has modified the surface characteristics of the hard-coat, producing a nano-roughened finish that reflects less that 55% of light at 60 degrees angle. Many competing materials will reflect over 90% of light at 60 degrees, creating glare that effectively 'blinds' the viewer from the image.
Similarly, the hard-coat surface layer has been specially developed to be scratch, scuff and abrasion proof. Graffiti paint can be cleaned away with conventional isopropanol solvents or aqueous detergents, which can be used without leaving any cleaning stain residues or marks.
SigmaGraF Anti-Glare has been awarded anti-graffiti resistance accreditation to the standard ASTM D 6587 test, based on extensive laboratory tests. Tests also revealed that even with repeated cleaning cycles the films were left graffiti and scratch-free throughout.