The Benefits And Possibilities Of SMART-X, 3A’s 100 Percent Recyclable All-Plastic Sheet

92f221567d2f941498afddcfd2c9421d_f654The possibilities of SMART-X® include diverse applications such as signage, event marketing and product presentation. The lightweight full plastic sheet material is usable outside and offers a variety of processing possibilities.

The homogeneous and UV-stabilized polystyrene provides an ideal printing substrate with excellent ink adhesion – even when used outside. SMART-X® is completely moisture-resistant and can be used up to 158 °F (70 °C). It is recommended to use cotton gloves when handling unprinted sheets and wipe the sheets dry after having used liquid cleaning agents. Use ionized air to blow loose debris off SMART-X® sheets prior to printing.

The surfaces of SMART-X® sheets are ideally suited for the application of lettering films and vinyl graphics. In order to choose the right film for the purpose, the location (indoor or outdoor use), the desired period of use (durability) of the film, the type of bond (permanent or removable) and the process-ability of the film (printing) need to be taken into account.

6acbb8f890fadd593f631e2b159233bb_f652SMART-X® can be sawed with standard horizontal and vertical panel saws. Sharp blades with adequate tooth geometry are essential in order to avoid crumbling and tearing of the edges. SMART-X® can also be cut with jig saws, scroll saws, profile millers, surface milling cutters, water jet cutting machines or CNC machines.

Commercially available adhesives for polystyrene (e.g. model making glue like UHU-Plast) are best for bonding the surfaces and edges of SMART-X® cuts. In addition, SMART-X® can be bonded to entirely different materials with high performance adhesive tapes (VHB™ products).

Processing tests done by eurolaser in Lüneburg, Germany, show outstanding results for laser cutting of SMART-X®. For best results and clean edges we recommend a system configuration with a euro-laser cutting system of 200 Watt.

Thanks to the versatile possibilities of SMART-X®, new applications continue to pop up in the field of signage, retail decoration and 3D lettering.