Q: What is the difference between screen and digital printing?

Screen Printing:
•  Accurate rendition of PMS ( www.pantone.com ) colours
•  Excellent output where flood or high density colour is a requirement
•  More efficient where higher levels of output are required

Digital Printing:
•  Excellent for full colour output
•  More cost effective where small volumes or one offs are required
•  Excellent for proto-typing

Q: What is the material used for Fleet Graphics?

In order to provide you with the best warranty available we use 3M™ products. 3M™ have a vast range of products to suit different projects and outcomes. Generally the vinyl film applied to your vehicle is 0.05mm thick.

Q: What is used to clean the surface before applying Fleet Graphics?

We recommend you clean the car then prepare the surface where the image is to be applied with Methylated Spirits. Please Note; vinyl will not adhere to oil grease, silicon or dirt.

Q: Can I apply Fleet Graphics myself?

It may be possible for you to apply a simple Fleet Graphic but application is a craft where experience counts in getting it right the first time. It is important to understand that for a warranty to apply an accredited 3M™ applicator needs to apply the Fleet Graphic.

Q: Are Fleet Graphics affected by temperature?

The range of acceptable temperatures during application is 10 - 38 degrees centigrade. After application the service temperature range is minus 60 - 107 degrees centigrade.

Q: Can I remove Fleet Graphics?

Different adhesives can be used depending on the nature and term of the image. Longer term images require a solvent based or mechanical assisted means of removal such as a heat gun. Residual adhesive can be removed with Eucalyptus Oil, however if you are unsure please contact us.

Q: What colours are available?

Most colours are available.

Q: Can you apply Fleet Graphics to my vehicles in country and remote areas of Australia?

Manufacturing of Fleet Graphics occurs in Melbourne and we have 3M™ accredited applicators in all major State city locations. Applicators are available for travel to country and remote locations but travel costs apply. We also export to parts of Asia and New Zealand and have local arrangements with applicators.

Q: How long does it take to get a Fleet Graphics produced?

Basically, the start-to-finish production time depends on the size and complexity of your project and our production schedule. A simple project may take several days where as a more complex project may take several weeks or months depending on the number of vehicles and their location.

Q: What can I do to get my job done faster?

Advanced planning can expedite a project by providing Calgraphics with as much information as possible such as:

•  The nature of the surface the image will be mounted to.
•  Details on how the digital files will be constructed.
•  Preliminary proofs to flag potential issues.
•  Colour expectations.

These details will help the Calgraphics determine which combination of films and over laminates should be used to produce the finished Fleet Graphic. When sending the project details to us please ensure all digital elements of the job are included (such as fonts, images) and that any hard copy artwork is included.

It is wise to build in a time contingency into your project should unexpected issues occur.

Q: How much does it cost to produce a Fleet Graphic?

A Calgraphics sales representative can help you with quotes. Generally speaking, Fleet Graphics may cost anywhere from $80-$200 a square metre depending on what's involved in producing the final image.

There maybe other costs involved such as design, one off production set up costs, freight and application.

Q: Is Calgraphics a Scotchprint® Graphics Authorised Manufacturer?

Yes, Calgraphics is a Scotchprint® Graphics Authorised Converter and has undergone 3M’s™ authorisation and training process.

Q: What kind of equipment is required to produce Fleet Graphics?

The equipment used to produce your graphic is a function of the kind or type of graphic being produced and the quantity you require. Calgraphics use the following equipment to ensure that they can deliver a finished graphic of the highest quality:

•  3M™ Scotchprint® Printer 2000
•  Flatbed Plotters
•  Semi Automatic Screen Printing presses
•  Screen Printing production facilities
•  A variety of electronic equipment

Q: Where will I find the right materials for my application and have access to samples?

Calgraphics can source and provide samples of materials for you.

Q: What surfaces are compatible with Fleet Graphics?

Fleet Graphics can be produced on a wide variety of films with different adhesives. Different adhesives are designed to adhere to different surfaces (or substrates) - everything ranging from painted surfaces, stainless steel and windows. However we recommend the avoidance of Fleet Graphics on rubber moldings, plastic molding and windows were the image may hinder the safety of the driver.

Q: What image effects are possible?

Calgraphics can create a wide array of special effects due to the variety of 3M™ films and over laminates and techniques. Our sales representative can provide you with help and information about products, technologies and materials to meet your needs.

Q: What kind of resolution and reproduction quality can I expect?

The general rule for large format is that viewing distance determines how much resolution you need in your scanned images. The number of pixels per inch (PPI) in your digital file is as important to your final graphic as the DPI of the output device. Images should be scanned at: 25 PPI if they will be viewed from 5 metres away or greater, 50 PPI if they will be viewed from between 2-5 metres, and 100 PPI for close viewing - 2 metres or less.

Q: How should I prepare my files for production?

Calgraphics can accept a wide range of electronic media but if you are unsure please contact us. If you are sending photographic prints and other non-digital artwork please include specific cropping, placement and sizing instructions.

If possible please also provide some type of colour proof so Calgraphics can understand your colour expectations.

Q: What is the 3M™ MCS™ Warranty and how does that relate to Scotchprint® Graphics?

Calgraphics' Fleet Graphics are backed by the 3M's™ MCS™. 3M™ guarantees that the graphic will meet your performance requirements for the intended life of the graphic. Specific provisions of MCS™ warranty coverage vary, depending on the type of output, materials and finishing technologies used.

MCS™ warranty provisions are based on proprietary test methods 3M™ has developed over decades, including real world, outdoor weathering. What it means is you can be sure your Fleet Graphic will perform to unsurpassed reliability, durability and consistency every time and anywhere they are produced.

Q: How should decals or graphics be washed?

If using a pressure wash system, hold nozzle at least 30 centimetres away from and perpendicular to the decal or graphic. Pressure must not exceed 1,500 psi and in the case of a heated system, the water temperature must not be higher than 92 degrees centigrade. If these specifications are not followed closely then edge lifting may occur.

Further do not direct the water stream at a sharp angle into the edge of the marking as improper use of pressure washing can seriously damage decal or graphic.

Wash the decal or graphic with a soft brush, rag, or sponge using a mild liquid detergent and water solution. Some types of car wash brushes have built in dispensers for liquid detergents. Wash thoroughly from the top down. Avoid abrading the surface by unnecessary scrubbing. Once suds have been applied, keep steady streams of water flowing on the surface to wash away dirt particles.

Rinse the entire surface thoroughly with clean water. Allow to drain dry.

If tar, oil diesel smut or bituminous material remains after completing steps 1 through 3 above, wipe with a rag dampened with kerosene, mineral spirits or naphtha. Do not use other solvents. Wash with detergent and water and then rinse with clean water.

To remove pollen and fungus wash the surface with a 3 to 5% sodium hypochlorite (e.g. Hilex, Clorox, etc.) solution or detergent and water.

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