ICL Large Format Printing Roundup

Color Management at ICL Imaging

2012-02-28T10:20:00.007-08:00

Selecting PMS Colors in the 5000K View Booth

The Pantone Color Matching System is our standard color reference. To ensure that we produce your image correctly, use and reference the Pantone Color Matching System #’s when specifying colors.

ICL Imaging recommends the North American Prepress 2 color setting that consists of an Adobe RGB (1998) icc color profile for all RGB images and the U.S. Web Coated (SWOP) v2 icc color profile for all CMYK elements.

Images should be converted to these icc color profiles and saved with embedded profiles.

Make sure that the color type is set to Spot Color and not Process Color.

NOTE: In order for you to achieve predictable color from your monitor to print, it is very important to have it properly calibrated.

It is also very important to establish the identical color settings for all applications used in the workflow.

Exact color matching of products can only be achieved by supplying samples of them to us. We routinely match to clothing, shoes, hand-bags and art work provided.

Our standard viewing for all reflective color is our 5000K view booth. For back-lit transparencies we use an industry standard light box with a cool white fluorescent light source.

All of our proofs are printed on the actual material using the output device that will produce your final graphics.

Exhibit by Bluehive

Color effects beyond our control are the actual lighting conditions found in the final viewing environment. If you know what that light source is, let us know and we will do our best to factor it in to our color correcting.

In extreme cases we have actually gone on site with a ring around of color tests and made corrections in that environment. This can be costly however and is used only in certain situations.

NOTE: Different output printing devices and materials, such as vinyl, paper and fabric can produce the same image differently. Our experienced staff will work with you to pick the right combination of print media and machine to meet your large format printing expectations.

Finally, we always welcome clients who would like to visit ICL Imaging and review color directly with our color technician. Please contact us for an appointment before hand. csr@icl-imaging.com

Large Format Printing & Solutions Since 1956

ICL Imaging Tips: Finishing Options for Banners

2012-02-13T10:29:00.001-08:00

Depending on the end use of your banner and how it will be displayed, there are a few different techniques used to finish banner edges. Listed below are some of the more commonly used finishing options.

Hemming: The edge of the banner is turned over on itself and then sewn over with thread, to strengthen the edge of the banner. This can be done with fabric and vinyl banners. Rope can also be sewn into the edge seam if the end product will be tied to an object.

Grommets: A reinforced metal ring that is fastened through the hem of the banner. The grommet is one of the most versatile ways to finish a banner, as nearly anything can be used to fasten the banner if it can pass through the grommet. Our grommets come in various sizes in black, silver or brass

Pole Sleeves: Also called “pole-hems” or “pole pockets”. These are similar to a hem, but extra material is added to the fold, to create a sleeve through which a pole can later be inserted. Be sure to specify the pole diameter size. A good rule of thumb to use is that the pocket size should be 2 times the pole size.

Sheer-cutting: For some banners you can simply cut the edges of the banner with a razor knife and a straight-edge, to give the banner a clean look. Using a hot knife can stop the material from fraying. Finishing with a heat knife is standard on all of our banners unless otherwise specified.

Backing or Interliner: Some banners are given a backing or interliner in order to make the banner more opaque. If a banner has an image on both sides, an interliner is added to prevent light from passing through either side. A backing is placed on a single-sided banner to make the fabric’s color more vibrant and to add more body to the banner.

Wind slits: Outdoor banners that will be subject to high winds or the environment for extended periods of time, need extra finishing. Wind slits should be cut into the face of the vinyl to allow air to pass through the banner. A nylon webbing reinforcement is also sewn into the hem of the banner. ICL Imaging always uses reinforced vinyl for all of our outdoor banners.

For information on our banners and other products visit our website, www.icl-imaging.com

Fabric Graphics from ICL Imaging, Large Format Printers

2011-08-29T11:52:00.000-07:00

Today Fabric Graphics are available in more sizes, materials and finishing options then ever before.

ICL Imaging Previews Fabric Banner

ICL Imaging is committed to producing the finest fabric graphics, fabric banners and fabric table covers.

Power Stretch 4607

Our recent acquisition of the Mimaki JV 33-160 compliments our Roland, Falcon and HP XL 1500 dye-sub output.

The aqueous based dye sublimation inks are environmentally friendly which supports our commitment to green initiatives.

Tension Fabric Structure

Fabric Graphic choices are limitless. Currently ICL Imaging is stocking 20 of the most popular dye sub and direct to print fabric materials available. The lightest is our Ultra Sheer 9000 at 1.5 oz per square yard.
This textured sheer has a transparent look and can be used to display feminine apparel and cosmetic products.

Our Flash 335, weighing in at 9.9 oz per square yard, is our most heaviest fabric. This unique weave and textured finish, provides a canvas appearance and is direct printed up to 10 feet wide. It has been used for retail exhibits and displays as well as fine art reproduction projects.

ICL Imaging's most popular material is the Heavy Knit 4480, at 120 printable inches wide and weight of 9.5 oz's. This fabric graphic material can be used for tradeshow and event banners, tension fabric structures, pop-up fabric structures and a host of other uses. Its wrinkle resistance and moderate opaqueness - make it one of our most popular products.

Contact ICL Imaging today at 800-660-3280 for pricing and samples or email us at: info@icl-imaging.com

Hanging Fabric Structure

ICL Imaging, Large Format Printing since 1956.

Green Sustainable Printing Practices

2011-07-07T12:11:00.000-07:00

ICL Imaging, Large Format Printers, of Framingham, MA created our "Green Initiatives" 5 years ago.
We felt it was and is important for us to operate our company in an environmentally sustainable manner. In order to do so we created our "Green Initiatives and Sustainable Printing Practices."

The foundation for which these practices developed from included; Sustainable Products, Internal Resource Conservation, Solid Waste Reduction & Recycling and External Resource Conservation. By conserving energy and water consumption - we reduced our carbon emissions, and wastes - and by offering earth friendly sustainable printing products we helped to preserve our natural resources.

Our sustainable large format printing products include Eco-Celtic fabric that is made from 100% recycled materials and printed with Aqueous Based Inks. Other products include Paper, Bio-Boards, Bio-Banners and Eco-Inks.

ICL's internal resource conservation included purchasing UV Printing equipment with less VOC's that solvent printers and new Latex printing technology. New equipment has reduced our water consumption by more than 30%.

We donate unprinted vinyl waste to the Avon-Walkathon for making their own banners.
Our work schedules are staggered to reduce traffic congestion and our Account Executives can work remotely to reduce fossil fuel consumption.
All wooden pallets, cardboard, white papers, soda cans, and toner cartridges are recycled.

The Former Prime Minister of Norway, Gro Harlem Brundtland, said it best what it means to be sustainable ".....meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs."

Rethink your carbon footprint - we're committed on reducing ours. Working together responsibly we can reduce our harmful footprints.

We would love to hear from you.
To learn more about ICL Imaging's sustainable printing practices and how you can help conserve energy, please visit our website: www.icl-imaging.com

Car Wraps Drive Sales

2011-06-13T09:50:00.000-07:00

ICL Imaging, Large Format Printers, in Framingham, MA loves to print Car Wraps.

ICL Bus Wrap for Lawrence & Memorial

Car Wraps are a great way to decorate your vehicle, advertise your business or help brand your product or service.

The trick is to design your Car Wrap properly. Think of a moving billboard. Now think of a moving billboard that has windows, doors, handles, contours, taillights, headlights, space gaps between doors and side panels.

You need to take into account all of that when preparing your Car Wrap design - otherwise your type may be distorted or even cut off. Think of placing telephone numbers and web sites in areas that will not be distorted by the physicalitys of the cars surface.

ICL Vehicle Graphics for Clarke

Make sure your letters are large enough to read when standing 10 feet away. Consider having your website printed backwards for your front hood so when vehicles in front of you look into their rearview mirror they can read it. Think of using alot of space between sets of words and use short phrases or keywords that describe your business.

When the vehicle is parked it can make a nice stationary billboard, so use colorful graphics to attract the eye.

ICL Vehicle Wrap for Old Sturbridge Village

Our technicians at ICL Imaging are experts in preparing files or reviewing your files for vehicle graphics. Their trained eye can spot potential problems. And with the use of files of vehicle design templates at our disposal we can adjust the design to fit the vehicle perfectly.

In some cases having text printed on cut-vinyl letters and applied over the vehicle vinyl can help control the placement better to avoid being disturbed by the car or trucks mirrors, door cracks and other like things.

Feel free to contact us, ICL Imaging, and speak to one of our Technical Sales Reps for more information on how to prepare your files for vehicle wraps. Often a site-inspection is required to precisely measure the vehicle so we can avoid these pitfalls.

So get your car or truck wrapped today and get noticed everywhere you go.

Contact ICL Imaging
800 660 3280
www.icl-imaging.com

Vehicle Wraps by ICL Imaging

2011-06-06T11:47:00.000-07:00

ICL Imaging, large format printers, produces vehicle wraps.
We have over 10,000 vehicle templates available.

Things you should know about vehicle wraps. Measure carefully. Vehicles are 3 dimensional and have curves and sloping lines. Precise measurements will save you a headache when it comes time for installation.

Make sure your files are set up with extra bleed on all sides. The vehicle panels will be overlapped when installed, so the amount of bleed you add is important. Generally 1/2" all around is ok.

How long will your graphics be on the vehicle? Short term promotions can be printed on a less expensive material to save you money. This material does not conform to severe contours however.

Longer term graphics are printed on a more expensive cast adhesive vinyl and will last for several years when over-laminated and installed properly.

Proper installation is important for the success of the graphics lifespan. The vehicle must be clean and free of wax for a proper bonding. Air channels in the media will also help trapped air bubbles under the adhesive vinyl to escape.

Temperature is very important as well. Graphics can not be applied when surface temperatures go below 55 degrees F. Working with an installer who has an indoor bay is important in this area.

Design is another consideration when producing vehicle graphics. Vehicles are usually moving fast and not sitting still. Make sure your text is legible when the vehicle is moving down the highway. Also be careful where you place smaller text, like phone #'s, websites etc. Vehicles have surface areas that can interrupt your design like; door hinges, door latches, licensce plates etc.

Have a good discussion with your printer and designer together. Vehicle templates will show you where many of these problems can occur. Make sure your designer is using the right one too.

Lastly, ask for references.

OUTDOOR ADVERTISING With GRAPHICS

2011-05-04T11:32:00.000-07:00

ICL Imaging can help you with your Outdoor Advertising Graphics.

16 Foot Wide Reinforced Vinyl

Commuters spend an average of 51 minutes per day commuting.
Be seen with Outdoor Advertising and get the maximum attention.

Whether it is vehicle wraps, bus kings and queens, sidewalk graphics, or vinyl banners; outdoor advertising fills media gaps and increases your exposure to the consumer.

With our weather resistant, portable, outdoor bannerstands and vinyl graphics - you'll become more visible.

They are the perfect choice for sporting events, carnivals, festivals, amusement parks and any
other outdoor event that you can think of.

Your full color custom graphics will be printed and installed by our team of imaging experts.

Vinyl banners create visibility. Window graphics highlight retail products. Vehicle wraps get you noticed everywhere you go.

Adhesive Vin

Contact us today for a free review of your outdoor advertising campaign.
ICL Imaging, Framingham, MA, Large Format Printers since 1956.
800 - 660 - 3280 or csr@icl-imaging.com

FAQ: What is your standard turn around time?

2011-04-14T08:22:00.000-07:00

One of the most frequently asked questions we get at ICL Imaging, is in regards to lead times.

Lead times can vary depending on pre-production services needed, the size of the large format printing order and what other jobs are running in house at that time.

Generally speaking however, Proofs can be generated from a print ready file in 24 hours. Once the Proof is approved – most jobs are completed within 2 to 3 business days.

We do offer Priority Services for those jobs that are needed in less time. To accommodate these “rush” jobs there is usually overtime involved and the rescheduling of other jobs to make room for yours. Because of this, additional charges are required.

For additional information please contact our Customer Service Representatives at:

800 662 3280 or email them at: csr@icl-imaging.com

BANNERSTANDS; TOP PROFILES LETTING GO

2011-04-07T08:30:00.000-07:00

ICL Imaging asked our clients, have you ever had a retractable bannerstand graphic become unattached from the top profile?

We asked this question because on occasion we get some retractable bannerstands back from clients to repair an unattached graphic.

First we confirmed that we were using the correct adhesive tape and were applying it correctly.
Then we discussed possible ways that the graphic could be handled - and how much pressure it would take to remove the top profile.

What we found out was that depending on the media substrate being used, the force to remove the top profile piece varied. We also found out that by releasing the graphic from the highest position and letting it fall rapidly into the cannister would cause the profile to either become looser with each drop - or to come off altogether.

Warnings on how to release the graphic are now given to clients who purchase retractable bannerstands.

The problem still exists though when impatient sales reps are in a hurry to take down the graphic. After attending and exhibiting at many trade shows, I know what it is like at the end of the last show day. Let's get out of here as quickly as we can and grab a beer - but don't let go of that graphic!

PORTABLE BANNER STANDS

2011-03-31T11:40:00.000-07:00

ICL Imaging is a leading supplier of light weight retractable bannerstands.

These bannerstands are the perfect solution for displaying your graphic messages in malls, airports, theatres, retail, trade shows, and events.

Our bannerstands are also portable and very easy to use. They come in single or double sided and for indoor or outdoor applications. Hard and soft cases are also available.

Your full color custom graphics will be printed and installed by our team of imaging experts.

Professional, high quality graphics and bannerstands can be shipped anywhere in the world - and with ICL's wide selection of products, you can bet that we'll have the right model to fit any budget.

Hanging Solutions for Retail Graphics

2011-03-17T12:53:00.000-07:00

ICL Imaging has a variety of Hanging Solutions for your Retail Graphics - just ask!

One important item to ask yourself is how will the store employees hang the graphics. Imagine yourself high up on a ladder, leaning over and holding a large sign while trying to attach it to hooks that are too tight for the graphic.

I recently visited one large box store that we do work for and asked the clerk in that department what challenges they faced with graphic installation. I took that information to our hardware partners and we came up with a safe and easy solution for them.

Sports Authority Display

You can learn alot by talking to people on the shop floor and ICL Imaging can help you with our years of experience. Since 1956, we've been helping people like you solve your challenges with our solutions.

J.Jill Barricade Graphic

UPLOADING Files for RETAIL GRAPHICS

2011-03-09T13:34:00.000-08:00

You may Upload your Retail Graphic files to: https://transporter.icl-imaging.com/dropbox/upload
Please provide as much information as you can when sending us files. All fields marked with the asterisk (*) must be filled in.

If you need additional help, please call us at (508) 872-3280 and ask for Customer Service or Email them at csr@icl-imaging.com

Retail Graphics For Major Footwear Retailer

2011-03-03T11:35:00.000-08:00

RETAIL GRAPHICS: ICL Imaging recently completed the printing and fulfillment of over 9,000 graphic pieces for a major shoe company. The graphics were printed on a variety of materials and on different large format output devices. There were many different sizes and quantities as well. All of this had to be done in a very short time frame too.

The job went through smoothly, on time and correct.

The SECRET.....we double checked everything. The first check was to find out if there was anything that needed to be corrected. The second check was to make sure that the corrections were done correctly.

The RESULT, 100% satisfaction.

Like the old saying goes, "measure twice - cut once". Check out our retail graphics portfolio on our website.

Large format printing meets Web 2.0

2011-02-10T08:28:00.000-08:00

ICL Imaging is now reaching out across the internet to bring the best ideas in large format printing to clients from coast to coast. Stay tuned for cool ideas, time saving tips and game saver advice you can apply to your next project. Check out our website as we begin an evolution across the web.
www.ICL-Imaging.com