P3 customers often think outside the box and request many non-card items that are custom shaped and die cut. P3’s product line also includes just about anything you can think of (and some you may not) that is printed on plastic.
We have a knowledgeable and creative staff that can manufacture almost any design or production challenge. Don’t settle for paper when you need the durability and luster of plastic. Be as creative as you like, just don’t be boring!
- COMPUTER OVERLAYS
- DOOR HANGERS FOR HOTELS
- BOBBERS & SHELF STRIPS FOR SUPERMARKET SHELVES
- PLACARDS & SIGNS
- RULERS & TEMPLATES
- KEY TAGS & FOBS
- MOUSE PADS
- PARKING PERMITS
- STATIC CLING LABELS / SIGNS
- WALLET CALENDARS
- BOOKMARKS
FAQ:
Does my piece need to be laminated?
It depends on how this product will be used and what is the expected life of this item is.
Will this item be roughly handled, swiped numerous times, cleaned with abrasives or soap or used extensively?
If so, it needs to be laminated to protect the ink from wearing. If not, you may be able to save money by printing on plastic, but not laminating it.
Can this item be cut into a custom shape?
Yes, P3 can die cut your piece in just about any shape or size you desire.
Is there any difference in pricing if I want my piece printed on clear or opaque plastic?
Traditionally, clear stock costs more than opaque plastics. Another factor that makes clear pieces cost more is that many people want us to print white ink down first, on clear stock and then print the colored ink on top of the white ink, so the colored ink colors are more vibrant. White ink normally needs to be printed twice (2 hits of white ink) to be adequately opaque for other colors of ink to be vibrant.
When do I use static cling pieces and when do I use pressure sensitive (adhesive) pieces?
Static cling pieces are made of soft (clear or white) PVC. This soft material sticks to glass or metal without any adhesive. Pressure sensitive (adhesive) pieces will stick to any surface. A pertinent question might be: How long do you want this piece to adhere? (is this a two month promotion or is this piece to adhere for a very long time?) Answer: Static cling is primarily used for short term promotions or ad campaigns while pressure sensitive labels are used for long term applications.
Why can’t I print on paper and just have it laminated?
You can and in some short term applications this is a good option. The number one thing to remember is that when paper is laminated and flush trimmed, air and moisture gets into the paper edges causing the paper to split. This makes the piece look worn and used. Printing on solid plastic and laminating with a compatible clear plastic, using extreme heat and pressure, allows the clear material to fuse into the white material. In essence, the clear laminate actually melts into the white plastic to form a permanent bond and actually becomes part of the white. Plastic is non porous so no air or moisture get in the edges causing de-lamination or material splitting.
What is the difference between laminating a paper product and a plastic card?
Paper products and many plastics that do not bond to each other are laminated using either a pressure sensitive or heat-activated adhesive to get the laminate to stick to the material. Basically glue is used to bond to the material.
With most plastic cards the clear laminate uses no glue and is bonded to the white plastic using a very special platen laminator. This laminator uses heat and pressure only to melt the clear plastic into the white plastic. The all-plastic construction now is one piece of material, not a clear layer adhered to a white material with glue. The difference is that the bond with the all-plastic material is not dependent on an adhesive holding it together and in normal usage the solid PVC laminate will last longer and not split at the edges like paper does.
