SMART-X®
SMART-X® the distinctive and unique lightweight foam board for sophisticated applications in the field of visual communication. SMART-X® is a lightweight, all-plastic sheet material with surfaces of UV and weather resistant solid polystyrene (HIPS) and a core of expanded polystyrene that is completely moisture-resistant. These characteristics make SMART-X® the world's only lightweight foam board for external applications without any significant change in colour for a period of up to two years. Due to its refined surface structure and the large format production (up to 2 metres width) SMART-X® is also perfectly suited for direct digital printing.
Moreover, SMART-X® is a mono-material composite made from 100% polystyrene and, therefore, perfectly meets the demand for ecological materials in the area of visual communication.
SMART-X® - At a glance:
- High stability with very low weight
- Very good resistance to weathering – with high UV stability and humidity resistance, no deformation
- Refined surface structure
- Brilliant printing results with direct digital printing
- Also available in 2 metres width
- Temperature resistance from -10 °C up to +70 °C
- Low resistance during contour milling
SMART-X® - The green aspect:
- SMART-X® is a mono-material composite made from 100% polystyrene (no adhesive between core and cover layers)
- Ecological - SMART-X® with a homogeneous compound is 100% recyclable
- About 95% of the production waste of the SMART-X® production is collected and recycled on-site
The main processing possibilities of SMART-X® are definitely all mounting and printing techniques used for diverse applications such as signage, event marketing and product presentation. The lightweight full plastic sheet material is usable up to 2 years outside and offers a variety of processing possibilities.
The bright white, homogeneous and UV-stabilized polystyrene provide an ideal printing substrate and very good ink adhesion – even when used outside for 2 years. SMART-X® is completely moisture-resistant and can be used up to 70 °C. Wear 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 to 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 processability of the film (printing, weeding) need to be taken into account.
SMART-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 on the edges. SMART-X® can also be cut with jig saws, scroll saws, profile miller, surface milling cutters, water jet cutting machines or CNC machining centres.
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).