Gerber LexEdge™ II 10-mil Semi-rigid Material

DESCRIPTION ................................................................................................................................ 1
INTENDED APPLICATIONS ............................................................................................................ 1
PRINTING ........................................................................................................................................ 1
CUTTING ......................................................................................................................................... 2
SHELF LIFE AND STORAGE .......................................................................................................... 2
MAINTENANCE ............................................................................................................................... 3
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES ............................................................................................................... 3
THERMAL PROPERTIES ................................................................................................................ 3
CHEMICAL RESISTANCE (UNPRINTED) ....................................................................................... 3
RELATED LITERATURE ................................................................................................................. 4
CONTACT INFORMATION .............................................................................................................. 4

DESCRIPTION
LexEdge II 10-mil is a custom-formulated, 10-mil LEXAN-based polycarbonate (LEXAN 8A35)
designed for use with the GERBER EDGE®, GERBER EDGE 2®, and GERBER EDGE FX thermal
transfer printing systems, in conjunction with GerberColor™ Foils. LexEdge II 10-mil is dimensionally
stable and resists tearing, abrasion, and heat.

INTENDED APPLICATIONS
LexEdge II 10-mil is ideally suited for the production of dynamic sub-surface graphics including
membrane switches, keyboard overlays, architectural signs, and exhibit/display work.
Continuous exposure to ultra-violet light may cause discoloration. LexEdge II 10-mil is therefore not
recommended for outdoor or backlit applications.

PRINTING
A tension roll holder should be used with LexEdge II 10-mil.
LexEdge II 10-mil has a light tack, protective mask on the print side of the material which must be
removed before printing. Mask should remain on any unused portions of the roll until time of printing.
Fine particles may be attracted to the surface of this material. If this occurs, LexEdge II 10-mil can be
cleaned with distilled water and a lint-free cloth. Allow the material to completely dry before printing.
Do not use an alcohol or solvent based cleaner on this product as they will cause the surface to haze
and become unprintable.
If your software material selection palette does not have LexEdge II 10-mil, use HP 220 normal print
settings.
The velvet side of this material will generally be the viewing side. Since the polished print surface is
the opposite side and LexEdge II 10-mil will most often be used in second-surface applications,

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reverse-print procedures will need to be followed. LexEdge II 10-mil is shipped with the polished print
surface rolled out.
When printing on LexEdge II 10-mil, a specific color of foil will typically be used as a solid
backing color. This color will generally be assigned as an overprint. In order to ensure that
this color covers the other printed graphics as completely as possible, it may be necessary to
alter its print settings. (This will be especially needed when the backing foil will be printed on
top of more than two other colors.)
The print settings for the backing foil can be changed in the QuickPlot screen. Go into the “Print
Order” screen (F11) and select SETTINGS. Click on “DARK” in the overprint side only.
GerberColor Spot (GCS), GerberColor Process Pro (GCP), and GerberColor Transparent (GCT)
Series Foils can be used to print onto LexEdge II 10-mil.
Recommended working environment is as follows:
 Operating temperature: 50ºF to 95ºF / 10ºC to 35ºC
 Recommended temperature for assured printing accuracy: 68ºF to 78ºF / 20ºC to 26ºC
 Operating humidity: 20% to 90% relative humidity, non-condensing (maximum range;
actual range varies by material used)

CUTTING
LexEdge II should be score cut on any 15-inch EDGE-compatible sprocketed plotter. A 45°
SuperSharp blade is recommended. Plotters should be set at 50% speed.
The ideal cut will penetrate halfway through the material. To punch out finished pieces, find a straight
cutline and fold the material backwards. Pinch the cut line with fingers and the material will break.
Slowly remove the finished piece one edge at a time. The user should perform a test cut to determine
tool force setting.
If using a plotter with a swivel blade, you will be able to cut simple shapes easily. However, when
cutting complex shapes, the ability to maintain an accurate and consistent cut depth may be
compromised.
Cutting weed borders on LexEdge II 10-mil is not recommended or necessary.

SHELF LIFE AND STORAGE

Store LexEdge II 10-mil in the plastic bag provided in the original shipping box. Printed or unprinted
LexEdge II 10-mil should not be stored on a roll that has less than a 3-inch inside diameter.
Use a paper interleaf between printed materials that are rolled or stacked. Do not store printed
graphics face to face. LexEdge II 10-mil should be stored in a clean area free from excessive
moisture and sunlight. An ambient temperature below 100 F (38C) is recommended. Unprinted
LexEdge II 10-mil can be stored for one year at 70F (21C) and 50% relative humidity.

CAUTION: Polycarbonate film is commonly used in conjunction with sensitive electronic devices
either as a label, window or membrane switch overlay. These devices or components of the same are
often packaged in anti-static materials to protect the electronics against damage caused by
electrostatic discharge (ESD). One type of anti-static packaging material is commonly referred to as
Pink Poly. It is a clear pink (hot pink) polyethylene that is available as a film for bags, bubble pack or
foam. It is treated with an amine type compound that imparts the anti-static qualities. This compound
works by blooming to the surface of the polyethylene and together with airborne moisture produces
ions that increases the electrical conductivity at the surface of the polyethylene. All amines are
chemically aggressive to polycarbonate. A polycarbonate part that comes in contact with amines

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will eventually degrade. The degradation shows up as a surface haze or clouding, stress cracking of
formed parts, complete ink delamination or -in the advanced stages- de-polymerization of the
polycarbonate. Pink Poly should not be used in close proximity to any polycarbonate product
including hard-coated polycarbonate film. Anti-static packaging materials that are safe to use are
those that are made conductive by using a metallized coating or inert conductive filler.

MAINTENANCE
To clean printed graphics, use a mild, non-abrasive soap with a soft cloth or sponge. Avoid using
alcohol-based cleansers or soaps containing grit or abrasives.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
Thickness 10 mils (without premask)

Protective print mask 1-mil polyethylene

Base Material Coated polycarbonate

Film Color Velvet/polished

THERMAL PROPERTIES
Maximum Heat Deflection / 275 F (135C)
Temperature Threshhold

CHEMICAL RESISTANCE (UNPRINTED)

Chemical Agent Result

Mild Acids No effect

Alcohols Hazing

Alkalis No effect at low concentration and below 85F (29C). Higher

concentrations and temperatures result in physical decomposition.

Aliphatic Hydrocarbons No effect

Amines Crystallization

Aromatic Hydrocarbons Severe stress cracking

Detergents and sprays Mild soap solutions have no effect. Strongly alkaline materials
should be avoided.

Esters Crystallization

Fruit juices/soft drinks End user test recommended.

Ketones Crystallization/stress cracking

Silicone oils/greases No effect up to 85F (29C)

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RELATED LITERATURE
Refer to Product Bulletins of relevant foils and materials for product-specific handling, production, and
finishing information.

CONTACT INFORMATION
For help with questions concerning Gerber products, please call your distributor or Gerber Customer
Service at 1-800-222-7446 or (860) 644-1551. Visit us on the Internet at
www.gerbertechnology.com/signage to learn more about our many other foils, materials and
equipment.

When sold by Gerber, use only the corresponding Gerber Product Bulletin to determine product details, including but not limited to appropriate uses, warranty and processing.

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Category: EDGE READY™ FastFact #: 5556 Supplied by: Aftermarkets Last Modified: 02/27/18

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