PRACTICAL INFORMATION:ORACAL® 8800 PVC Cast Translucent
Thermoforming Instructions

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SUBSTRATE PREPARATION & FILM APPLICATION• Prior to applying the ORACAL 8800 film, be sure that the substrate surface is properly cleaned according to 		the manufacturer’s recommendations.
• Never use isopropyl alcohol to clean polycarbonate or acrylic.
• Apply the ORACAL 8800 film using a wet application method or a dry application method through a rolllaminator.
• When using a wet application method, the application fluid must be thoroughly dried after applying film, 		
allowing the adhesive to thoroughly anchor to the substrate.
• Failure to do so may result in the formation of air bubbles in the heating process. Recommendations 		
for drying are as follows:• One layer of film: Dry in an oven for approximately two hours at 170ºF, or one to two days on a 		rack in ambient temperature of at least 70ºF.
• Two layers of film: Dry in an oven for minimally four hours at 170ºF or three to four days on a rackin ambient temperature of at least 70ºF.
• If the film was applied dry using a roll laminator, allow at least eight hours of acclimation time to allow 		the adhesive to properly anchor to the substrate.
THERMOFORMING INFORMATION• To ensure that equipment and materials are working cohesively, users must fabricate a test face prior to full 		production.
• The recommended temperature is 380º F or less at a maximum exposure time of 8 minutes.
• However, due to variances in equipment, it is vital to check the recommended heat ranges of yourspecific hardware.
• On sheets that are greater than 0.176” thick, double heaters are required.
• Excessive heat may cause components to become unbalanced, thus leading to such complications as 		
reduced gloss of surface, color degradation, alterations in polycarbonate or acrylic and premature 		
failures.
To monitor heat effectively, ORAFOL recommends using heat-sensitive temperature tabs in the production process.
Contact your equipment manufacturer for more information on this product.
If hand cutting and weeding is necessary after face is formed, follow these instructions to ensure proper
performance:
1. To make a pattern on the flat areas of the face, use a pounce wheel and dust for the best results. The use of 		carbon paper or marking pens may leave permanent marks on the film.
2. When cutting on embossed or debossed letters, make sure to cut on either the flat areas of the letter or at 		the beginning and halfway through a return portion of the letter.
3. Avoid overcuts at graphic intersections such as the counter forms / returns on letters. Overcuts can lead to 		light intrusion once the face is backlit.
4. When weeding the film, use short, slight jerks for best results. Pull vinyl away from substrate at 45 degrees, it
may be easier to use slight heat from a heat gun before weeding the film.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION:ORACAL® 8800 PVC Cast Translucent
Thermoforming Instructions

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DISTORTION-CUT GRAPHICS
Distortion-cut graphics are applied and formed in virtually the same manner as distortion-screened faces, including using the same registration procedure, with only minor differences as follows:• For second surface application, cut the graphics in reverse.
• For flat thermoformed faces where copy only will be applied, the graphics should be applied after the faces 		are formed, if possible.
ORACAL 8860 & 8830 Diffusing Films may be used with distortion-cut graphics
MOLDS
Male molds should be used for first-surface applied graphics, while female molds should be used for secondsurface applied graphics. When applying second-surface graphics, it is important to always cut graphics in reverse.
Note: For best results, avoid film contact with the surface of the mold during the heating process. If this is not possible,
contour cut the graphic to the mold to reduce the instance of film distortion.

SAFETY CONCERNS
To obtain Article Information & SDS sheets for ORAFOL products, please visit www.orafol.com/en/americas/ or call ORAFOL
Product Support at (888-672-2251). Always consult the manufacturer’s labels and recommendations prior to selecting
polycarbonate and acrylic substrates. Safety Data Sheet (SDS) are provided for important safety, health and environmental information.

GENERAL INFORMATION
The information stated below is based upon our knowledge and practical experience. This data is intended only as a source of information, andis given without guarantee and does not constitute a warranty. Due to the wide variety of possible uses and applications, customers should
independently determine the suitability of this material for their specific purpose prior to use or call ORAFOL Americas for more specific information.

ORAFOL Americas - GA
1100 ORACAL® ParkwayBlack Creek, GA 31308
Toll Free | 888-672-2251

ORAFOL Americas - CT
120 Darling Drive
Avon, CT 06001
Toll Free | 800-654-7570

techsupport-americas@orafol.com • www.orafol.com

ORAFOL Canada
2831 Bristol Circle
Oakville, Ontario L6H
6X5Toll Free | 888-727-3374