Xerox X2 User Manual
Page 5
www.xerox.com/iccprofiles.com
5
Durability of Graphics
Durability is a function of both ink and media.
Oil-based pigmented inks for X2, Xpress and other oil printers offer properties that differ considerably in terms
of UV stability / light-fastness and general resistance to degradation. All are generally suitable for use
outdoors, with or without lamination. Over-laminates and encapsulation will extend the life of most images,
protecting against moisture, mechanical handling, abrasion or UV.
Often a graphic has a life requirement of a few weeks, but signage applications can require the print to survive
without deterioration for several years. The conditions of the environment in which a graphic is to be displayed
should also be taken into consideration.
Ink and media are both critical factors in the life expectancy of oil inkjet prints. The properties of the media
must support the ink capabilities and must match the needs of the application as part of the total graphics
construction. This guide describes the capabilities for each Xerox oil media printed with X2 inks.
Tests are carried out to simulate different environments. For INDOOR applications, the expected life is
measured under moderate conditions assuming the graphic will be displayed in a normal office environment
with limited exposure to sunlight. The moderate OUTDOOR environment refers to a climate with mild
temperature ranges (4-27˚C), low humidity (10-50%RH) and minimal ambient UV and pollution exposure.
Different environmental factors may affect the application durability. Abuse, wind and moisture will have
cumulative effects on reducing the print life. Any testing and support for conditions outside these
parameters is the responsibility of the print provider.
The following table gives a quick reference indication of expected life of imaged media indoors and outdoors.
PRODUCT
LAMINATED
(indoor / outdoor)
UN LAMINATED
(indoor / outdoor)
COMMENTS
80g/m
2
Line Art paper
No data
No data
For indoor use only
95g/m
2
High White paper
5 years / 18 months
6 months / 2 days
To protect from moisture / abrasion laminate with at
least a 75 mic thermal laminate
125g/m
2
High White paper
5 years / 18 months
6 months / 2 days
To protect from moisture / abrasion laminate with at
least a 75 mic thermal laminate
115g/m
2
Presentation Paper
10 years / 2 years
3 months / not rec.
To protect from moisture / abrasion laminate with at
least a 75 mic thermal laminate
120g/m
2
Blue Back Paper
Not recommended
1 year / 6 months
No over-laminate required for outdoor pasting
120g/m
2
Short Term Blue Back Paper
Not recommended
4 months
No over-laminate required for outdoor pasting
125g/m
2
Presentation paper - 720dpi
15 years / 3 years
Not recommended.
Laminate with at least a 75 mic thermal laminate
160g/m
2
Presentation Paper
5 years / 2 years
1 year / 3 months
If protection from moisture / abrasion is required
laminate with at least a 75 mic thermal laminate
236g/m
2
Reinforced Paper
10 years / 2 years
1 year / 2 days
Can use thermal or pressure sensitive laminates
150 micron White Matt film
2 years / 18 mnths
1 year / 7 months
Water resistant without over-lamination.
175 micron Backlit Film
2 years / 1 year
Not recommended
Laminated with at least a 75 mic thermal laminate,
assumes installation in a suitable lightbox
Pressure Sensitive Vinyl
5 years / 2 years
1 year / 6 months
Use pressure sensitive over-laminates.
160g/m
2
Banner Fabric
Not Required
2 years / 1 year
Laminating will not extend UV life indoors or out.
250g/m
2
Fire Retardant Banner Fabric
Not applicable
2 years / 1 year
Certified M2 and B1 fire retardant
400g/m
2
Banner Vinyl
Not Required
2 years / 1 year
No over-laminate required unless subject to moisture
or abrasion. Laminate will not extend UV life indoors
or outdoors.
Expected image life varies for each media type, and according to the type of over-laminate used. The table
above lists durability expectations of each media when laminated with a 75 micron thermal laminate on both
sides of the print (encapsulated with a 4mm sealed edge for outdoor use) unless otherwise specified.