Prints change size - 5+ inches

We've had multiple jobs print a little over 5 inches smaller than the file. Everything rips correctly in Flexi but prints wrong. Any ideas?

Hi @kjones6468,

As the substrate is heated during the curing process, some substrates will shrink (and some may expand) after the image has been printed. This may be inconvenient if the print has to be framed or if several prints are to be to be tiled one next to the other. If this happens, the dimensions of the print will not be correct.

As a general rule, you can expect the following percentages of shrinkage: ●Banner: less than 2% ●Self-adhesive vinyl: less than 0.5% ●Backlit: less than 0.5% ●Paper: less than 0.5% ●PP & PE synthetics: less than 1%

Another option is to use a variable tension kit.

Depending on the loaded substrate, length inconsistency may be observed when comparing left- and right-side measurements in tiling applications using the take-up reel: measurements on the left being more inconsistent than on the right. This behavior is due to the front tension applied by the tension bar.

The Variable Front Tension Kit contains a pair of counterweights that you can attach to the arms of the tension bar, thus reducing the front tension and improving length consistency in tiling applications when printing with certain substrates (such as self-adhesive vinyl and wallpapers).