GERBER VINYL SIGN MAKER

by Roger Jones

The Gerber Advantage vinyl sign machine is used to produce lettering, designs, and artwork by cutting thin vinyl sheets of the appropriate color.  The vinyl sheet is self adhesive on one side enabling it to adhere to surfaces.  The use of an additional Gerber machine allows for the thermal transfer of inks to white or clear vinyl sheets.  This enables the user to produce detailed multicolor graphics.

PRODUCTS
Vinyl has a longer lifecycle than paint.  Vinyl fades less, enables finer detail, and will not damage the aircraft surface.  The vinyl we use is a 3M product and we have had vinyl on the aircraft for six years without peeling or fading.  Paint is composed of pigments, solvents and volatiles that can damage plastics and painted surfaces when applied.

APPLICATION
The application of the cut vinyl to aircraft and other surfaces has resulted in the elimination of hazardous materials and wastes.  The vinyl is applied without the use of paint, solvents or thinners.  The application requires fewer man-hours, less equipment, minimal personal protection equipment and little training.  There is no minimum cure time for the vinyl; paint requires a cure time between 24 and 72 hours depending on the temperature, humidity and type of paint used.  During the application of vinyl to the aircraft other work may occur on the aircraft, in contrast, no other work may be done on the aircraft while painting due to safety restrictions.

REMOVAL
Removal of vinyl does not damage the aircraft surfaces, as it requires no sanding or solvents.  Typically only a heat gun is used to soften the adhesive under the vinyl and make the vinyl easier to pull from the surface.  The removal of vinyl uses no hazardous materials and therefore creates no hazardous waste.

STORAGE
Vinyl is not flammable or hazardous and therefore does not require special storage and creates no flammable or hazardous waste.  The vinyl does not have a shelf life and does not result in disposal of out-of-date product.

REDUCTION OF HAZARDOUS WASTE
While the base coat of the aircraft is painted onto the aircraft, the Gerber Advantage sign machine has eliminated the waste stream from applying markings to the aircraft over the base coat.  There is less paint used on the aircraft and the markings last longer.  This results in less use of solvents and volatiles and in less solvents and volatiles entering the waste stream or environment.  Use of the Gerber Advantage sign machine has virtually eliminated the use of spray paint cans.

ADDITIONAL ADVANTAGES
Lettering or artwork can be made ahead of time and stored until needed.  Lettering or artwork can be stored in the computer and cut when needed.  Copies can be made quickly and modifying artwork or lettering is simple.

The use of the Gerber Advantage sign maker has resulted in a substantial reduction in the hazardous waste associated with the use of paints, thinners and solvents at this base.

The Gerber Advantage reduces the man-hours necessary to provide markings for aircraft, ground vehicles and other surfaces while reducing the exposure of personnel to hazardous materials.  The Gerber Advantage sign machine is used on markings projects base wide to reduce or eliminate the use of paints and to reduce the waste stream.  The Gerber Advantage also reduces the exposure of base personnel to the hazards of painting.

If you have any questions regarding the above mentioned information or would like additional information please contact Mr. Roger Jones at (614) 492-3200 or EMAIL: Roger.Jones@ohcolu.ang.af.mil.

October 2001