Bike graphics can be produced on one, digitally printed piece

Oxford-based vehicle wrapping company Sign Language has supported the Crescent Suzuki World Superbike team with livery printed on 3M Controltac Graphic Film Series IJ380.

Crescent Suzuki is among the superbike teams that are beginning to use vinyl wraps rather than traditional paint and stickers, as livery and sponsors' logos can be printed and applied in one piece, says 3M.

"A race bike presents extreme challenges for all aspects of vehicle wrapping, from design to application," comments Tobin Jenkins, managing director, Sign Language. "The result we achieved with items like the precision one-piece belly pan wrap displaying sponsor logos on both sides of the bike highlight the skills and experience of our design, production and application teams as well as the high performance of the vinyl."

Crescent Suzuki managing director Paul Denning adds: "The quick turnaround effectively releases extra time for our aero engineers to perfect the shape of the cowling. Ultimately, Sign Language will have around one day to apply the colours and graphics […] which would have been impossible with conventional paint and stickers."

Controltac Graphic Film IJ380 features an adhesive for accurate positioning before pressure is applied, with Scotchcal overlaminate 8580 giving a protective gloss finish.