Commercial Airline Graphics Identification
Aircraft Printing Materials
You'll know an Avion Graphics placard because it stays put. From high quality adhesives made by 3M, to durable materials such as Lexan™, Mylar™, Aluminum, and vinyl, our products last. When customers came to us and wanted a longer lasting material that would not de-laminate, we introduced them to Lexan, a polycarbonate material made by GE. With their smooth, matte polished, and textured finishes, a variety of different applications are possible. And we silk-screen Lexan from the back, so it doesn't require a laminate. Then we put an aggressive adhesive from 3M on it, and it does not move.
Working closely with a manufacturer of galleys and lavatories, we came upon a requirement for a thicker, more durable aluminum, and one that did not use the traditional anodizing process, which uses harmful chemicals. We began to use Metalphoto, and our customers were again happy. Using the Metalphoto process, the screened ink is impregnated into the material, making it impossible to scratch or rub off. From here, we either drill rivet or screw holes, or put an aggressive adhesive on the back, and then put a protective overlay to prevent scratches to the finish. We usually finish it off with some rounded corners to prevent sharp edges, and then these nameplates get put on galley equipment, lavatory equipment, seats, cargo areas, in the cockpit, virtually anywhere on the interior, and a few places on the exterior of the aircraft.
When we had some customers who wanted a less expensive alternative to traditional materials, we showed them Mylar and put a matte laminate on it. Although not as durable as Lexan, we can screen it with their custom cabin color to match existing or new color schemes, as we can with Lexan.
We’re most famous for our corporate livery, produced for Northwest Airlines, Continental, Southwest, Alaska, Saudi Arabian Airlines, Grupo Taca, America West, South African, and American Eagle, to name a few. The major question in exterior logos is Paint or Decal? For an explanation of the factors involdved in determining whether pait or decal is a better fit for your project, visit or Paint vs. Decal page . We also have a design division that can assist your engineering department or advertising agency in the development and placement of the corporate livery so your logo looks as good on a three-dimensional aircraft as it does on your two-dimensional letterhead.
Over the last fifteen years, exterior marking materials have changed, as the industry now requires higher quality substrates. As a member of the 3M Aircraft Marking Team, we work closely with 3M in producing a better quality exterior aircraft material that will serve the needs of the industry.