FAQ and Technical Support

Digital Magnetics develops printable magnetic and ferrous media for wide-format graphics, retail displays, interior decoration, exhibitions, vehicle graphics and industrial applications. Use these answers to select the right system and prepare a reliable workflow. Because printers, surfaces and end uses vary, always test the complete application before full production and follow the current product datasheet and printer manual.

1. Understanding magnetic graphic systems

1. What does Digital Magnetics supply?

Digital Magnetics supplies flexible printable magnetic films, printable ferrous films, self-adhesive magnetic and ferrous base films, magnetic tape, plain brown magnetic film and specialist products such as dry-erase films. The portfolio is designed for changeable graphics and for OEM or industrial solutions where magnetic attachment is useful.

2. What is the difference between a magnetic film and a ferrous film?

A magnetic film contains magnetic material and attaches to a suitable iron, steel or ferrous-receptive surface. A ferrous film is not a magnet; it contains iron-receptive material and attaches to a magnetic surface. The two layers work as a system: magnetic graphic on ferrous base, or ferrous graphic on magnetic base.

3. What is a magnetic or ferrous base film?

A base film creates the permanent or semi-permanent receiving surface. Digital Magnetics base films use a self-adhesive backing and can be applied to suitable flat, curved or cylindrical surfaces. After installation, printed magnetic or ferrous graphics can be changed quickly without applying a new adhesive graphic each time.

4. Which system should I choose: magnetic graphic or ferrous graphic?

Choose according to the surface, graphic size, number of layers and change frequency. Ferrous graphics on a magnetic base are light and economical for repeated retail or exhibition changes. Magnetic graphics attach directly to steel or to a ferrous base and can offer stronger individual panels. For large or multilayer installations, the base-film holding force and the weight of every graphic layer must be considered together.

5. What does magnetic force in g/cm² mean?

The value indicates holding or pull force under specified test conditions. A higher value generally means more holding capacity, but real performance also depends on full surface contact, the receiving surface, coating thickness, orientation, temperature, panel size and any material between the magnet and the counterpart. Compare values only when the test method and application are equivalent.

6. Why does full contact matter?

Magnetic force is highest when the film lies flat against a smooth, compatible surface. Dirt, air bubbles, paper, thick paint or another gap can reduce holding force quickly. Clean both surfaces and remove wrinkles or trapped air before evaluating performance.

7. Can magnetic and ferrous graphics be reused?

Yes. Many Digital Magnetics films can be removed, stored and reused when they remain clean, flat and undamaged. Reuse can reduce replacement work and life-cycle cost. Protect the printed surface during storage and check the material before every reinstallation.

2. Product lines and selection

8. What is BASELINE?

BASELINE is the cost-efficient line for high-volume UV and UVgel production. It is intended for workflows where reliable bulk output and price efficiency matter more than multi-printer flexibility. BASELINE includes magnetic and ferrous options.

9. What is PREMIUM LINE?

PREMIUM LINE uses a hybrid top coating developed for broader printer compatibility, improved ink adhesion, image quality, dimensional stability, flatness and feeding. It is the preferred general-purpose line when the same media may be printed with Latex, Eco-Solvent, UV or UVgel, subject to the current grade-specific compatibility list.

10. What is MagScience?

MagScience is the next-generation high-force magnetic range. The films are designed to provide more magnetic force at a lower thickness and weight than the matched traditional magnetic films, with good roll flatness, smooth feeding and easier cutting. The current range includes Super PVC 350, 400, 500 and 600 µm, plus Super PET 350 and 500 µm.

11. How do I choose between MagScience Super PVC and Super PET?

Choose Super PVC for the established MagScience high-force workflow and Super PET when a PVC-free imaging construction, dimensional stability and curl resistance are priorities. Confirm the exact grade, magnetic force, size, printing compatibility and application on the current product page or datasheet.

12. How do I choose the right thickness?

Start with the required holding force, graphic size, receiving surface, number of layers, printer clearance and end use. Thicker traditional magnetic films generally provide higher force, but MagScience can deliver higher force at a lower thickness. Larger graphics and multilayer systems require a stronger base. Never select thickness from holding force alone; confirm that the printer accepts the media thickness and weight.

13. Which film is best for image quality and dimensional stability?

The support guide identifies Magnetic PET Film 300 µm as the traditional option with particularly strong image quality, dimensional stability and strength. PREMIUM LINE adds the broadest coating flexibility, while MagScience Super PET is positioned for high flatness and curl resistance. The final choice depends on printer technology and application.

14. Which products can be used for vehicle graphics?

Use only a grade whose current datasheet lists vehicle use. Digital Magnetics recommends traditional Magnetic PVC Film 800/850 µm for vehicle signage on a flat vehicle surface, and Super 500 & 600 as a high-force vehicle option. 

Important: Vehicle suitability is grade- and application-specific. A magnetic graphic is not a substitute for a safety assessment or for following vehicle and local road requirements.

15. What should I use for large or multilayer wall graphics?

Use a stronger base and a stable graphic film. The support guide recommends Magnetic Base Film 700 µm for multiple layers and larger areas. It specifically recommends Ferro PET Film 180 µm with Magnetic Base Film 700 µm for large tiled wall graphics. Heavier Ferro Canvas Universal 470 g should also be paired with the 700 µm magnetic base.

16. What are the white base films for?

White magnetic or ferrous base films are useful when the receiving surface will sometimes remain visible. Selected white base films can also be printed with UV or UVgel inks. Brown versions are normally covered by the graphic.

17. What specialist products are available?

Digital Magnetics also supplies ferrous and magnetic glossy dry-erase films, magnetic tape and non-printable plain brown magnetic film. Dry-erase films are used for planning, menu, education, retail and office boards. Magnetic tape gives a non-magnetic object a magnetic attachment point. Plain brown magnet is laminated with a separate printed self-adhesive graphic.

3. Printer and ink compatibility

18. Which printing technologies are supported?

The portfolio includes grades for water-based, Eco-Solvent, Latex, UV, UVgel and screen printing. Compatibility is grade-specific: BASELINE is UV and UVgel focused, while selected PREMIUM LINE and MagScience grades support Latex, Eco-Solvent, UV and UVgel. Use the current compatibility selector and product datasheet for the exact combination.

19. Is UVgel compatible wherever UV printing is listed?

Yes. Digital Magnetics has confirmed that a grade listed as UV compatible is also compatible with UVgel. The printer still has to accept the media thickness, weight and transport behaviour, so complete a controlled test before production.

20. Are all products compatible with every Latex, Eco-Solvent or UV printer?

No. Ink-technology compatibility does not guarantee mechanical compatibility with every printer model. Check maximum media thickness, roll weight, feed path, curing temperature, sensor behaviour and any steel parts in the printer. If a printer and grade combination has not been verified by Digital Magnetics, treat it as incompatible until confirmed.

21. Which products have HP Latex certification?

HP Latex certification is available for selected products. Use the website filter labelled “HP Latex certification available” and check the current product page or certificate for the exact grade and printer scope. A general Latex-compatible statement is not the same as a model-specific certification.

22. Do I need a special print profile?

Use a profile or media preset appropriate to the product and printer. Because equipment and inks vary, begin with conservative heat, vacuum and feed settings, then evaluate transport, curing, ink adhesion, colour, flatness and head clearance. Ask Digital Magnetics or your distributor for current printer-specific guidance where available.

23. Why might the printer not detect the media?

The dark reverse side of many magnetic and ferrous films can prevent an optical media sensor from detecting the roll. The support guide suggests placing a white sticker over the sensor when necessary.

Important: A covered sensor may not detect the end of the roll. Never leave the printer unattended; continued printing can contaminate or damage the printer.

24. Why can magnetic media stick inside the printer?

Steel or iron components around the feed, intake, output or dryer can attract the magnetic backing. This may distort the media, stop transport or cause a head strike. Create a non-magnetic separation layer over the affected steel surface, for example a paper release liner or approximately 200 g paper, while ensuring that the modification does not create another obstruction.

Important: Any separation layer may also affect the media sensor. Monitor the printer and follow the equipment manufacturer’s safety instructions.

25. What curing temperature should I use on HP Latex?

High temperature can deform magnetic media or change its characteristics. The Digital Magnetics support guide recommends keeping HP Latex curing below 95°C. Use the lowest setting that achieves adequate curing and ink performance, and confirm the current product and printer guidance.

26. Can thick magnetic media damage a printer?

Yes. Always check the printer manual for maximum permitted media thickness and verify head clearance, feed path and roll-weight limits. Do not load a film simply because the ink technology is compatible.

27. Should I test before a full production run?

Yes. Test the actual product, printer, ink, profile, finishing method, receiving surface and environmental conditions. Evaluate transport, image quality, curing, dimensional behaviour, cutting, magnetic holding force and installation before committing to a large project.

4. Drying, lamination, cutting, shipping and storage

28. How long should Eco-Solvent prints dry?

Prints must be fully dry before lamination, rolling or shipping. The support guide requires at least 12 hours for Eco-Solvent prints. Dry them laid out flat; a tightly rolled print will not dry correctly. Extend drying time where ink load, climate or the ink manufacturer requires it.

29. Can printed magnetic and ferrous films be laminated?

Yes, after the print is completely dry. Liquid lamination is the preferred option. Cold self-adhesive laminate can be used, but it may introduce stress that causes curl or failure. Test the full construction before production.

30. Can I use hot or warm lamination?

Hot or warm lamination is not recommended. Heat and laminate stress can deform the film or affect its magnetic properties.

31. How can the films be cut?

Many films can be cut with a sharp knife or scissors and can also be converted with suitable automated equipment. Magnetic tape and plain brown magnet can be drilled, punched, knife cut, scissor cut or die cut. Confirm tool capacity and edge quality for the thickness used.

32. How should printed graphics be shipped?

Ship only after the print is fully dry. Protect the graphic with a paper or plastic sleeve and place it in a cardboard or plastic tube. Use a sufficiently large core and avoid tight rolling that could create curl, pressure marks or damage to the printed surface.

33. How should unprinted media be stored?

Keep the media in its original packaging in a dark, dry environment, protected from heat, humidity, dust and strong electromagnetic fields. Current product datasheets commonly state a one-year shelf life at 10-35°C and 30-75% relative humidity, but the exact datasheet for the grade is controlling.

34. How should reusable printed graphics be stored?

Clean and dry the graphic, protect the print face and store it flat where possible. If rolling is necessary, use a generous diameter and avoid compression. Before reuse, inspect for curl, cracking, contamination, loss of adhesion or surface damage.

5. Installation and application

35. Which surfaces can receive magnetic graphics?

Magnetic films adhere to compatible iron or steel-based surfaces and to suitable ferrous base films. They do not reliably attach to aluminium, stainless steel grades with weak magnetic response, plastic, glass, wood or plasterboard unless a compatible magnetic or ferrous base system is installed first. Test the actual surface.

36. How do I prepare a wall for self-adhesive base film?

Check that the material arrived undamaged. The wall must be stable, smooth, solid, clean and dry, and free from dust, grease, mould and algae. Reinforce unstable surfaces and test adhesion on a small area because not every paint or coating provides reliable adhesion.

37. How do I install a self-adhesive base film?

Measure and plan the panel layout. Mark a vertical guide, remove the release liner progressively and apply from the top with a squeegee, working from the centre to the sides. Do not stretch the film. For heavy material, the support guide recommends additional mechanical security at the top where appropriate.

38. Should panels be installed vertically or horizontally?

Vertical installation is recommended for both the base film and printed panels because it provides the best effective holding performance. Horizontal mounting can reduce holding force.

39. Should base-film panels overlap?

No. Butt the panels without overlap and leave a 1-2 mm gap for thermal expansion. An overlap creates an uneven surface and reduces full contact with the graphic layer.

40. Can the material wrap around an edge or curve?

Selected base films can be installed on curved or cylindrical surfaces. The support guide specifies a minimum radius of 12 mm around edges. Do not stretch the film and test the full system because curvature reduces contact and increases stress.

41. How large can an individual wall panel be?

For the specific combination of Ferro PET Film 180 µm on Magnetic Base Film 700 µm, the support guide recommends limiting vertical panel length to 3 metres and tiling larger graphics. Ferro PP Film 240 µm is recommended only for smaller areas because of its flexibility. Other combinations require their own assessment.

42. How many graphic layers can I install?

Layer capacity depends on base-film holding force and the total weight, stiffness and size of the overlays. The support guide associates Magnetic Base Film 400 µm with one layer, 500 µm with two layers and 700 µm with multiple layers under suitable conditions. Treat this as selection guidance and test the complete installation.

43. What affects adhesive performance?

Surface material, texture, paint, cleanliness and temperature all influence adhesive force. Specifications assume ideal conditions. Use full contact without bubbles, test a small area first and remember that humid, wet or high-temperature environments can accelerate adhesive deterioration.

44. What temperatures can the materials tolerate?

The support guide warns that temperatures below -20°C or above +80°C can change the structure of magnetic tapes and sheets and may permanently reduce adhesive force. Cold also makes magnetic film brittle. Avoid extreme temperatures, handle cold material carefully and set print heat conservatively.

45. Can the products be used outdoors or in wet areas?

Some products are suitable for outdoor or static outdoor use, but humidity, UV exposure and temperature can change material and adhesive performance. Self-adhesive magnetic tapes and sheets have limited suitability in wet areas such as bathrooms or saunas. Inspect outdoor installations regularly and replace material when needed. Use the exact product datasheet to confirm outdoor suitability.

46. Are there fire-rated solutions?

Magnetic Base Film 700 µm with Ferro PET Film 180 µm complies with German DIN 4102 B1 for flame retardancy. B-s1,d0 for selected MagScience films.

Request the current certificate and verify the exact grade, construction, mounting method and jurisdiction before specifying a fire performance.

6. Sustainability, EPDs and compliance

47. What is an Environmental Product Declaration?

An EPD is a third-party-verified environmental declaration based on a Life Cycle Assessment and a defined Product Category Rule. It reports quantified environmental indicators for a declared product and system boundary. An EPD provides transparent data; it is not, by itself, a claim that a product is environmentally superior.

48. Which Digital Magnetics products have the verified EPDs used on this page?

EPD-IES-0028091:001 covers MagScience Super PVC 350, 400 and 600 µm. EPD-IES-0005761:001 covers DM Magnetic PVC Film 500, 600 and 850 µm. Both declarations use a declared unit of 1 m², are cradle-to-grave, were published or versioned on 10 February 2026 and state validity to 10 February 2031, subject to confirmation in the International EPD System.

49. What are the EPD-based carbon footprints for the compared grades?

The verified cradle-to-grave global warming potential totals per square metre are:

• MagScience Super 350 µm: 2.32 kg CO₂e/m²; DM Magnetic PVC 500 µm: 3.50 kg CO₂e/m².
• MagScience Super 400 µm: 2.55 kg CO₂e/m²; DM Magnetic PVC 600 µm: 3.96 kg CO₂e/m².
• MagScience Super 600 µm: 3.72 kg CO₂e/m²; DM Magnetic PVC 850 µm: 5.08 kg CO₂e/m².

50. How much carbon reduction is verified when switching to MagScience?

For the three matched scenarios in the carbon comparison report, the EPD-based cradle-to-grave reductions are 33.4% for PVC500 to MS350, 35.6% for PVC600 to MS400 and 26.8% for PVC850 to MS600. The absolute reductions are approximately 1.17, 1.41 and 1.36 kg CO₂e per m² respectively.

51. How can I calculate a project-level carbon comparison?

Multiply the relevant EPD value in kg CO₂e/m² by the printed area in square metres. Compare only the matched grades that provide equivalent technical function for the project. Document the grade, area, number of replacements, EPD version, system boundary and calculation date.

52. Can the EPD data support Scope 3 reporting?

The product carbon-footprint values can support procurement decisions and upstream purchased-goods reporting, often associated with Scope 3 Category 1. The reporting organisation should confirm its own accounting boundary, activity data, allocation and assurance method. Digital Magnetics provides the product data, not the customer’s final greenhouse-gas inventory.

53. Is MagScience PVC-free?

Not as a complete range. MagScience Super PVC uses a printable PVC imaging layer. MagScience Super PET is the PVC-free option. State the exact product construction whenever PVC content is relevant to a tender, customer policy or environmental claim.

54. Are the products REACH and RoHS compliant or VOC rated?

Yes. Digital Magnetics is REACH and RoHS compliant and VOC Class A+

55. What do the EPDs say about substances of very high concern?

The two EPD content declarations state that none of the disclosed components was on the Candidate List of Substances of Very High Concern for Authorisation at the time of declaration. Because regulatory lists change, verify the current REACH declaration before making a present-tense compliance claim.

56. Can EPD values from different products always be compared?

No. A credible comparison requires compatible Product Category Rules, declared or functional units, product function and technical performance, system boundaries, data-quality rules, allocation, cut-off rules, impact methods and valid declarations. The Digital Magnetics comparison uses the matched scenarios documented in the carbon comparison report.

57. Does the EPD prescribe how the product must be disposed of?

No. The LCA models a 100% incineration scenario for the magnetic films at end of life. That is a modelling assumption, not a universal disposal instruction. Follow local waste regulation and consult the relevant waste contractor for the printed, laminated or combined construction.

58. Where can I verify the latest EPD?

Check the International EPD System at environdec.com using the registration number. An EPD can be updated or depublished if conditions change, so confirm validity immediately before using the data in public claims, tenders or audited reporting.

7. Troubleshooting and technical support

59. The film feeds poorly or lifts toward the printhead. What should I check?

Stop the printer and check for attraction to steel parts, insufficient head clearance, excessive curing heat, vacuum or tension settings, roll alignment, curl and roll weight. Add an approved non-magnetic barrier over attracting steel surfaces where needed, then run a supervised test at conservative settings.

60. The print curls after lamination. What caused it?

The print may not have dried fully, the laminate may be applying unbalanced stress, or heat may have changed the construction. Allow the print to dry flat, prefer liquid lamination and test any cold self-adhesive laminate. Avoid warm or hot lamination.

61. The graphic does not hold strongly enough. What should I check?

Check that both surfaces are compatible, clean and smooth; that the film has full contact; that there is no paper, dirt, thick coating or air gap; and that the panel is mounted vertically. Then review graphic size, weight, number of layers, curvature, temperature and base-film force. Move to a stronger base or grade only after testing.

62. A self-adhesive base film is lifting. What should I check?

Check the wall stability, paint or coating, dust, moisture, mould, installation temperature, stretching, panel joints and environmental exposure. Adhesive values assume ideal surfaces. Reinforce the top mechanically where the specification and substrate allow, and replace material that has degraded.

63. Can Digital Magnetics recommend a product for my printer and application?

Yes. Provide the exact printer model, ink technology, maximum supported media thickness, graphic dimensions, receiving surface, required holding force, indoor or outdoor environment, expected service period, finishing method and whether graphics will be layered or reused. Samples and a controlled test are recommended for new combinations.

64. Where can I get datasheets, certificates, samples or local supply?

Use the product downloads on digitalmagnetics.eu, contact your Digital Magnetics distributor or email info@digitalmagnetics.eu. Ask for the current product datasheet, printer compatibility confirmation and any EPD, fire, VOC, REACH, RoHS or HP Latex document required for the project.