Ray of Light

Colin Simpson, Juxtapose Sign Studio’s (Livonia, MI) co-owner, first became enamored of electroluminescent technology (EL) when he and partner Beverly White Sr. received samples of EL material. His shop, which has been in business for 14 years, has been fabricating vehicle graphics among other sign types. Simpson immediately recognized the opportunities illuminated wraps presented.

Bob Blackmer, president of Ameristar Auto Outfitters, a Detroit-based, four-store, auto-detailing chain, also recognized the opportunity when he contracted Juxtapose to decorate his cargo-van fleet. After consulting with Blackmer, Simpson knew the wrap had to be especially distinctive because of Ameristar’s custom-vehicle specialties. Bright colors and gradients were essential to implement his lengthy product list and not diminish its overall appearance.

To bring their bright idea to fruition, Juxtapose used E-Lite Technologies (Trumbull, CT) FlatLite® EL rolls. When an electrical current hits the film, the EL material becomes activated and lights up.

An EL wrap comprises an initial layer of repositionable-adhesive film that’s printed and installed as a conventional vehicle wrap – in this case, Juxtapose used 3M™’s Controltac™. The shop laminates and Ray of Lightaffixes the middle layer, the EL film, to the surface with adhesive backing. The third layer acts as a diffuser that helps push lit elements into the background. The laminate and adhesive withstand the 280V necessary to power the film.

Simpson said the company uses material rolls up to 30 in. wide to accommodate the vehicle’s contours. According to E-Lite’s website, the company produces FlatLite via a roll-to-roll process, and electrical connectors can be placed anywhere on the surface.

According to Simpson, EL wraps permit less room for error than conventional wraps because FlatLite’s connections must extend beyond the body to be concealed. It was also important to line up lettering breaks with open gaps. Juxtapose output the prints on a Roland DGA Corporation 540EX SolventJet Pro II. Beverlee White, Beverly’s daughter, created detailed inlines and outlines to ensure each layer overlaid properly.

Advertisement

After applying the wrap, Juxtapose began wiring the FlatLite. Simpson said each section requires an electrical connection – the graphic’s complexity dictates the amount of wiring required. Each lamp location varies with each project. Each section measures approximately 15 x 48 in. Simpson plans to illuminate more graphic areas on this vehicle soon.

Installers concealed each wire, which connected to the central distribution block under the hood. The system can be powered by a 12 or 24V transformer, and voltage can be set from 240 to 380V, depending on the desired intensity.

Observers were surprised to learn the system was lit by EL film – Simpson said most thought custom paint or concealed lightbulbs achieved this effect. He said, “National beverage distributors and car dealerships have already expressed interest in EL wraps. I think this represents the next evolution of mobile marketing and should significantly impact the vehicle-wrap industry.”