Issue link: https://nbm.uberflip.com/i/1451370
2 0 2 2 • WRAPS • 29 G R A PH I C S - PR O.C O M 1. Get the Details: Collect the proper information from the client to set up the doc band design. Start with get- ting a photo of the doc band. Collect a measurement from the doc band strap, all the way around to the buck- le, to get the circumference (inches). 2. Create a Template: Create a template to mock up the shape of the doc band, as if it were a 2D shape. We recom- mend test wrapping a doc band in white vinyl then tracing out the edges with a marker. Remove the test wrap, heat it to shrink it back to its original shape, and place it on a at surface. Take a straightforward photo or scan it directly into your computer. This template can be used for future doc bands as a guide for design elements, as long as the circumference is adjust- ed for each client. 3. Create Your Design: Offer a pre- made or custom design option. If the clients want basic patterns, Shutter- tock.com is the easiest option. Clients can also choose a premade, free down- loadable design from https://precision signsnc.com/free_downloadable_ designs.html. When designing a doc band, keep in mind that the installer will have to stretch the vinyl several inches, with heat, to wrap a 3D circular shape. Make sure the focal points of the design are shrunk down slightly to account for that stretch. For any particular elements that need specic placement (names, logos, text, etc.), it is easiest to add them as overlaid decals, after the main print design has already been installed. Make sure to design the doc band with the right orientation in regard to which ear the buckle and strap are on. 4. Print/Laminate the Doc Band De- sign: Once the design is approved, move the les into the RIP software for print. Be sure that your design has added bleed for the installation. For example, if the doc band circumfer- ence is 16", design elements should be around 13", while the actual print should be around 21". Because of the type of plastic surface, doc bands must be printed on a high tack/low surface energy vinyl (see list for recommenda- tions). For eco-solvent printers, allow a 24-hour out-gas period, then laminate the print. 5. Doc Band Surface Prep: Prep the doc band with isopropyl alcohol. Use 3M Primer 94 to apply a small line of primer around all the edges and around the strap/buckle. Mount the doc band to something stable for installation. Small propane bottles or half-gallon plastic jugs tend to work. 6. Installation: Because the doc band has a circular shape, it is easiest to use two sets of hands to pull the lm initially. Use heat and a good pre-stretch to hit the largest area rst (typically, the back of the doc band). Continue us- ing heat to stretch the lm around the entire doc band. Trim out the buckle and strap by making a small seam that is hidden when the doc band is worn. Trim the edges of the doc band, leav- ing an 1/8" edge of plastic exposed. Add any overlaid decals last. 7. Trim and Post-Heat: The doc band edges will need to be edge-sealed us- ing 3M 8914ES edge seal tape. Trim the tape in half, into 1/4" strips. Ap- ply the tape to the entire perimeter of the wrap. The tape should be covering both the vinyl edge and the exposed plastic edge. Do not apply a large amount of stretch to the tape, just cut it anytime you encounter a hard turn. Trim any edge tape touching the foam inside. Post-heat carefully with a heat gun and use caution around the foam. How-To / Tutorial WRAPPING CRANIAL DOC BAND HELMETS S TO R Y A N D I M AG E S C O U R T E SY M U TO H