Base Graphics
Most of our base graphics are die cut. Base material begins as a sheet of plastic. In order to create a die cut base graphic, each component (letter or shape) is cut from an appropriately colored piece of base material. The same shapes are cut into the base or background color. Each piece is then put together much like a puzzle. All the pieces are held together with tape while the board is being pressed.

Dye sublimated base graphics involve digitally printing dye sublimation ink on paper. The printed paper is laid in contact with the plastic base material. Heat and pressure is applied. The heat causes the dye sublimation ink to become a gas, which migrates into the plastic base material. As the material cools the ink becomes a solid and is fixed in the base material. This technique is very durable as the ink will penetrate the entire thickness of the material.

Base Cutting
This simply involves cutting the base to the appropriate shape. We do this on our cnc machine with a swiveling knife called a drag knife.

Edge Bending
The tip and tail portion of the edge must be bent to fit the shape in the tip and tail using various bending dies.

Edge Tacking
The edge and base material are pre-assembled to produce a sub assembly that goes into the board.