Fast growing signmaker Leading Edge Creative, based in West Yorkshire, has become widely recognised for the quality of its design and signage across a wide range of applications. Key to the company’s success is the ability to provide optimum solutions to meet customer requirements and budgets.
“Rather than providing a prescriptive service, we offer our customers the best possible option in terms of creativity, whilst working within any budgetary constraints they may have,” says Leading Edge Creative’s managing director Matthew Evans.
To ensure that this balance between quality and cost is maintained Leading Edge regularly uses 3M materials.
“For example, for vehicle wraps, we find that 3M 1080 colour change wrapping film and 3M 50 Series frequently offers a particularly effective combination that gives us a flexible range of options,” continues Mr. Evans. “And all our fitters are 3M Authorised Vehicle Wrappers.”
Recent vehicle wrap work includes colour change and graphics for a Mercedes Sprinter for a company supplying electrical services to the exhibition industry, where eye-catching design was the key criteria. The vehicle was wrapped in 3M 1080 gloss anthracite with text created in 3M 50 Series orange and white gloss, using a vector based design.
“We were asked to use our client’s existing logo and to create a design that was in keeping with their website. At the same time they wanted something that would stand out; and that is why the metallic material was selected,” Mr. Evans explains.
Another example is the ten vehicles that were wrapped for a fire company’s re-branding, where Leading Edge designed to budget in order to give the customer best value and good design. Here, a partial wrap was created with 3M 1080 and 3M 50 Series, again using a vector based design.
“Within the 3M range we find 1080 Series and 50 Series most suitable for vehicle wraps and the best products for purpose. They are easy to handle and give a superior finish,” adds Mr. Evans.
“We use a range of 3M materials across all of our work, for their quality, reliability and durability. And we have developed a good reciprocal relationship with William Smith as our supplier. From the very beginning, when we started up, their service, advice and assistance has always been extremely helpful,” he concludes.
3M 1080 colour change film and 3M 50 Series are available from William Smith, ex-stock, as full, part or custom slit rolls and same day despatch is provided on full or part roll orders received up to 6.00pm.
3M 1080 Series is a long term, removable dual cast film that has been designed with sufficient rigidity to allow easy handling without the need for application tape. Featuring 3M’s Controltac Comply pressure-activated adhesive, 1080 Series is easy to reposition and ready to use straight from the box. With up to six years durability, these films offer excellent opacity and are highly weather resistant. 1080 Series is suitable for flat surfaces and simple curves.
3M 50 Series is a polymeric opaque film that offers an affordable solution for a wide range of internal and external applications, including non-illuminated signs, fascias, windows, vehicles and banners. It is suitable for application to flat and simple curves on painted, aluminium, acrylic, glass and painted steel surfaces and comes with up to seven years durability and up to five years warranty.
