Resources
Selection guides, compatibility matrices, datasheets, and reference content for engineers, printers, fabricators, and buyers specifying print-grade plastics.
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Start the Selection Guide →Reference
Print Method Compatibility Matrix
Single-page reference covering toner, indigo, UV inkjet, solvent inkjet, screen, offset, and litho across all nine substrate families. Treated vs untreated grades flagged.
View Matrix →Datasheets
Downloadable PDF datasheets for every substrate K&R stocks. Properties, gauge ranges, sheet sizes, print compatibility, converting recommendations, and Certificates of Conformance reference.
Rigid Vinyl (PVC)
Download Datasheet ↓
Substrate page →Styrene (HIPS)
Download Datasheet ↓
Substrate page →Polycarbonate
Download Datasheet ↓
Substrate page →PETG
Download Datasheet ↓
Substrate page →APET / RPET
Download Datasheet ↓
Substrate page →Polyethylene
Download Datasheet ↓
Substrate page →Polypropylene
Download Datasheet ↓
Substrate page →Polyester (Mylar)
Download Datasheet ↓
Substrate page →Synthetic Paper
Download Datasheet ↓
Substrate page →
Guides
Best Plastic for Menu Covers: A Substrate Buyer's Guide
How to choose a durable, wipeable, tear- and water-resistant substrate for restaurant and reseller menus.
7 min · Read guide →
Polycarbonate vs PVC for Overlays: Which Holds Up?
Durability, hard-coats, and print compatibility compared for printed overlays and membrane switch faces.
7 min · Read guide →
PVC vs PETG for Signage: Which Substrate Should You Run?
Cost, clarity, durability, and print compatibility compared for sign and display work.
7 min · Read guide →
Screen Printing Substrate Compatibility: A Plastics Guide
Which plastic films and sheets run clean on a screen press — and the surface, ink, and cure details that decide adhesion.
8 min · Read guide →
Synthetic Paper for Labels: The Complete Guide
When durable, tear- and water-resistant facestock beats coated paper — and when a film label is the better call.
8 min · Read guide →
APET vs PETG vs RPET: What's the Real Difference?
All three are PET. They are not interchangeable.
7 min · Read guide →
Choosing the Right Plastic for Digital Printing (Toner, Indigo, Inkjet)
Substrate selection for commercial printers running toner, HP Indigo, UV inkjet, and solvent inkjet
8 min · Read guide →
Print-Grade Polyester (Mylar): Applications and Properties
Where polyester film wins and where it fails. Print-grade vs industrial-grade Mylar.
8 min · Read guide →
PVC vs HIPS vs PETG: Substrate Selection for Sign and Display
When does each rigid substrate win? Cost, clarity, formability, and printability compared head-to-head.
9 min · Read guide →
Synthetic Paper: When It Beats Coated Paper and Plastic
Synthetic paper sits between coated paper and rigid plastic. The use cases are specific.
8 min · Read guide →
Thermoforming Substrate Guide: Gauge, Draw Ratio, and Material Selection
Match substrate to forming process. Vacuum, pressure, twin-sheet — gauge ranges and qualified materials for each.
10 min · Read guide →
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about substrates, lead times, and how K&R works.
Read the FAQ →Substrate Glossary
Plain-language definitions of the terms used across our substrate pages and datasheets.
Open the glossary →Latest from K&R
Substrate selection guides, comparison articles, and application case content as it publishes.
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