Every custom Jeep decal from JDS is printed on a Roland wide-format eco-solvent printer and precision-cut on a Summa S2 Series vinyl cutter. The result is a weather-resistant, UV-stable graphic that fits your Jeep's exact body lines without guesswork. Here is a look at every step of the process, from digital file to your driveway.
In this article
- What printer does JDS use for vinyl decals?
- How are vinyl decals cut to shape?
- What vinyl materials does JDS use?
- Why does the equipment matter for your decal?
- What is the full production process?
- Frequently asked questions
What printer does JDS use for vinyl decals?
JDS prints on the Roland TrueVIS SG3-540, a professional-grade eco-solvent printer built specifically for vehicle graphics and outdoor signage. It uses eco-solvent ink formulated to resist UV fading, rain, heat, and cold, which is why JDS decals hold their color for years instead of months.
The printer runs at up to 1440 dpi, which means even fine-detail designs -- thin lettering, intricate logos, small color fills -- come out sharp at full size on a hood or body panel.
For specialty substrates and rigid materials, JDS also uses a Roland EU-1000MF UV LED Flatbed Printer, which cures ink instantly with UV light for an exceptionally hard, scratch-resistant surface.
Printed on Roland eco-solvent, precision-cut on Summa S2. Fits 2018+ JL/JT Sport, Sahara, Overland, and Willys hoods.
How are vinyl decals cut to shape?
After printing, every decal runs through a Summa S2 Series vinyl cutter. The Summa S2 uses an optical registration system that reads printed registration marks and cuts within fractions of a millimeter of the printed edge. That precision is what allows a decal to follow the exact curve of a hood vent or body crease without leaving visible gaps or overhangs.
Cheaper cutters drag-cut with a blade under pressure alone. The Summa S2 uses a tangential cutting head, meaning the blade actively rotates to stay perpendicular to the cut direction at all times. Sharp corners stay sharp. Curves stay smooth. The difference shows up most on complex designs with tight radii or lots of small shapes.
What vinyl materials does JDS use?
Printing quality is only as good as the material underneath it. JDS uses durable, outdoor-rated vinyl for vehicle graphics, Oracal 651 for cut decals and Orajet 3551RA for printed graphics, with a cast vinyl upgrade available by special request. Here is the practical difference:
- Cast vinyl is made by spreading liquid vinyl into a thin sheet, giving it a conformable, flexible structure. It lays flat over contoured surfaces, rivets, and body lines without lifting edges over time.
- Calendered vinyl is made by compressing thicker PVC through rollers. It is cheaper, stiffer, and tends to lift on curves. Most budget decals use it.
Cast vinyl is also dimensionally stable under heat. It will not shrink or bubble when your Jeep bakes in the sun for hours at a time.
Intricate design only possible with a Summa S2 tangential cutter. Fits 2007-2017 Jeep Wrangler JK and JKU.
Why does the equipment matter for your decal?
The gap between professional equipment and entry-level equipment shows up in three places:
- Color accuracy. Eco-solvent inks on a calibrated Roland printer match your design file consistently. Desktop inkjet printers shift colors between batches and fade quickly outdoors.
- Cut precision. A tangential cutter like the Summa S2 stays accurate across a full 54-inch sheet. Budget drag-cut plotters lose accuracy on long runs and complex paths.
- Longevity. Eco-solvent ink plus outdoor-rated vinyl produces a decal rated for 5 to 7 years of outdoor exposure. Dye-based inks on calendered vinyl often fade noticeably within one summer.
What is the full production process, start to finish?
- File preparation. Your design is checked against your Jeep model year and trim to confirm fit. Vector paths are cleaned and color profiles are matched to the printer ink profile.
- Print. The Roland TrueVIS SG3-540 prints your design onto Orajet 3551RA vinyl at high resolution. Eco-solvent ink bonds into the vinyl surface rather than sitting on top of it.
- Lamination. A clear overlaminate is applied to protect the print layer from abrasion, chemicals, and additional UV exposure.
- Cut. The Summa S2 reads the registration marks and cuts the decal contour, kiss-cutting through the vinyl and laminate without cutting the liner.
- Weed and prep. Excess vinyl is removed by hand and an application tape is applied to hold the decal in position during installation.
- Quality check and ship. Each decal is inspected before being rolled, packaged, and shipped with installation instructions and a squeegee.
Multi-color print with washer cutouts. A design this detailed requires professional-grade Roland and Summa equipment.
Frequently asked questions
How long do JDS vinyl decals last?
JDS decals are rated for 5 to 7 years of outdoor exposure. That covers direct sun, rain, car washes, and typical off-road use. Keeping your Jeep garaged and washing regularly with mild soap extends that timeline further.
Are JDS decals made in the USA?
Yes. Every decal is printed and cut at the JDS facility using professional Roland and Summa equipment. Nothing is outsourced to overseas print vendors.
Can I see what the decal looks like on my specific Jeep before buying?
Product pages include preview images showing each design on specific Jeep models and colors. For a custom request or a mockup on your exact build, use the contact page and the team will put one together.
What is eco-solvent ink and why does it matter?
Eco-solvent ink is a low-VOC solvent-based ink designed for outdoor graphics. It bonds into the vinyl surface rather than sitting on top, making the print highly resistant to scratching, fading, and moisture. It is the same ink technology used by professional sign shops and vehicle wrap studios.
Does the decal come with installation instructions?
Yes. Every order ships with printed installation instructions and a squeegee. JDS also publishes installation guides on the blog for specific decal types if you want to walk through the process before you start.
See What Professional Equipment Produces
Every JDS decal is printed on Roland eco-solvent and cut on a Summa S2. Browse the full hood graphics collection and see the detail for yourself.
Browse Hood Decals →Made in the USA. Free shipping on orders over $59.99.
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