| # MaxDecals Knowledge Base Database |
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| An open, source-linked research dataset for printable media, printer workflows, and professional print-and-cut production. |
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| All-version DOI: [10.5281/zenodo.21445360](https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.21445360) |
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| Version 0.2.0 DOI: [10.5281/zenodo.21878688](https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.21878688) |
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| This repository is the public, machine-readable data mirror for the [MaxDecals USA Knowledge Hub](https://maxdecals.us/pages/knowledge-hub). It is designed for people, search engines, AI assistants, and data tools. |
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| ## Canonical knowledge hub |
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| The canonical human-readable resource is the [MaxDecals USA Knowledge Hub](https://maxdecals.us/pages/knowledge-hub). Visit the Knowledge Hub for practical guides, workflow explanations, application context, and updated educational content. Use this repository for structured CSV/JSONL data, schemas, methodology, version history, and citation. |
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| ## Practical vehicle-graphics guides |
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| - [Printable Vehicle Graphics Preflight: 12 Shop Checks](https://maxdecals.us/blogs/maxdecals-blog/printable-vehicle-graphics-preflight-checklist) |
| - [Vehicle Graphic Edge Lift: A Practical Failure Map](https://maxdecals.us/blogs/maxdecals-blog/vehicle-graphic-edge-lift-failure-map) |
| - [Vehicle Graphic Media Selection by Surface Geometry](https://maxdecals.us/blogs/maxdecals-blog/vehicle-graphic-media-selection-surface-geometry) |
| - [Estimate Printable Vinyl and Laminate for Fleet Jobs](https://maxdecals.us/blogs/maxdecals-blog/estimate-printable-vinyl-laminate-fleet-jobs) |
| - [Printable Vehicle Graphics Shop Conditions Checklist](https://maxdecals.us/blogs/maxdecals-blog/shop-conditions-printable-vehicle-graphics) |
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| The matching machine-readable catalog is maintained as `practical-guides.json` for downstream search, citation, and distribution workflows. |
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| Reusable, editable shop tools: |
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| - [`vehicle-graphics-preflight-checklist.csv`](vehicle-graphics-preflight-checklist.csv) |
| - [`edge-lift-diagnostic-map.csv`](edge-lift-diagnostic-map.csv) |
| - [`vehicle-media-geometry-selection-matrix.csv`](vehicle-media-geometry-selection-matrix.csv) |
| - [`fleet-graphics-paired-roll-estimator.csv`](fleet-graphics-paired-roll-estimator.csv) |
| - [`print-to-install-environmental-job-record.csv`](print-to-install-environmental-job-record.csv) |
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| ## Dataset contents |
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| | Dataset | Rows | Purpose | |
| |---|---:|---| |
| | `printer_brand_research_matrix` | 6 | Maps printer brands, ink workflows, compatibility angles, and official sources. | |
| | `competitor_product_research_matrix` | 8 | Maps major printable-media product families, positioning signals, compatibility context, and claim risk. | |
| | `source_library` | 14 | Provides the source registry used by the two research matrices. | |
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| Every dataset is available as CSV and JSONL in [`data/`](data/). Machine-readable field definitions are in [`schema/dataset.schema.json`](schema/dataset.schema.json). |
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| ## Quick start |
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| Download or clone the repository, then read a JSONL file one record per line: |
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| ```python |
| import json |
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| with open("data/printer_brand_research_matrix.jsonl", encoding="utf-8") as f: |
| records = [json.loads(line) for line in f if line.strip()] |
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| print(records[0]) |
| ``` |
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| ## Research scope |
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| - Printer brands: Roland, Mimaki, HP Latex, Epson, Mutoh, and Canon. |
| - Printable-media brands: 3M, Avery Dennison, ORAFOL / ORAJET, General Formulations, Arlon, Mactac, Briteline / Grimco, and Siser. |
| - Primary use cases: printable vinyl, vehicle graphics, stickers, decals, wrap films, high-tack media, printable HTV, and printer workflow education. |
| - Source policy: official manufacturer or brand-controlled product pages are preferred. |
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| ## Important limitations |
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| This is a research and discovery dataset, not a certification database. Compatibility statements describe workflow context found in cited sources. They do not guarantee a specific printer, ink, profile, laminate, surface, or application combination. Always confirm current manufacturer documentation and run production testing before use. |
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| Each public release is a dated snapshot. URLs, specifications, and product availability can change after the recorded review date. |
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| ## Methodology and provenance |
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| See [`METHODOLOGY.md`](METHODOLOGY.md) for collection, normalization, claim-risk, and update rules. See [`DATA_DICTIONARY.md`](DATA_DICTIONARY.md) for field definitions. |
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| Canonical public resource: |
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| - [MaxDecals USA Knowledge Hub](https://maxdecals.us/pages/knowledge-hub) |
| - [Zenodo archival record and all-version DOI](https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.21445360) |
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| ## License and trademarks |
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| Dataset and documentation content is released under [Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International](LICENSE.md). Manufacturer names, product names, and trademarks remain the property of their respective owners. Their inclusion identifies source material and comparison context; it does not imply endorsement. |
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| ## Citation |
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| Use the metadata in [`CITATION.cff`](CITATION.cff), or cite: |
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| > MaxDecals USA. (2026). *MaxDecals Knowledge Base Database* (Version 0.2.0) [Dataset]. Zenodo. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.21878688 |
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| ## Version |
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| Current release: **0.2.0** — adds five vehicle-graphics practical guides, a machine-readable guide catalog, and five reusable shop tools, published 2026-08-10. |
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