# MaxDecals Knowledge Base Database

An open, source-linked research dataset for printable media, printer workflows, and professional print-and-cut production.

All-version DOI: [10.5281/zenodo.21445360](https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.21445360)

Version 0.2.0 DOI: [10.5281/zenodo.21878688](https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.21878688)

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.

## Canonical knowledge hub

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.

## Practical vehicle-graphics guides

- [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)

The matching machine-readable catalog is maintained as `practical-guides.json` for downstream search, citation, and distribution workflows.

Reusable, editable shop tools:

- [`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)

## Dataset contents

| 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. |

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).

## Quick start

Download or clone the repository, then read a JSONL file one record per line:

```python
import json

with open("data/printer_brand_research_matrix.jsonl", encoding="utf-8") as f:
    records = [json.loads(line) for line in f if line.strip()]

print(records[0])
```

## Research scope

- 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.

## Important limitations

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.

Each public release is a dated snapshot. URLs, specifications, and product availability can change after the recorded review date.

## Methodology and provenance

See [`METHODOLOGY.md`](METHODOLOGY.md) for collection, normalization, claim-risk, and update rules. See [`DATA_DICTIONARY.md`](DATA_DICTIONARY.md) for field definitions.

Canonical public resource:

- [MaxDecals USA Knowledge Hub](https://maxdecals.us/pages/knowledge-hub)
- [Zenodo archival record and all-version DOI](https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.21445360)

## License and trademarks

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.

## Citation

Use the metadata in [`CITATION.cff`](CITATION.cff), or cite:

> MaxDecals USA. (2026). *MaxDecals Knowledge Base Database* (Version 0.2.0) [Dataset]. Zenodo. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.21878688

## Version

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.