For Cut Film Decoration and Inkjet Direct Printing

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1 Panagraphics III Wide Width Flexible Substrate For Cut Film Decoration and Inkjet Direct Printing Product Bulletin P3 Release I, Effective September 2010 (Replaces H, July 09) See Bulletin Change Summary on last page 1. Product Description This durable, translucent substrate has a smooth front surface and a semi-gloss finish. Decorating options included direct printing with inkjet inks before attaching it to an extrusion, or decorate it with printed or unprinted cut film before or after attaching it to a frame or extrusion. The substrate is a cost-effective choice for seamless, wide width backlit signs used in medium to long-term installations. 2. Recommended Types of Graphics and End Uses When constructed and used as described in this Bulletin, these types of graphics and end uses may be warranted by the 3M MCS Warranty. Please read the entire Bulletin for details. Indoor and outdoor, day and night graphics for backlit signs A. Limitations of End Uses This 3M product is not designed or recommended for the following uses. Please contact us to discuss other options. Removing existing graphics and reusing the substrate Graphic decoration with more than three layers of film (base films plus overlaminate); see Instruction Bulletin 4.26 for specifics Using 3M Scotchcal Overlaminate 3640GPS or 3642GPS for graphic protection 3. Compatible Products Refer to the Product and Instruction Bulletins for each of the compatible products you use. See 3M Related Literature at the end of this bulletin. A. Cut Film Decoration 3M Scotchcal Translucent Film Series M Scotchcal Translucent Film IJ , FN M Scotchcal Opaque Film Series 50 for unwarranted graphics only B. Direct Inkjet Printing (1) Solvent Inkjet Inks and Printers Ink Series Printer 3M Piezo Inkjet Ink Series 1500v2 EFI VUTEk 150, 2360/3360, 3300/5300 and 3000/5000 Printers 3M Piezo Inkjet Ink Series 4400 HP XLJet 1200 and 1500 Printers 3M Piezo Inkjet Ink Series 6200 Agfa :Jeti 3312, 3318, 3324, 5024 [Gandinnovations] Printers (2) UV Inkjet Inks and Printers 3M Piezo Inkjet Ink Series 2200UV EFI VUTEk PV200 Printer 3M Piezo Inkjet Ink Series 2600UVv2 3M Printer 2500UV 3M Piezo Inkjet Ink Series 2700UV Durst Rho 160R and 351R Printers 3M Piezo Inkjet Ink Series 2800UV EFI VUTEk QS2000, QS3200, QS3220, QS220 Printers C. Graphic Protection for Direct Print Graphics 3M Scotchcal Luster Overlaminate M Scotchcal Matte Overlaminate M Scotchcal Gloss Overlaminate M Scotchcal Luster Overlaminate M Scotchcal Matte Overlaminate M Scotchcal Ultra Matte Overlaminate 8915 Note: Refer to the Product Bulletins for film series 3630 or film IJ3630/FN3630 for recommended graphic protection. Product Bulletin P3-1

2 4. Characteristics These are typical values for unprocessed product. Contact your 3M representative for a custom specification. Characteristic Typical Value Substrate White pigmented vinyl with a polyester scrim Thickness /-.001 mil (.054cm +/-.001) Roll sizes A variety of widths ranging from 59 inches to 165 inches x 164 feet (150 cm to 419 cm x 50 m) Service temperature range -22 F to +158 F (-5.5 to +70 C ) Light transmission 21% +/- 2% Tensile strength Typical Tear weft 85 pounds/inch (15 kg/cm) Tear warp 75 pounds/inch (13.4 kg/cm) Tensile weft 150 pounds/inch (26.6 kg/cm) Tensile warp 150 pounds/inch (26.6 kg/cm) Weight 19 ounces/ sq. yd. (650 gr/m 2 ) Maximum finished size 625 square feet (58 square meters) per warranted face Gloss 30 (typical) with 60 gloss meter Whiteness index W.I. (E313) = 100 minimum (reflective) Approval Standards NFPA & NFPA U.L Standard for Electrical Signs: Recognized Component ASTM E84, Class 1 5. Definitions A. Types U.S. Vertical face of graphic The face of the graphic is +/- 10 from vertical. U.S. Non-vertical U.S. Horizontal face of graphic face of graphic The face of the graphic is greater than 10 from vertical and greater than 5 from horizontal. This includes nonvertical surfaces of vehicle wraps or fleet graphics. The face of the graphic is +/- 5 from horizontal. U.S. Desert Southwest Any outdoor graphic exposed to solar energy more than half of the daylight hours in Arizona, New Mexico and the desert areas of California, Nevada, Utah and Texas is subject to reduced warranties. A detailed map is available at 3Mgraphics.com under Warranties. B. Graphic Construction The products used to make a graphic, which may include film and/or flexible substrate, graphic protection, ink, printer and application tape. C. Graphic Protection Overlaminate films or clear coats used to protect the graphic and/or change gloss. Product Bulletin P3-2

3 6. Warranty Information A. Limitations and Disclaimers Applicable to All Warranties & Warranty Coverage Overview Both the warranty coverage and the durability for each graphic is based on the user(s) reading and following all applicable and current 3M Product and Instruction Bulletins. 3M will honor the Warranted Durability stated in the base film or substrate Product Bulletin that is current when the film was purchased. Warranted durabilities may be reduced and stipulations may apply for certain constructions and applications, as covered in this Bulletin. The following is made in lieu of all other express or implied warranties, including any implied warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose or implied warranty arising out of a course of dealing, custom or usage of trade. 3M will replace or refund the price of any 3M materials that do not meet this warranty within the specified time periods. These remedies are exclusive. In no case shall 3M be liable for any direct, indirect, or consequential damages, including any labor or non-3m materials charges. See the 3M Graphics Market Center Warranty Brochure at 3Mgraphics.com, which gives the terms, additional limitations of the warranty, if any, and limitations of liability. B. 3M Basic Product Warranty All 3M products are warranted to be free of defects in materials and manufacture at the time of shipment and to meet the specifications stated in this Product Bulletin and as further set forth in the 3M Graphics Market Center Warranty Brochure. C. 3M MCS Warranty Subject to Stipulations set forth in Section E., below Finished graphics constructed with the materials specified and the exposure specified in the Warranted Durability Tables, Section C.(1), is eligible for the 3M MCS Warranty. For warranties for other exposures, see Section E.(1). (1) Warranted Durability Table for Finished Graphics in a Standard U.S. Vertical Warranted Durability in Years Film Ink Series Graphic Protection Outdoor Durability Unprinted Cut Film Decoration Applied to Panagraphics III Substrate 3630 None None 6 Screen Printed Cut Film Decoration Applied to Panagraphics III Substrate Refer to the film's Product Bulletin for 3630 ink and graphic protection recommendations. 5 Inkjet Printed Cut Film Decoration Applied to Panagraphics III Substrate IJ FN Refer to Product Bulletin PIJ3630. All constructions shown in that bulletin carry the same warranty when applied to Panagraphics III substrate as any other recommended substrate. Outdoor Durability Indoor Durability Inkjet Direct Print to Panagraphics III Substrate None 1500v UV or UVv2 2700UV 2800UV 8520 None 2 3 For ink series 1500V2 and 4400 only, when direct printing and no overlaminate, requires printing in the double strike mode (Ink Series 1500V2 or 6200) or SD Backlit mode (Ink Series 4400) to provide adequate backlit color density and image durability. D. Maximum Warranted Size of Sign Face A maximum finished sign face of 625 square feet (58 square meters) per single sign face will be warranted when the seams are fabricated by 3M or a 3M Warranted Seaming Contractor. Contact Technical Service at for more information. Product Bulletin P3-3

4 E. General Warranty Stipulations for 3M MCS Warranty (1) Reduced Warranted Durability for Non-vertical Graphics These stipulations apply to graphics covered by the 3M MCS Warranty. Specific provisions of these stipulations are found in the 3M Graphics Market Center Warranty Brochure at 3Mgraphics.com. For graphics oriented in a non-vertical, outdoor exposure, multiply the warranted durability years for your graphic construction as shown in the applicable Warranted Durability Tables, Section C.(1) or Section D(1), by the percentage shown for the intended graphic exposure. If the Graphic is: Use this Percentage of U.S. Vertical, Warranted Durability Calculation Examples Desert Southwest Vertical 70% (0.7) 0.7 x 3 years= 2.1 years (2) Abrasion and Loss of Gloss Abrasion damage and loss of gloss are not covered by any 3M warranty. This is considered normal wear and tear. (3) Application Outside the U.S. Contact the 3M organization for that country. (4) Application to Glass 3M accepts no liability for glass breakage when using this film for window graphics. See Instruction Bulletin 5.1 for details. (5) Graphics Made with Components Not Sold or Recommended by 3M F. 3M Product Only Warranty for Substrate Decorated with Film Series 50 in U.S. Vertical The 3M MCS Warranty does not, under any circumstances, cover graphics made with inks, film, graphic protection and/or application tapes that are not sold or recommended by 3M. The user is solely responsible for the graphic appearance, performance and durability of graphic constructions that include any non recommended or qualified products. The 3M materials recommended in the film and graphic protection combinations shown below have been tested and are believed to be a good solutions when used as recommended in the 3M Bulletins. These products are covered by the 3M Basic Product Warranty and are guaranteed to be free of physical and manufacturing defects. There is no warranty for printability, visual appearance, fitness for use or durability. See the 3M Graphics Market Center Warranty Brochure for the complete warranty and remedy details. Expected Durability in Years Applied Unprinted Cut Film Expected Durability Film Graphic Protection Outdoor Indoor None Graphic Performance Life The actual performance life of a graphic depends on the: Use of 3M compatible products, properly processed Decorating or imaging method Proper selection and preparation of the substrate Application methods Angle and direction of exposure Environmental conditions Cleaning methods 8. Graphics Manufacturing! CAUTION Before using any equipment, always follow the manufacturers' instructions for safe operation. Product Bulletin P3-4

5 A. Making Graphics with Film Series 50 or 3630 Before applying to Panagraphics III substrate, film series 50 can be imaged with thermal mass transfer and/or electronically cut, and film series 3630 can be screen printed and/or electronically cut. Apply the film to the substrate using the wet application method or dry hand/roll lamination for front lit or backlit (internally illuminated) graphics. No more than two layers of film may be applied to the substrate. The minimum recommended decorating temperature is 60 F (15 C). Also see Tensioning and Attachment Guidelines. Follow Instruction Bulletin 5.30 for details on preparing the substrate and wet application techniques. B. Direct Printing with Inkjet Panagraphics III substrate can be direct printed using the solvent or UV inkjet ink series indicated in this Bulletin. To obtain a warranty if graphic protection is not used, ink series 1500v2 and ink series 6200 must be printed in the double-strike mode and ink series 4400 must be printed in the SD Backlit mode. You can also print films IJ3630 or FN3630 and apply the desired graphic protection, as described in Product Bulletin PIJ3630, and apply it to Panagraphics III substrate in sheets or as cut graphics. For the best results, follow the printing guidelines and procedures in Instruction Bulletins for the ink series you are using. (1) Total Ink Coverage The ink coverage required for your graphic will be determined by whether the Panagraphics III substrate will be used for a banner or backlit graphic. Backlit images require greater density, which is achieved by using the printer's double strike input mode. When using this mode, you have exceeded the maximum total ink coverage when you can no longer obtain color consistency throughout the graphic and/or the graphic cannot be adequately dried after printing. Do not exceed 300% total ink coverage. C. Double-sided Inkjet Printing for Backlit Images A backlit image can be achieved by printing a single strike image directly on the first and second surface. This method allows for a balanced day/night graphic appearance. The second surface print must be reversed and registered to the first surface print. Consult with your printer manufacturer for process guidance. When using solvent inkjet inks series, the front (first) surface of the substrate must be protected by one of the approved overlaminates in order to qualify for the 3M MCS Warranty. (2) Adequately Dry Graphics Important Note! Inadequate drying can result in graphic failure including curling, increased shrinkage and adhesion failure, which are not covered under warranty. Always build enough time into your process to ensure adequate drying of the image before doing further processing. Refer to the ink's Product Bulletin for important details on drying. When direct printing on Panagraphics III substrate, an inadequately dried image may result in these problems, which are not covered by the warranty: Prevent the overlaminate from adhering well. Distort the image if the printed substrate is rolled immediately. Cause transport problems when printing the second side. When printing on film that will be cut and applied to Panagraphics III substrate, also refer to the film's Product Bulletin for details about drying. Product Bulletin P3-5

6 D. Graphic Protection To maximize the performance of your sign, 3M recommends using one of the approved graphic protection options specified in this Product Bulletin to provide additional resistance to abrasion or wear due to frequent cleaning. E. Planning for a Seam Plan your sign face so that the seam is at least 46 cm (18 inches) away from any attachment hardware that is perpendicular (at right angles) to the seam. Minimum 18 inches (46 cm) 3M Panagraphics III Substrate SEAM Attachment Hardware 9. Tensioning and Attachment Guidelines A. Attaching and Tensioning 3M recommends attaching and tensioning this substrate in a cabinet at a temperature equal to or more than 45 F (7 C), whether the work is being done in a fabricator's shop or in the field. Any existing attachment system used currently should be tested prior to actual application. B. Cold Temperature Field Installation Artificially warm the decorated substrate to at least 45 F (7 C) before attaching or tensioning the sign face in a cabinet or frame. Do not stress the decorated substrate by folding, crimping, creasing, or forming it around corners. In cooler temperatures, the films applied to the substrate become less flexible and may crack if handled roughly. Check and re tension large sign faces as needed when the temperature warms to more than 60 F (15 F). A large sign face is one that is more than 275 square feet (25 m 2 ) and has a height that exceeds 11 feet (3.3 m) or a width that exceeds 25 feet (7.5 m). 10. Cleaning Use only mild detergent and water for cleaning. Clean the finished graphic annually. Clean the graphic more often in unusually dirty environments. 11. Shelf Life, Shipping and Storage See Instruction Bulletin 6.5 for details. Refer to the film's Product Bulletin for details on proper handling of the film. A. Shelf Life and Storage This substrate may be stored for up to 6 months undecorated and up to an additional 6 months decorated under the following conditions: Original container Away from direct sunlight In a cool, dry environment Bring all media to print room temperature before using B. Rolling a Finished Sign Face for Shipping Follow these guidelines if the graphics already have been applied to the substrate. Selecting a Core Size For a graphic with a single film layer, use a core at least 3 inches (7.6 cm) in diameter. For a graphic with multiple film layers, use a core at least 6 inches (15 cm) in diameter. Rolling the Graphic Roll the graphic with the graphics facing out to help prevent damage. Do not use masking tape, which may stain the substrate, to secure the roll. Product Bulletin P3-6

7 12. Health and Safety CAUTION When handling any chemical products, read the manufacturers' container labels and the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for important health, safety and environmental information. To obtain MSDS sheets for 3M products go to 3M.com/MSDS, or by mail or in case of an emergency, call or When using any equipment, always follow the manufacturers' instructions for safe operation. A. Flammability Panagraphics III substrate when printed with 3M inks and without any graphic protection, passes NFPA 701 Test 1 and Test 2, Standard Methods of Fire Tests for Flame-Resistant Textiles and Films. Substrate with graphic protection was not tested. B. Building Codes that May Apply to 3M Flexible Substrates The user is responsible for determining and complying with all applicable building codes that affect the use of materials in interior and exterior banner and sign face applications, including flammability standards. For information on flammability requirements, contact your local building code officials. For information on the results of flammability testing on 3M flexible substrates, including the product covered in this bulletin from 3M Commercial Graphics Division, call M Related Literature Before starting any job, be sure you have the most current Product and Instruction Bulletins. The information in 3M Product and Instruction Bulletins is subject to change. Current Bulletins are available at 3Mgraphics.com. The following applicable Bulletins provide information and processes you need to properly make the graphics described in this Bulletin. Additional Bulletins may be needed as indicated in the 3M Related Literature section of other 3M components you use. Bulletin types: PB = Product Bulletin; PB-IB = Product & Instruction Bulletin; IB = Instruction Bulletin Subject Type Bulletin No. 3M Piezo Inkjet Ink Series 1500v2 PB-IB M Piezo Inkjet Ink Series 4400 PB-IB M Piezo Inkjet Ink Series 6200 PB-IB M Piezo Inkjet Ink Series 2200UV PB-IB 2200UV 3M Piezo Inkjet Ink Series 2600UVv2 PB-IB 2600UVv2 3M Piezo Inkjet Ink Series 2700UV PB-IB 2700UV 3M Piezo Inkjet Ink Series 2800UV PB-IB 2800UV 3M Scotchcal Graphic Film Series 50 PB 50 3M Scotchcal Translucent Graphic Film Series 3630 PB M Scotchcal Translucent Graphic Film IJ , FN PB PIJ3630 3M Graphic Protection Products overview of all graphic protection products PB GP-1 and specific information on most overlaminates Scoring and cutting IB 4.1 Using 3M application tapes; premasking and prespacing for films IB 4.3 Cold roll lamination IB 4.22 Application, substrate selection, preparation and substrate specific application techniques IB 5.1 Application, general procedures for indoor and outdoor dry applications IB 5.5 Application of 3M pressure sensitive films to Panagraphics substrate IB 5.30 Cleaning and repairing decorated awnings and sign facings IB 6.1 Storage, handling, maintenance, removal IB 6.5 3M Graphics Market Center Warranty Brochure See 3M, Controltac, Comply, MCS and Scotchcal are trademarks of 3M Company. EFI and VUTEk are trademarks of EFI Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Product Bulletin P3-7

8 14. Bulletin Change Summary New Compatible Products: Durst Rho 351R Printer for Ink Series 2700uv; Agfa :Jeti 3312, 3318, 3324, 5024 for ink series 6200; EFI VUTEk QS3220 and QS220 Printers for ink series 2800UV; Overlaminates 8518 and Discontinued film RG Commercial Graphics Division 3M Center, Building E-04 PO Box St. Paul, MN USA General Info Technical Info Fax M Canada P.O. Box 5757 London, Ontario Canada N6A 4T Fax M México, S.A. de C.V Av. Santa Fe No. 55 Col. Santa Fe, Del. Alvaro Obregón México, D.F Fax M Puerto Rico, Inc. Puerto Rico Industrial Park 350 Chardon Avenue, Suite 1100 San Juan PR Fax M All rights reserved. Product Bulletin P3-8

For Cut Film Decoration and Piezo Inkjet Direct Printing

Panagraphics III Wide Width Flexible Substrate Product Bulletin P3 Release G, Effective October 2008 See Bulletin Change Summary on last page For Cut Film Decoration and Piezo Inkjet Direct Printing Product