3 Product Bulletin 2630 Release B, Effective Aug 2008 Scotchal Translucent Graphic Film Series 2630 For Electronic Cutting
Description 3M Translucent Scotchcal Graphic Film Series 2630 is intended for making short term promotional graphics for internally illuminated sign faces and banners. The film is available in a wide variety of colors and may be electronically cut. Advantages Up to three years expected performance life in both indoor and outdoor applications Easy to apply wet or dry rolled (6-inch diameter) Matte surface eliminates glare Uniform color in both reflected and transmitted light Wide range of colors (36) Applications and End Uses Film series 2630 is intended for making promotional graphics in the following applications. Banners Window graphics Prespaced, electronically-cut graphics Interior and exterior internally-illuminated sign faces and banners Limitations of Uses Film series 2630 is not intended or recommended for the following applications. Screen printed graphics Use in thermoformed graphics Graphics with more than two layers of film Application to corrugated surfaces or surfaces with compound curves Graphics subjected to gasoline vapors or spills Graphics applied to substrates having coatings such as silicone Graphics made for automotive Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM); contact 3M Automotive Division at 1-800- 328-1684, Ext. 444, for alternatives. Compatible Products 3M Panagraphics II Intermediate Flexible Substrate 3M Panagraphics III Intermediate Flexible Substrate 3M Lumina Flexible Substrate 3M Scotchcal Luster Overlaminate 8519 3M Scotchcal Matte Overlaminate 8520 3M Premasking Tape SCPM-3 3M Prespacing Tape SCPS-2 Characteristics This information is subject to change. Be sure this is the most current Product Bulletin. See 3M Related Literature at the end of this bulletin. Physical Characteristics Characteristic Film Description Translucent vinyl Colors See Color Chart, page 2 Thickness With adhesive: 4.13 mils (0.105mm)
Adhesive type Adhesive color Liner Acrylic Solvent Clear Paper Tensile strength 12.67 pounds/inch at 73 F (2.30 kg/cm at 23 C) Adhesion Acrylic and uncoated, clear polycarbonate 4 pounds/inch (0.71 kg/cm) Application Characteristics Application surfaces Recommended application substrates Minimum application temperature Shrinkage after application Chemical resistance Service temperature range* Removability Flat, without rivets Flexible substrate Rigid substrates such as flat acrylic, copolyester sign sheet, polycarbonate*, glass *See About Using Polycarbonate Substrates on page 3 40 F (9 C) air, film, substrate 0.078 inch (2 mm) Resists mild acids, alkalis, and salts Excellent water resistance -50 to +170 F (-45 to +77 C ) Impact at low temperatures when film is applied to flexible substrates may result in film or substrate cracking. Permanent Effective Performance Life Film series 2630, and any 3M-recommended construction in which it is used, is only warranted to be free of defects in materials and manufacture, and the only remedy is materials reimbursement. Factors that Influence Performance Life Use of compatible products Decorating method (cutting) Proper selection and preparation of the substrate Application methods Angle and direction of exposure Environmental conditions Cleaning methods Warranted Durability Vertical Exposure Face of graphic is +/- 10 from vertical. Product Bulletin 2630-3
Construction Film series 2630 applied to Panagraphics II /III substrate Graphic Protection None 8519 8520 Materials Only Warranty Asia-Pacific 1 3 years pro-rated monthly 1 For areas outside the Asia-Pacific, contact your 3M sales representative. Warranty Exceptions Graphics and materials used in a non-vertical exposure are not warranted. Film or ink cracking due to the flexing in cold temperatures Damage due to the effects of severe environmental conditions or improper mounting. Fabrication This Bulletin does not contain detailed printing, processing, or application procedures. Refer to the 3M Related Literature section for further information. Channel Letter Faces When using film series 2630 on rigid plastic channel letter faces, avoid contact with the adhesive used to attach the trim cap edge. These adhesives attack film series 2630 and cause curling, lifting and premature failure of the film. Note: For the full product names of the 3M products listed on this page, please see page 1. Cutting For both the inside corners of cut out letters and symbols and the pointed end of stripes, cut the largest radius consistent with an acceptable appearance. This technique helps avoid stress cracking due to age and lifting of pointed ends during maintenance. For individual pieces, use one of these cutting methods. Hand cut Kiss cut Die cut Electronic cutter For multiple pieces, use one of these cutting methods. Guillotine Die cut Application Tapes The type of 3M application tape to use for film series 2630 depends on the type of graphic produced. Use premasking tape SCPM-3 if very little of the liner is exposed. Use prespacing tape SCPS-2 if the film is weeded and much of the liner is exposed. Application For application by hand, the detergent and water application method is recommended. Dry application by hand may leave some dark streaks or bubbles that could be visible in transmitted light. For dry application, use a roll laminator. Overlaps We recommend using an overlap of at least 1/8 inch wherever pieces of film overlap. Do not use butt joints, which may result in light leaks. Product Bulletin 2630-4
About Using Polycarbonate Substrates Film series 2630 typically adheres to solar-grade polycarbonate substrate. However, some lots of this substrate may inhibit the adhesion of the film. Contact 3M Commercial Graphics Technical Service if you are having difficulty with this combination. Polycarbonate substrates may require oven drying before use. Refer to the manufacturers instructions. Shelf Life, Shipping, and Storage Unprocessed film has a shelf life of one year after receipt from 3M. Processed film has a shelf life of six months. However, the total shelf life of a graphic before and after processing cannot exceed one year. Store the film in a clean, dry area, out of direct sunlight, and at less than 100 F (38 C). Ship the finished graphic lying flat or in a roll. To roll the graphic, wrap it film-side out onto a core that is 6 inches (15 cm) or larger in diameter. These methods help prevent the liner and premask from wrinkling or popping off. 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: By fax, call 1-800-364-0768 in the US and Canada or 1-650-556-8417 for all other locations. Electronically, visit us at http://www.3m.com/msds. By mail, or in case of an emergency, call 1-800- 364-3577 or 1-651-737-6501. When using any equipment, always follow the manufacturers instructions for safe operation. Warranty and Limited Remedy 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: Film series 2630 is 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. 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, luding any labor or non-3m material charges. 3M Related Literature Before starting any job, be sure you have the most recent product and instruction bulletins. The following bulletins provide the information you need to properly use the 3M products that may be used in your graphic. You can find these bulletins on our Web site at www.scotchprint.com. Subject Product Bulletins Bulletin No. FOD No. 3M Panagraphics II and III Intermediate Flexible Substrate Panagraphics 4010 Product Bulletin 2630-5
Instruction Bulletins Design of graphics 2.1 5501 Scoring and cutting 4.1 6501 Using 3M application tapes; premasking and prespacing for films Application, substrate selection, preparation and substrate-specific application techniques Application, wet method for screen printed, thermal mass transfer and cut graphics Application of 3M pressure sensitive films to Panagraphics II substrate 4.3 6503 5.1 7001 5.7 7007 5.30 7030 Storage, handling, maintenance, removal 6.5 8505 Scotchprint is a registered trademark of 3M in the US and other countries. 3M and Panagraphics are trademarks of 3M. 3M Asia-Pacific Commercial Graphics Division 100 Woodlands Avenue 7 Singapore 738205 3M 2008. All rights reserved Product Bulletin 2630-6