Product Bulletin VS7704 Release C, Effective January 2005 Aircraft Exterior Graphic Film VS7704 Note: 3M Commercial Graphics Division has renamed selected products to better align them with our brand strategies. For example, inks, edge sealers and overprint clears no longer carry the Scotchcal brand name, and marking film is now called graphic film. The products themselves have not changed. Description Advantages For screen printing or electrostatic imaging Exterior, medium term durability 2 mil Polyester film, perforated or non-perforated White only Page 1 of 6 Electrostatic Imaging Scotchprint Electronic Graphic System Scotchprint Exterior Toner Series 8700/8800 3M Trident Transfer Paper 3M Overprint Clear 1920DR and 1930 Other Products 3M Edge Sealer 4150S or AKZO Aerodur UVR clearcoat refer to Akzo bulletin on page 5 3M Prespace Tape SCPS-100 3M Premask Tape SCPM-3, SCPM-19 Permanent Limitations of End Uses Durable, dimensionally stable Easily cleaned with common cleaning solutions Good resistance to water, Mil-L-7808 oil, and Jet A fuel For flat surfaces with or without flush rivets (raised, bead rivets must be cut around) and simple curved surfaces Apply to aluminum (bare, primed or painted) Applications and Uses 3M Aircraft Exterior Graphic Film VS7704 is intended only for use with the listed Compatible Products and the following applications. Any other application is NOT warranted by 3M or covered by the Specific 3M Aircraft Exterior Graphic Film Warranty, as given on page 5. Multicolor graphics for aircraft graphics Aircraft signage Aircraft identification graphics Aircraft labels Note: Always follow the manufacturer s recommendations on usage. Serious product failure, such as the graphics lifting off the surface, can result if the product is used on surfaces for which it is not intended, or if it is improperly applied or maintained. 3M has identified certain limitations for graphic film VS7704. This listing is not meant to imply that all other applications are safe or will provide acceptable performance. Limitations of End Uses continued from the previous page. This film is only for exterior aircraft graphics. However, the aircraft operator is responsible for determining if installing this product requires regulatory approval from the operator s authorizing agent or appropriate aviation authorities. This film is restricted for sale to properly trained users. The end user is responsible for determining the product s suitability for the end user s application. Do not use in applications that require conformance to Mil-P-38477A. Compatible Products Do not use this film on these surfaces: Screen Printing - Areas exposed to severe abrasion 3M Screen Printing Ink Series 1900 - Within 16 inches (406 mm) of leading edges 3M Overprint Clear 1920DR, 1930 - Areas exposed to high operating temperatures - Interior surfaces - Surfaces exposed to leaking fluids, such as LD-4
- Raised, bead-riveted surfaces, unless cut around and film removed from the raised rivet - Covering seams, unless film is completely cut along seam - Hinges, locking mechanisms or other similar uneven surfaces - Extreme, sharply rounded or complex curves Do not apply film at less than 50 F (10 C). Film may not have sufficient adhesion at lower application temperatures. Graphics made for automotive Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) Polyester film is not as conformable as other film constructions, such as vinyl, that may be used on aircraft. This is a property for all polyester film constructions on the market. Keep in mind that polyester film does not conform well over rivets, ridges, valleys and other contours. Read the Application section in this Bulletin and all of Instruction Bulletin 5.27 for details. For optimum film performance, new users of film VS7704 should contact 3M Technical Service at +49 2131/14-3500 before fabricating, applying, maintaining or removing this product. Characteristics Characteristic Film Adhesive Description 2 mil (0.05 mm) polyester, white Clear, pressure sensitive, permanent Thickness with adhesive 4 mil (0.10 mm) Liner Application surfaces Application substrates 96 pound, polyethylene coated paper Flat surfaces with or without flush rivets; simple curves Aluminum: bare, primed, or painted Ink drying methods Selection and preparation of the substrate Application methods Exposure conditions Cleaning methods Refer to the Specific Warranty for 3M Aircraft Exterior Graphic Films on page 5. Warranted Durability Ink/Toner Series Overprint Clear Years Screen Printing Unprinted None 3 Ink series 1900 Electrostatic Imaging Toner series 8700/8800 Screen Printing 1920DR 1930 1920DR 1930 To get the durability given in Effective Performance Life, use the recommended combination of ink, overprint clear and edge sealer. Carefully follow the processing directions. Check the appropriate Product and Instruction Bulletins referenced in the Related 3M Literature section on page 6 for the recommended processing and limitations of each ink. Film VS7704 may be screen printed with the inks listed in Compatible Products on page 1. An overprint clear is required. Air drying is recommended. Electrostatic Imaging Film VS7704 may be electrostatically imaged with the toners listed in the Compatible Products on page 1. Check the appropriate Product and Instruction Bulletins referenced in the Related 3M Literature section on page 6 for the recommended processing. An overprint clear is required. Air drying is recommended. 3 3 Application temperature range 50 to 100 F (10 to 38 C) (air and substrate) Processing Conditions Effective Performance Life The effective performance life is based on field experience and exposure tests. When the graphics are processed and used according to the 3M recommendations, they should have the warranted durability shown in the following table. The actual performance depends, among other factors, on the: Upper Roll Temp. Lower Roll Temp. Heated Roll Pressure Transfer Speed 290 F 120 F 95 psi 2.0 to 8.0 fpm Note: For the full product names of the 3M products listed on this page, please see page 1. Correct combination of film, ink, and overprint clear Ink formulation Page 2 of 6
Cutting The following are common cutting methods for this film. See Instruction Bulletin 4.1 for details. Flat-bed electronic Guillotine Hand cut Cold steel rule Application Tapes The type of 3M application tape to use depends on the type of graphic produced and which ink or overprint clear was applied last. Use a prespace tape if the graphic has large amounts of the liner exposed. Use a premask tape if very little of the liner is exposed. Overprint Clear Unprinted Prespace Tape SCPS-100 1920DR 1930 SCPS-100 Premask Tape SCPM-19 SCPM-3 SCPM-19 Application Film VS7704 must be applied according to Instruction Bulletin 5.27. Improper application or maintenance may result in a serious product failure, including the graphics lifting off the surface. Do not apply the film if the air or surface temperature is higher than 38 C (100 F) or lower than 10 C (50 F). Because of its construction, this film will tent when applied over raised rivets and bridge when applied over seams. To prevent film failure, which may include cracking, erosion and/or lifting, use these techniques when you are covering raised rivets or bridging seams: - Cut completely along film that bridges seams. Shelf Life, Storage, Shipping Unprocessed film has a shelf life of 2 years after receipt. Processed film has a shelf life of 1 year. However, the total shelf life of a graphic before and after processing cannot exceed 2 years. Store the film in a clean, dry area. Store the film out of the direct sunlight and at less than 100 F (38 C). Ship the finished graphic lying flat or roll the graphic. Roll the graphic, film-side out, onto a core that is 8 inches (203 mm) or larger in diameter. These methods prevent the liner 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: call +49 2131/141-3500 Electronically, visit us at http://www.3m.com/msds. When using any equipment, always follow the manufacturers instructions for safe operation. This bulletin is continued on the next page. - Always re-squeegee the film around the cut edges. This film must be edge sealed to protect it from serious in-flight abrasion. Edge sealing also helps to reduce the attack of fluids on the film. Removal Film VS7704 has an aggressive, pressure sensitive adhesive and may be difficult to remove. A solvent-based adhesive remover system or steam heat may be needed. Refer to Instruction Bulletin 5.27 for removal. Page 3 of 6
Specific Warranty for 3M Aircraft Exterior Graphic Films The warranty of 3M aircraft exterior graphic films are not covered by the 3M MCS Warranty Bulletin. Do not refer to that bulletin for the warranty of these films. All details for the warranty of these films are stated below. I. Warranty Coverage 3M warrants that 3M aircraft exterior graphic film will perform as follows if used as specified and processed and applied according to current applicable 3M Instruction Bulletins. In addition, this warranty covers: 1. Manufacturing defects; 2. Out-of-standard visual defects; 3. Problems in printing, clear coating, drying, cutting or premasking determined to be due to 3M product defects; 4. Shortages in roll length, number of sheets received, incorrect sheet dimensions or roll width or inaccurate roll mapping; 5. Shipment of incorrect product; 6. Mislabeled materials; and 7. Premature failure due to fading, discoloration, crazing, peeling, blistering, excessive dimensional change. It shall be the graphic manufacturer s responsibility to immediately cease using what is perceived to be defective product. Graphics manufactured using 3M Commercial Graphics Division products also are warranted to retain acceptable appearance for their intended use for the period stated in Effective Performance Life when viewed from normal viewing distance. As graphics age and are subject to natural weathering, there can be a gradual reduction in gloss, slight color changes, a slight amount of lifting at edges or around rivets, a slight amount of leading edge erosion and, ultimately, development of a minor amount of cracking which will not materially detract from appearance. These changes are not evidence of a failure, but are normal consequences of weathering and are not covered by warranty. A. Time Limit to File Claim Prior to making any adjustment, and within ninety (90) days of discovery of a defect, 3M must be supplied with a written claim containing the following information as it applies to the situation: product name and lot numbers of the products involved, processing conditions used, installation date, name of installer, location of installed graphics, and any other details requested by 3M. Purchaser s failure to provide 3M with a timely written notice of claim waives all rights under this warranty. B. Remedy UPON TIMELY NOTIFICATION, 3M S SOLE RESPONSIBILITY, AND PURCHASER AND USER S EXCLUSIVE REMEDY, SHALL BE AT 3M S OPTION EITHER (1) FULL REFUND OF THE PURCHASE PRICE, OR (2) FULL REPLACEMENT OF ALL 3M PRODUCTS CONSUMED IN THE MANUFACTURE OF THE GRAPHICS. II. Warranty for a System of Matched Components 3M controls the manufacture of all components used in the fabrication of finished graphics and 3M warrants compatibility of these components and performance of recommended combinations when processed and applied according to applicable 3M Instruction Bulletins. This additional warranty for a system of matched components is not available if the graphics manufacturers who use the 3M products to produce finished graphics substitute materials not of 3M manufacture or make unauthorized alterations to 3M materials. Problems which may be reasonably attributed to such actions are not covered by the 3M warranty. III. Limitation on Warranty Coverage: Misuse and Force Majeure 3M has no obligations under this warranty with respect to products that have been modified or damaged through misuse, abuse, accident, neglect or mishandling by Purchaser or Purchasers customer. For example, graphics are not warranted against ink or clear coat damage or removal, base film damage, corrosion, swelling or lifting, or staining caused by chemical or physical means such as, but not limited to, vandalism (such as slashing, deliberate peeling of copy, penetration by sharp object, gunfire), cleaning solutions, paints, solvents, other strong chemicals, improperly used high pressure washing equipment, mechanical washing equipment which might subject the graphics to frequent, vigorous abrasive scouring action, spills of engine fuels, engine exhaust, steam, organic solvents or other spilled chemicals. Graphics applied to unsound surfaces or to surfaces which subsequently crack, peel, delaminate, outgas, or become damaged beneath the graphics are not warranted for performance. Damage from fire, structural failure, lightning, and other force majeure events are not covered. Page 4 of 6
Disclaimer of Warranty, Limited Remedy, and Important Notice 3M MAKES NO FURTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, 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. User is a sophisticated purchaser and responsible for determining whether the 3M product is fit for its particular purpose and suitable for user s method of application. Many factors can affect the use and performance of this 3M product in a particular application. The materials to which the product will be adhered, the surface preparation of those materials, the product selected for use, the conditions in which the product is used, and the time and environmental conditions in which the product is expected to perform are among the many factors that can affect the use and performance of a 3M product. Given these variety of factors, many of which are uniquely within the user s knowledge and control, it is essential that the user evaluate the 3M product to determine whether it is fit for a particular purpose and suitable for the user s method of application. Limitation of Liability Except where prohibited by law, 3M SHALL NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES BE LIABLE TO PURCHASER OR USER FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, LOSS OF PROFITS, REVENUE, BUSINESS, OPPORTUNITY, OR GOODWILL) RESULTING FROM OR IN ANY WAY RELATED TO SELLER S PRODUCTS OR SERVICES. This limitation of liability applies regardless of the legal or equitable theory under which such losses or damages are sought including breach of contract, breach of warranty, negligence, strict liability, or any other legal or equitable theory. Related 3M Literature 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. Or, call one of these phone numbers to order the desired bulletins via our Fax-on-Demand (FOD) system. Subject Product Bulletins Bulletin No. FOD No. 3M Screen Printing Ink Series 1900 1900 2501 3M Trident Transfer Paper Trident 3567 3M Edge Sealer 4150S or AKZO Aerodur UV clearcoat refer to AKZO bulletin 4150S 30_03 Scotchprint Toner Series 8700/8800 8700/ 8800 Instruction Bulletins 9007 3514 Design of graphics 2.1 5501 Screen printing with ink 1900 - line color - 4-color 3.11 3.12 6011 6012 Scoring and cutting 4.1 6501 Using 3M application tapes; premasking and prespacing for films 4.3 6503 Importing YMCK digital image data 4.6 6506 Transferring electrostatic images 4.7 6507 Application, maintenance and removal of aircraft graphic films 5.27 7027 Page 5 of 6
Product Data The values given are typical for unprinted film and do not constitute a specification. Physical Properties Property Tensile strength* Applied Shrinkage Metric Units At 23 C: 175 N/25 mm (MD) 285 N/25 mm (CD) 0.4 mm Perforation may reduce this property. Chemical Resistance Unprinted film was applied to an aluminum substrate at 73 F (23 C) and conditioned at 73 F (23 C) for 24 hours. Chemical Exposure Time Results Water 8 hours at 73 F (23 C) Mil-L-7808 oil** 24 hours at 73 F (23 C) No effect Slight gloss loss; less than 1/8 inch (3 mm) edge attack Jet A fuel 1 hour Slight edge attack Hydraulic fluid, LD-4** 1 hour Top coat dissolves; base film remains intact; edge sealer dissolves Adhesion (24 hours after application) Substrate English Units pound/inch Metric Units N/25 mm Aluminum 2.7 12 Primer 3.6 16 Paint 4.0 17 For Further Assistance For help on specific questions relating to 3M Commercial Graphics products, please contact your local 3M Technical service person or contact: 3M Deutschland GmbH Commercial Graphics Division Carl-Schurz-Straße 1 D-41453 Neuss Germany Phone +49 (0) 2131 14 3500 Fax +49 (0) 2131 14 2377 Internet: www.scotchprint.com The use of trademark signs and brand names in this bulletin is based upon US standards. These standards may vary from country to country outside the USA. **Sample edge sealed with edge sealer 4150S. Page 6 of 6