Product Bulletin P3 Release D, Effective September 2007 See Bulletin Change Summary on last page Panagraphics III Wide Width Flexible Substrate Product Description Recommended Types of Graphics and End Uses Limitations of End Uses Compatible Products For Cut Film Decoration and Piezo Ink Jet Direct Printing This durable, translucent substrate has a smooth front surface and a semi gloss finish. Decorating options included direct printing with piezo 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. 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 3M specifically does not recommend or warrant these uses, but please contact us to discuss your needs or recommend other products. Removing existing graphics and reusing the substrate Graphic decoration with more than two layers of film 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. Cut Film Decoration 3M Scotchcal Opaque Film Series 50 for unwarranted graphics only 3M Scotchcal Translucent Film Series 3630 3M Scotchcal Translucent Film Series IJ3630 20, FN3630 20 and RG3630 20 Direct Piezo Inkjet Printing Ink Series 3M Piezo Inkjet Ink Series 2600UVv2 3M Piezo Inkjet Ink Series 1500v2 requires printing in double strike mode when no graphic protection is used Printer 3M Printer 2500UV EFI VUTEk 150, 2360/3360, 3300/5300 and 3000/5000 Printers *Check with Technical Service (1 800 328 3908) before using with these ink series 3M Piezo Inkjet Ink Series 2200UV* 3M Piezo Inkjet Ink Series 2500UV* 3M Piezo Inkjet Ink Series 2700UV* 3M Piezo Inkjet Ink Series 5400UV* 3M Piezo Inkjet Ink Series 4600* 3M Piezo Inkjet Ink Series 5500* 3M Piezo Inkjet Ink Series 6000* 3M Piezo Inkjet Ink Series 6800* EFI VUTEk PV 200 Printer 3M Printer 2500UV Durst Rho 160R Printer MacDermid ColorSpan 5400uv Printer HP Scitex Pressjet-W Printer Océ Arizona 600 Printer Océ Arizona 30s Printer Océ Arizona 180 and 90 Printers Graphic Protection Options 3M Screen Print Gloss Clear 1920DR 3M Screen Print UV Gloss Clear 9720i 3M Screen Print Gloss Clear 9720UV 3M Scotchcal Matte Overlaminate 3640GPS 3M Scotchcal Luster Overlaminate 3642GPS 3M Scotchcal Luster Overlaminate 8519 3M Scotchcal Matte Overlaminate 8520
Characteristics These are typical values for unprocessed product. Contact your 3M representative for a custom specification. Characteristic Value Substrate White-pigmented vinyl with a polyester scrim Thickness 0.020 inch ± 0.002 (0.05 cm ± 0.005) 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 (-30 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 (reflective) W.I. (E313) = 100 minimum Approval Standards NFPA 701.1 & NFPA 701.2 U.L. 48 Standard for Electrical Signs: Recognized Component ASTM E84, Class 1 Warranty and Durability 3M MCS Warranty Finished Graphic Constructions and Durability U.S. Vertical Outdoor Exposure Film Ink Series Graphic Protection Durability in years Unprinted Cut Film Decoration Applied to Panagraphics III Substrate 3630 None None 6 Screen Printed Cut Film Decoration Applied to Panagraphics III Substrate 3630 1900 1920DR 5 3630 9800 UV 9720UV 9720i 5 3630 9800 UV 9800CL 5 Piezo Inkjet Printed Cut Film Decoration Applied to Panagraphics III Substrate IJ3630 20 FN3630 20 RG3630 20 None 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. 1500v2 or 2600UVv2 8519 or 8520 4 1500v2 or 2600UVv2 3640GPS or 3642GPS 5 1500v2 None 3 2600UVv2 None 3 Requires printing in double strike mode to provide adequate back lit color density and image durability. Product Bulletin P3 2
Maximum Warranted Size of Sign Face How to Determine Other MCS Warranted Durabilities Formulas for Other 3M MCS Warranty Finished Graphic Durabilities 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 1 800 328 3908 for more information. Use the warranted durability for your construction if exposed in a U.S. vertical orientation and use the following formulas to determine other durabilities. U.S. Vertical Desert Southwest Exposure Percentage of U.S. Vertical Exposure 70% (0.7) Example 0.7 x 3 years= 2.1 years Product Only Warranty The 3M materials recommended in the constructions below have been tested and are believed to be a good products 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. U.S. Vertical Outdoor Exposure Applied Unprinted Cut Film Film Graphic Protection Expected Durability in years Outdoor 50 8519 3 5 50 8520 3 5 50 None 3 5 Indoor Warranty Notes Definitions Vertical Exposure The face of the graphic is + 10 from vertical. face of graphic Desert Southwest: Graphics exposed to solar energy more than half of the time in Arizona, New Mexico and the desert areas of California, Nevada, Utah and Texas. A detailed map is available upon request. Graphic Performance Life Application Outside the U.S. Additional Warranty Limitations The actual performance life of a graphic depends on the: Use of 3M compatible products Decorating or imaging method Proper selection and preparation of the substrate Application methods Angle and direction of exposure Environmental conditions Cleaning methods Contact the 3M organization for that country. 3M does not warrant the following for Panagraphics III substrate. Graphic failure due to design requirements that exceed the stated specifications Film or ink cracking due to the substrate flexing in cold temperatures Ripping, tearing, or damage due to the effects of inadequate cabinet construction, weather, environment or a force majeure Graphics used in a non vertical exposure Product Bulletin P3 3
Warranty and Limited Remedy Making Graphics with Film Series 50 or 3630 Printing with Piezo Inkjet Total Ink Coverage Double sided Piezo Inkjet Printing for Backlit Images Important Note 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: 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. 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 Graphics Market Center Warranty Brochure, which gives the terms, additional limitations of the warranty, if any, and limitations of liability. 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. Panagraphics III substrate can be direct printed using ink series 1500v2 or 2600UVv2. To obtain a warranty, ink series 1500v2 must be printed in the double strike mode if graphic protection is not used. You can also print films IJ3630, FN3630 or RG3630 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. 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. 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 ink series 1500v2, 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. Some piezo inkjet printers can automatically print a mirror image on the second surface, which is an ideal application for Panagraphics III substrate. The user should test and approve, and there is no warranty offered in this construction. Adequately Dry Graphics 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, 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, also refer to the film s Product Bulletin for details about drying. Product Bulletin P3 4
Fabrication Graphic Protection Planning for a Seam 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. 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 Tensioning and Attachment Guidelines Cleaning 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. Cold Temperature Field Installation Shelf Life, Shipping and Storage 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). Use only mild detergent and water for cleaning. Clean the finished graphic annually. Clean the graphic more often in unusually dirty environments. See Instruction Bulletin 6.5 for details. Refer to the film s Product Bulletin for details on proper handling of the film. 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 Product Bulletin P3 5
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 that is at least 3 inches (7.6 cm) in diameter. For a graphic with multiple film layers, use a core that is 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. Health and Safety! CAUTION Flammability 3M Flexible Substrates 3M Related Literature Fax on Demand Phone Numbers 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 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. 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. The user is responsible for determining and complying with all applicable building codes that affect the use of materials in interior and exterior awning, 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 1-800-328-3908. 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 www.3mgraphics.com or through our Fax-on-Demand system. 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. United States or Canada: 1-800-364-0768 International: 1-651-732-6506 Product Bulletin P3 6
Bulletin types: PB = Product Bulletin; PB IB = Product & Instruction Bulletin; IB = Instruction Bulletin Subject Type Bulletin No. FOD No. 3M Piezo Inkjet Ink Series 1500v2 PB IB 1500 4578 3M Piezo Inkjet Ink Series 2200UV PB IB 2200UV 4597 3M Piezo Inkjet Ink Series 2500UV PB IB 2500UV 4575 3M Piezo Inkjet Ink Series 2600UVv2 PB IB 2600UVv2 4594 3M Piezo Inkjet Ink Series 2700UV PB IB 2700UV 4598 3M Piezo Inkjet Ink Series 4600 PB IB 4600 4582 3M Piezo Inkjet Ink Series 4800 PB IB 4800 4602 3M Piezo Inkjet Ink Series 5400UV PB IB 5400UV 4603 3M Piezo Inkjet Ink Series 5500 PB IB 5500 4592 3M Piezo Inkjet Ink Series 6000 PB IB 6000 4560 3M Piezo Inkjet Ink Series 6800 PB IB 6800 4574 3M Scotchcal Graphic Film Series 50 PB 50 3037 3M Scotchcal Translucent Graphic Film Series 3630 PB 3630 3009 3M Scotchcal Translucent Graphic Film IJ3630 20, RG3630 20, PB PIJ3630 4527 FN3630 20 3M Scotchcal Matte Overlaminate 3640GPS and 3642GPS PB 3640/3642 3011 3M Scotchcal Luster Overlaminate 8519 and 8520 PB 8519/8520 4524 3M Screen Print Gloss Clear 1920DR PB 1900 2501 Applying screen printing clear 1920DR IB 3.12 6012 3M Screen Print Gloss Clear 9720UV and Matte Clear 9730UV PB 9700 2507 Applying screen printing clears 9720UV and 9730UV IB 3.4 6004 3M Screen Print UV Gloss Clear 9720i PB IB 9720i 4606 Scoring and cutting IB 4.1 6501 Using 3M application tapes; premasking and prespacing for films IB 4.3 6503 Cold roll lamination IB 4.22 6522 Application, substrate selection, preparation and substrate-specific IB 5.1 7001 application techniques Application, general procedures for indoor and outdoor dry IB 5.5 7005 applications Application of 3M pressure sensitive films to Panagraphics substrate IB 5.30 7030 Cleaning and repairing decorated awnings and sign facings IB 6.1 7501 Storage, handling, maintenance, removal IB 6.5 7505 Warranties 3M Graphics Center Warranty Brochure 9503 3M, Controltac, Comply, MCS and Scotchcal are trademarks of 3M Company. VUTEk is a registered trademark of VUTEk Inc.; Pressjet-W is a trademark of HP Scitex Corporation Ltd.; ColorSPan is a trademark of MacDermid. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Bulletin Change Summary A maximum size for warranted sign faces, and the requirements for such, were added to page 3. A technique for double sided printing for backlit images was added to page 4. Clear 9720i was added as a graphic protection option for cut graphics only. Commercial Graphics Division 3M Canada 3M México, S.A. de C.V 3M Puerto Rico, Inc. 3M Center, Building 220-12E-04 P.O. Box 5757 Av. Santa Fe No. 55 Puerto Rico Industrial Park PO Box 33220 London, Ontario Col. Santa Fe, Del. Alvaro Obregón P.O. Box 100 St. Paul, MN 55144-3220 USA Canada N6A 4T1 México, D.F. 01210 Carolina, PR 00986-0100 General Info. 1-800-374-6772 1-800-265-1840 52-55-52-70-04-00 787-620-3000 Technical Info. 1-800-328-3908 Fax 519-452-6245 Fax 52-55-52-70-22-77 Fax 787-750-3035 Fax 1-651-736-4233 Fax-on-Demand document number: 4012 Fax-on-Demand ordering: 1-800-364-0768 US/Canada; 1-651-732-6506 International www.3mgraphics.com 3M 2007. All rights reserved. Product Bulletin P3 7