3
Water Contact Indicator Tape
5557
Product Description
3M™ Water Contact Indicator Tape 5557 is a 10.2 mil thick printable, self-adhesive
product that shows area specific, long lasting indication when contacted by water.
When liquid comes in contact with the product, the color RAPIDLY changes
from white to red. This product is designed to withstand heat and humidity aging
without giving water indication and it will continue to show indication even after
prolonged submersion in water. The construction is readily die cuttable, making
small custom shapes easy to produce. The adhesive is a high performance acrylic
protected by a silicone coated film release liner.
Technical Data December, 2004
Product Construction
Backing T op Film Adhesive Color Standard Roll Length
Paper Polyester Acrylic White 12 in. x 180 yd.
Typical Physical
Properties
ASTM Test Method
Adhesion to Stainless Steel: 82 oz./in. width (88 N/100 mm) D-3330
(90° Peel Adhesion, 12 in./min.
peel rate, 72 hr. Dw ell)
Adhesion to Polycarbonate: 47 oz./in. width (52 N/100 mm) D-3330
(90° Peel Adhesion, 12 in./min.
peel rate, 72 hr. Dw ell)
Tape Thickness: 10.2 mils (0.259 mm) D-3652
Release Liner Thickness: 2.0 mils (0.051 mm) D-3652
Humidity Resistance:*
Control, t = 0 days
Control, t = 0 days
Indicator w/1 drop H
2
O for
one minute at arrow .
7 days @ 55°C, 95%R.H.
7 days @ 55°C, 95%R.H.
indicated w/1 drop H
2
O for
one minute at arrow .
*Tape is applied to polycarbonate panel and hung vertically in heat/humidity chamber.
Note: The following technical information and data is based on limited 3M testing
conditions and should not be used for specification purposes.
3M™Water Contact Indicator Tape
5557
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• Tape may be die cut using rotary die cutting process.
• Substrate should be smooth, clean, dry and oil-free to insure good wet-out and
adequate adhesion.
• Adhesive should not be applied at temperatures < 50°F (10°C) [best if room
temperature or higher].
• Maximum roll length depends upon width.
• Maximum roll width = 12 in. (304.8 mm)
• Temperature resistance is -40°C to 65°C for days or weeks and up to 121°C for
minutes or hours.
General
• Use as a water contact indicator in handheld or portable electronic devices such
as cell phones, PDA’s, pagers, MP3 players, game players, CD players, cordless
phones, two-way radios, laptops, digital or film cameras, video cameras, etc.
• Other applications where positive indication of water or aqueous solution contact
is desired.
Application Ideas
Features
Features
Film top layer
Paper backing
Acrylic adhesive
2.0 mil film liner
Benefits
Printable by thermal transfer, flexographic, and screen
printing methods. Can be used for identification.
Top coated film for improved ink receptivity.
Provides protection from soiling and moisture during
handling. Indication remains after prolonged immersion.
Highly absorbent, quickly transports water to show
indications.
Does not falsely indicate water contact in high humidity
environments.
Performance not degraded by past high humidity
exposures.
Rotary die cuttable. Can readily form a variety of labels.
Excellent UV, chemical, temperature resistance.
Very high bond strength to most surfaces including lo w
surface energy plastics such as polypropylene and po wder
coatings.
Excellent die cuttability .
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3M™Water Contact Indicator Tape
5557
Storage
Store under normal conditions of 60° to 80°F (16° to 27°C) and 40 to 60% R.H. in
the original carton.
Shelf Life
To obtain best performance, use this product within 18 months from date of
manufacture.
Underwriters
Laboratories Inc.
3M™ Water Contact Indicator Tape 5557 material is Recognized by Underwriters
Laboratories Inc. Representative samples of this component have been evaluated by
UL and meet applicable UL requirements.
The UL recognition information per UL-969 “Marking and Labeling Systems” and
file MH-16411 can be verified on-line at the Underwriters Laboratories Inc. Web
Site. To view the verification information follow the path below:
“www.ul.com”
“Certifications”
“Keyword Search”
“5557”
3M Company comes up on the top of the search list
“Link to File”
“PGJ12.MH16411”
For 5557 per UL-969 the following entries apply:
“3M Brand 5557” unprinted label stock and printer/ink combination 6.”
Affixed to porcelain, aluminum, stainless steel, polyurethane powder paint,
smooth acrylic powder paint, epoxy powder paint (smooth and textured),
polyester powder paint (smooth and textured), alkyd paint, galvanized steel,
nylon, polypropylene, polyphenylene oxide, polycarbonate, high density
polyethylene (HDPE), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and high impact
polystyrene, maximum temperature 60°C (140°F), minimum temperature
-20°C (-4°F); polystyrene and low density polyethylene (LDPE), maximum
temperature 40°C (104°F), minimum temperature -20°C (-4°F). Suitable where
exposed to indoor dry location use.
3M Brand 5557 unprinted label stock and printer/ink combination 6.
“6) Armor “AXR-7”, “AXR-7+”, Dasco “DR-74”, “DR-84”, Great Ribbon “SDR”,
Iimak “SP-330”, Intermec “053258-2”, “054048-4”, NCR “Matrix Resin”,
“PaceSetter”, “Ultra V”, Ricoh “B110C”, “B110CX”, Sato “Premier 1”, Sony
“4070”, “Signature Series™ Resin”, UBI “HR03”, “HR04” thermal transfer ink
with thermal transfer printing equipment.”
3M™Water Contact Indicator Tape
5557
All statements, technical information and recommendations contained in this document are based upon
tests or experience that 3M believes are reliable. However, many factors beyond 3M’s control can affect
the use and performance of a 3M product in a particular application, including the conditions under
which the product is used and the time and environmental conditions in which the product is expected to
perform. Since these factors 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.
Product Use
Unless stated otherwise in 3M’s product literature, packaging inserts or product packaging for individual
products, 3M warrants that each 3M product meets the applicable specifications at the time 3M ships the
product. Individual products may have additional or different warranties as stated on product literature,
package inserts or product packages. 3M MAKES NO OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED,
INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED T O, ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS
FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR ANY IMPLIED W ARRANTY ARISING OUT OF A COURSE OF
DEALING, CUSTOM OR USAGE OF TRADE. User is responsib le for determining whether the 3M product
is fit for a particular purpose and suitable for user’s application. If the 3M product is def ective within the
warranty period, your exclusiv e remedy and 3M’s and seller’s sole ob ligation will be, at 3M’s option, to
replace the product or refund the purchase price.
W arranty and
Limited Remedy
To request additional product information or to arrange for sales assistance, call toll free 1-800-251-8634.
Address correspondence to: 3M Electronics Markets Materials Division, Building 21-1W-10, 900 Bush
Avenue , St. Paul, MN 55144-1000. Our fax number is 651-733-9175. In Canada, phone: 1-800-364-3577.
In Puerto Rico, phone: 1-787-750-3000. In Mexico, phone: 52-70-04-00.
For Additional
Information
This product does not require Toxic Substance Control Act (TSCA) listing.
Regulatory Information
Except where prohibited by law, 3M and seller will not be liable for any loss or damage arising from the
3M product, whether direct, indirect, special, incidental or consequential, regardless of the legal theory
asserted, including warranty, contract, negligence or strict liability.
Limitation of Liability
Printed in U.S.A.
©3M 2004 70-0709-5279-4 (12/04)
Recycled Paper
40% pre-consumer
10% post-consumer
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Electronics Markets Materials Division
3M Center, Building 21-1W-10, 900 Bush A venue
St. Paul, MN 55144-1000
1-800-251-8634 phone
651-733-9175 fax
www.3M.com/electronicmaterials
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