3M ElectroCut User Manual

PB1 170 / Last edi t: No vem ber 2003
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Product Bulletin 1170

January 2004

3M™ ElectroCut™ Film (E.C. Film) Series 1170

Health and Safety

Refer to the package label and the Material Safety
Data Sheet for health, safety, and handling
information on the products referenced in this
bulletin. For 3M products, if necessary, you may
contact our Toxicology/Product Responsibility
Department on 01344 858000.

Intended Use

Series 1170 is available in both pre-punched and
non-punched roll goods for use on electronic
cutting machines. Series 1170 film has been
specifically developed for optimal cutting, weeding,
lifting and transfer features when used with
electronic cutting machines. Series 1170 film is
durable and dimensionally stable.

Series 1170 is intended for use over the following
Reflective Sheetings:

• 3M™ Engineer Grade Reflective Sheeting Series
3290

• 3M™ High Intensity Grade Reflective Sheeting
Series 3870

• 3M™ Diamond Grade™ LDP Reflective
Sheeting Series 3970

• 3M™ Diamond Grade™ VIP Reflective Sheeting
Series 3990

Series 1170 may be used for street name signs and
other traffic control signs that are single panel signs
and can be cut from the available product widths
and colours.

NOTE: Splicing or overlapping of Series 1170 films
is not recommended.

Description

Series 1170 is a durable, transparent, coloured film
coated with a transparent, pressure -sensitive
adhesive that is protected by a removable liner
available in the following colours.

Yellow 1171
Red 1172
Orange 1174
Blue 1175
Standard (Worboys) Green 1176
Interstate Green 1177
Brown 1179

Roll Sizes

Series 1170 film is available in the following roll
sizes: 380mm (sprocketed ), 610mm (unsprocketed),
760mm (sprocketed), 915mm (unsprocketed) &
1220mm (unsprocketed).

Film Liner

Series 1170 films have a clear liner designed to aid
the cutting process and the removal of the film weed
after cutting. The rolls of film come edge-weeded.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry area 18-28°C and 30-60% relative
humidity. Use within one year from date of receipt.

Fabrication, Cutting and
Application Procedures

Important Note: It is recommended that inside

radius corner fonts be used when cutting series
1170 film. Read and follow the manufacturer's
operating manual carefully for proper use of cutting
equipment.

1. Adjust knife pressure to cut cleanly through the
film without cutting into the liner. A 30 degree
blade works best. Spacing between letters or
numbers should be adjusted to the aesthetic
preference of the user. Consult the operating
manual for instructions on how to regulate
spacing. Note: do not cut at high speed on
variable speed machines.

2. Avoid sharp bends when cutting and handling
film as this may cause film to release from the
liner.

3. After cutting is completed, lay sheets flat, face
to face, back to back. Always store sheets in
this manner until the sheeting has been weeded
and transfer tape has been applied to sheeting.

4. Use a stripping tool designed for weeding films
that has a blunt (not a sharp) edge.

5. After weeding is completed, store sheets flat,
face to face and back to back, until transfer tape
is applied.

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6. TPM-5 Clear Transfer Tape is recommended for
best results. 3M™ Scotchcal™ Prespacing
Tape Series SCPS-2 is also satisfactory for use
on small signs. Other transfer tapes are not
recommended.

7. Transfer tape can be applied by hand on very
small sheets using a plastic squeegee, however,
use of a hand squeeze roll laminator is
recommended. See Information Folders 24, 30,
and 50 for details.

8. Series 1170 film may be applied to the sheeting
either before or after the sheeting has been
applied to the substrate

A hand squeeze roll laminator must be used to
ensure satisfactory results. Use the "split liner
method" - start in the middle of the sheet and
remove half the liner to ensure proper
alignment. See Information Folder 30.

9. After series 1170 film and the sheeting have
been applied, remove the transfer tape by
carefully removing the tape at as low an angle
as possible.

10. IMPORTANT! When the transfer tape has
been removed, re-roll the sign through the
laminator to insure good adhesion.

11. A clean cutting blade is required. To remove
adhesive build-up use a soft cloth dampened
with mineral spirits, isopropyl alcohol or 3M
Industrial (Citrus Based) Cleaner.

Expected Performance Life

All existing field performance warranties for the
reflective sheetings remain in effect when series
1170 film is applied over any 3M reflective
sheetings.

The 3M reflective sheeting with series 1170 film
applied will give equivalent performance as the 3M
reflective sheeting to which normal recommended
clears or process colours have been applied.

3M assumes no responsibility for any injury, loss or
damage arising out of the use of a product that is
not of our manufacture. Where reference is made in
literature to a commercially available product, made
by another manufacturer, it shall be the user's
responsibility to ascertain the precautionary
measures for its use outlined by the manufacturer.

Important Notice to Purchaser

Technical information provided by 3M is based on experience and/or tests believed to be reliable but its
accuracy is not guaranteed and the results may not be relevant to every user’s application. 3M does not accept
responsibility or liability, direct or consequential, arising from reliance upon any informa tion provided and
the user should determine the suitability of the products for their intended use.

Nothing in this statement will be deemed to exclude or restrict 3M’s liability for death or personal injury
arising from its negligence.

All questions of liability relating to 3M products are governed by the seller’s terms of sale subject where
applicable to the prevailing law.

If any goods supplied or processed by or on behalf of 3M prove on inspection to be defective in material or
workmanship 3M will (at i ts option) replace the same or refund to the Buyer the price of the goods or services.

Except as set out above, all warranties and conditions, whether expressed or implied, statutory or otherwise
are excluded to the fullest extent permissible at law.

Technical Assistance

For help on specific questions relating to 3M Traffic Safety Systems Division Products, contact your local
Technical Service Representative.

Traffic Safety Systems Division

3M United Kingdom PLC
3M Centre
Cain Road
Bracknell
Berks
RG12 8HT

Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]