RS-UG3100 Series
V-MARK™ REFLECTIVE MATERIAL
VEHICLE CONSPICUITY MARKINGS | REFLECTIVE SHEETING
OEM Color | 3+ Years Durability
Overview
V-MARK™ Reflective Material – Vehicle Conspicuity Markings #RS-UG3100 Series is a highly durable, all-weather, reflective sheeting consisting of lens elements enclosed within a transparent resin. RS-UG3100 Series reflective sheeting is designed for the production of attractive multi-coloured markings, displays, signs, truck markings and other markings which have the same appearance during the day and at night (when viewed by reflected light) and is highly reflective when viewed both head-on and at wide entrance angles.
RS-UG3100 Series is made strictly according to ASTM D4956 and similar standards.
Meaning of Product Codes
Item No. - RS-UG3100 Series
RS-UG - Utility Grade Reflective Sheeting
3100 - Non Meaning
OEM Color is Available
Physical Performance
Physical Properties
Standard Conditioning - all mounted and unmounted test specimens shall be conditioned for 24 hours at 73°F + 2°F (23°C + 1°C) and 50% + 4% relative humidity before testing.
- Adhesive
The retroreflective sheeting shall comply with the liner removal and adhesion requirements contained in ASTM D4956 sections 7.10 and 7.5 respectively.
- Impact Resistance
Test Method - Apply sheeting to a standard panel 3 x 6 inch (7.6x15.2cm) and condition. Subject sheeting to a 50 inch pounds (5.7Nm) impact in accordance with ASTM D-2794.
Requirement - No separation from panel or cracking outside immediate impact area.
- Shrinkage
The retroreflective sheeting shall comply with the shrinkage requirements contained in ASTM D4956 sections 7.10 and 7.5 respectively.
Requirement - No cracking, peeling or delamination.
4. Gloss
Test Method – Test in accordance with ASTMD523 using a 60° gloss meter.
Requirement – Rating not less than 50.
5. Optical Stability
Test Method – Apply a 3 inch x 6 inch sample to a test panel. Measure RA then place it in an oven at 71° C ± 3° C (160° F ± 5° F) for 24 hours followed by conditioning at standard conditions for 2 hours Re-measure RA.
Requirement – The sheeting shall retain a minimum of 85% and a maximum of 115%.
Retro-reflective Performance
V-MARK™ Reflective Material - Vehicle Graphics Grade Reflective Sheeting RS-UG3100 series meet the coefficients of retroreflection as shown in Tables A- Coefficient of Retroreflection RA for new reflective sheeting (cd/lux/m2) per ASTM D4956 I
Entrance Angle |
-4° |
30° |
||
Observation Angle |
0.2° |
0.5° |
0.2° |
0.5° |
White |
70 |
30 |
30 |
15 |
Yellow |
50 |
22 |
25 |
13 |
Orange |
25 |
7.0 |
13 |
4.0 |
Green |
9.0 |
3.5 |
4.5 |
2.2 |
Red |
14 |
6.0 |
7.5 |
3.0 |
Blue |
4.0 |
1.7 |
2.0 |
0.8 |
Brown |
1.0 |
0.3 |
0.3 |
0.2 |
Photometries
Daytime Color (x,y,Y)
The chromaticity coordinates and total luminance factor of the Vehicle Conspicuity Markings conform to Table A Daytime Color Specifications Limit (see Note 1).
Color Test – Ordinary Colored Sheeting Conformance to standard chromaticity (x, y) and luminance factor (Y %) requirements shall be determined by instrumental method in accordance with ASTM E 1164 on sheeting applied to smooth aluminum test panels.
The values shall be determined on a spectrophotometer.
Computations shall be done for CIE Illuminant D65 and the 2° standard observer (see Note 2)
Table C
COLOR |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
Daytime Luminance Limit |
|||||
x |
y |
x |
y |
x |
y |
x |
y |
Min. |
Max. |
|
White |
0.303 |
0.300 |
0.368 |
0.366 |
0.340 |
0.393 |
0.274 |
0.329 |
27 |
-- |
Yellow |
0.498 |
0.412 |
0.557 |
0.442 |
0.479 |
0.520 |
0.438 |
0.472 |
15 |
25 |
Orange |
0.558 |
0.352 |
0.636 |
0.364 |
0.570 |
0.429 |
0.506 |
0.404 |
10 |
30 |
Green |
0.026 |
0.399 |
0.166 |
0.364 |
0.286 |
0.446 |
0.207 |
0.771 |
3.0 |
12 |
Red |
0.648 |
0.351 |
0.735 |
0.265 |
0.629 |
0.281 |
0.565 |
0.346 |
2.5 |
15 |
Blue |
0.140 |
0.035 |
0.244 |
0.210 |
0.190 |
0.255 |
0.065 |
0.216 |
1.0 |
10 |
Black |
# |
# |
# |
# |
# |
# |
# |
# |
# |
# |
Note 1 : The four pairs of chromaticity coordinates determine the acceptable color in terms of the CIE 1931 Standard Colormetric System.
Note 2 : The instrumentally determined color values of retroreflective sheeting can vary significantly depending on the make and model of colorimetric spectrophotometer as well as the color and retro reflective optics of the sheeting.
Application and Installation Instructions
Tools Required
-
Clean cloths
-
Craft knife
-
Squeegee covered with a clean cloth to avoid scratching the material
-
Old vehicles only: Abrasive pad
-
Solvent Cleaner: Isopropyl alcohol (IPA)
V-MARK™ Reflective Material – Vehicle Conspicuity Markings can be applied to new and used trucks and trailers with painted rigid sides, as well as unpainted surfaces e.g. stainless steel
Application temperature
-
To ensure proper adhesion between the tape and the cleaned substrate, bonding materials must be applied when both the substrate and tape temperature is between 15° C and 38° C. The temperature needs to be consistent for at least one hour after application.
-
It is recommended that vehicle conspicuity markings are stored at temperatures between 18° C and 28° C.
Where to apply
-
Use the guidelines provided in Regulations ( such as: ECE 104, DOT FMVSS 108 ) to ensure that the markings (tapes) is in general positioned correctly on the vehicle.
-
The user is responsible for determining whether the V-MARK™ product is fit for a particular purpose and suitable for the user’s application.
-
Users are urged to carefully evaluate substrates for material adhesion and compatibility.
Listed below are guidelines for selected substrates. Material failures caused by the substrate or improper surface preparations are not the responsibility of manufacturer or its distributors.
Two-part polyurethane paints
-
Two-part polyurethane paints must be cured before applying V-MARK™ markings (tape). If the paint is not properly cured, outgassing will cause bubbles to form under the applied material and the adhesive will not adhere adequately.
-
V-MARK™ recommends testing for outgassing prior to applying vehicle conspicuity markings (tape).
-
For drying times, paint manufacturers’ guidelines are to be followed in all instances. While most paints are usually touch-dry within a few hours, dependent upon the primer, paint mixture and thickness, proper curing may make significantly longer, up to one week.
GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastics) and/or gelcoated surfaces
- Similar guidelines to the above will apply for composite materials such as GRP substrates and/or gelcoated surfaces, in that the substrate must be properly and fully cured before applying, otherwise outgassing may result.
Outgassing Plastics
- Polycarbonates, Polyprenes and other plastics can interact with the environment absorbing or outgassing moisture, or outgassing processing aids and solvent carriers for additives, which might cause the formation of bubbles on the film. Preliminary tests are essential to ensure that no adverse effects arise from this interaction.
Stainless Steel
- The same application guidelines and warranty as the standard product apply.
Surface cleaning
-
The purpose of cleaning the substrate is to remove any dirt or contamination.
-
It is very important that the surface is free of dust and grease, and ideally the surface should be smooth.
-
Use a clean cloth with isopropyl alcohol to wipe the surface in one direction only to avoid spreading contamination. With a dry clean cloth wipe away the cleaner before evaporation.
-
Repeat this process until the surface is clean, i.e. when there is no visual dirt or contamination transfer onto the cloth. Ensure the surface is dry and the isopropyl alcohol has completely evaporated before commencing application.
Used Vehicles
Survey the vehicle for suitability of application. Avoid application of the tape over holes, rivets, rust and flaking paint. The tape should be applied to a flat, clean, uniform surface.
An additional step is required for used vehicles: After completing the above cleaning process, lightly abrade the area with an abrasive pad to remove dirt residue without scratching the paint work. Afterwards clean again with isopropyl alcohol and a clean cloth.
STEP 1
Mark out a pencil line guide, or alternatively apply a strip of masking tape. Do not use chalk line or other means that may leave residue on the surface.
STEP 2
Peel back the adhesive liner and tack it onto the application surface with a squeegee. Avoid touching the exposed adhesive once the liner has been removed.
STEP 3
It is important that the initial alignment/positioning of the tape is correct as it is not possible to re-align the tape without causing wrinkles or “tunnels” once application starts.
STEP 4
Ensure that the exposed adhesive only comes in contact with the surface through the pressure of the squeegee. If the exposed adhesive touches the surface without uniform squeegee pressure, air can be trapped under the film and bubbles may occur.
STEP 5
After the application, re-squeegee the whole length of the vehicle. It is important to ensure that the edges of the tape have been properly adhered to the surface. If a full contour marking is done, the corners of the tape can be overlapped.
Tips
Upon inspection of the application there should be no visual air bubbles. If air bubbles occur, use a pin to puncture the bubble and a squeegee to push the air towards the pin hole.
If the liner needs to be quickly removed, the following tip might help:
Concave surfaces and contours
Bi-directionally bent surfaces:
-
The film should not be applied to surfaces bending in two directions.
-
If the surface is slightly concave in one direction only (e.g. tanker sides), make sure that the squeegee is bending in such a way as to provide the correct contact and enough pressure between the film and the substrate.
Doors with contours:
- When applying vehicle conspicuity markings on sides or doors with contours, ensure that the markings (tape) is applied without tension, especially on the areas where the surface bends (see drawings).
Application to Corners / Edges
- Thev ehicle conspicuity markings should not be applied around corners or edges. Instead it should be cut back 6 mm (1/4”) from the edge.
Application on panels
-
When applying vehicle conspicuity markings on doors or sides with panels which might move and / or expand during use
-
It is recommended that the tape is cut and applied as separate pieces on the panels.
Application of reflective sheeting over vinyl
-
V-MARK™ does not recommend applying vehicle conspicuity markings over vinyl sheeting.
- This practice violates the warranty.
Heat application
- Do not use any source of heat when applying vehicle conspicuity markings
Removal
-
When the need arises to remove vehicle conspicuity markings from the vehicle, keep the angle of removal perpendicular (90°) to the surface and pull at a moderate speed.
-
A heat gun may be used to gently warm the adhesive and make it less aggressive.
-
Be careful not to leave the heat source in one spot for too long, as it could melt the adhesive causing it to release from the sheeting, or worse, damage the painted finish below.
-
Leftover adhesive residue may be removed with clean-up solvents and adhesive removers. Before use, always review the manufacturer’s MSDS and test the surface in an inconspicuous area for compatibility.
General Performance Considerations
V-MARK™ Reflective Material –Utility Grade Vehicle Conspicuity Markings will provide maximum durability when:
• Recommended procedures are followed.
• Marking is applied to vertical surfaces.
Actual durability will be based on actual customer use, field testing, exterior exposed testing and artificial weathering testing.
Durability can be reduced if recommended techniques are not followed:
• Failure to cut markings around rivets, seams and body are panels.
• Improper use of high pressure cleaning.
• Spillage of chemicals or solvents.
• Improper application or surface preparation.
Storage and Shelf Life
Storage
-
Cool, dry area out of direct sunlight.
-
Temperature 65-82°F (18-28°C) humidity 30-50%.
-
Store rolls horizontally, in carton or in original packaging.
Shelf Life
-
Apply V-MARK™ Reflective Material – Vehicle Conspicuity Markings within two years of receipt of material.
General Maintenance Guidelines
Routine washing is recommended for maximum performance. The following cleaning methods are recommended.
-
Wash with sponge, cloth or soft brush using water and detergent.
-
Automatic truck/car wash or standard high-pressure hand spray:
Maximum pressure-1200 PSI/ 80 bar.
Maximum water/wash solution temperature- 140°F/ 60°C.
Minimum of 12 inches/ 30cm distance of cleaning jet(s) from markings.
- Cleaning wand or jets to be at no greater angle than 45 degrees from perpendicular to the marking surface.
When using metal brighteners, follow manufacturer’s recommendations for dilution.
When using cleaners/degreasers, make sure the product is suitable for vehicles and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for dilution. Thoroughly rinse after soaking vehicle. Prolonged exposure to cleaners/degreasers can in some circumstances affect the material negatively. Prolonged exposure in combination with sunlight can reinforce cleaners/degreasers negative effect.
Do not use solvents to clean the film, as they can adversely affect the product. If soap or detergent does not sufficiently clean the markings, vehicle conspicuity markings ( tapes ) can be gently rubbed with a cloth soaked in isopropyl alcohol to remove the stains.
Important:
-
The suitability of the intended care process must be determined by the end user.