Scotchcal™
ElectroCut™
Graphic Film Series 7725
For Electronic Cutting, Screen
Printing and Thermal Transfer
Description
3M™ Scotchcal™ ElectroCut™ Graphic Film Series
7725 is 2 mil, pressure sensitive film designed for permanent graphics
that may be prespaced and electronically cut, screen printed or
used in narrow width thermal transfer printing systems. A transparent
synthetic liner resists moisture absorption and static buildup,
lays flat for easier assembly of multicolor graphics, and allows
superior cutting/weeding.
Advantages
• Gasoline resistant
• Film is the same color on both sides
• Good cutting and weeding characteristics
Applications and
End Uses
Film series 7725 is intended for making permanent, durable graphics
when used with the listed Compatible Products in the following applications.
These applications are warranted by the 3M™ MCS™ Warranty.
• Prespaced, electronically-cut graphics
• Commercial and industrial graphic applications, including
emblems, vehicle graphics, labels, striping, general signage, two
way signage
• Thermal transfer printed graphics
• Screen printed graphics
Limitations of End Uses
We do not normally warrant other applications, but please contact
us to discuss your needs or let us suggest other 3M products.
Specifically, we do not warrant this film for the
following:
• Application to corrugated surfaces or surfaces
with compound curves
• Backlit signage (use 3M™ Scotchcal™ Translucent
Graphic Film Series 3630 instead)
• Thermoforming
• Use in Summa’s SummaChrome™ or DuraChrome? printers
or similar printers
• Graphics made for automotive Original Equipment Manufacturers
(OEM); contact 3M Automotive Division at 1-800-328-1684, Ext. 444,
for alternatives.
Compatible
Products
• 3M™ Screen Printing Ink Series 1900
• 3M™ Screen Printing Ink Series 9700UV (line color
only)
• 3M™ Prespacing Tape SCPS-2, SCPS-53X
• 3M™ Premasking Tape SCPM-3, SCPM-44X
Characteristics
This information is subject to change. Be sure this is the most
current Product Bulletin. See 3M Related Literature at the end of
this bulletin.
Characteristic |
Description |
Film |
Opaque cast vinyl |
Colors |
See Color Chart on page 2. |
Thickness |
2 mil, (0.05 mm) without adhesive
2.5 to 3.6 mils (0.063 to 0.090 mm) with adhesive |
Adhesive |
Clear, pressure sensitive |
Liner |
Transparent synthetic |
Minimum application
temperature |
40° to 100° F
(4° to 38° C) |
Application surfaces |
For flat surfaces with and without rivets,
or simple curved surfaces |
Application substrates |
Flexible signage, glass, metal, acrylic,
polycarbonate, fiberglass, painted surfaces |
Removability |
Permanent |
Color Chart
3M™ Scotchcal™ ElectroCut™
Film Series 7725
Note: All colors are glossy except 7725-20 and 7725-22.
Number |
Color |
Number |
Color |
Number |
Color |
Number |
Color |
7725-10 |
White |
7725-37 |
Sapphire blue |
7725-66 |
Forest green |
7725-131 |
Satin gold |
7725-11 |
Pearl gray |
7725-38 |
Royal purple |
7725-77 |
Peacock blue |
7725-139 |
Saddle brown |
7725-12 |
Black |
7725-39 |
Tan |
7725-85 |
Vista yellow |
7725-173 |
Salmon pink |
7725-13 |
Tomato red |
7725-41 |
Dark gray |
7725-86 |
Robin egg blue |
7725-176 |
Aqua |
7725-14 |
Bright orange |
7725-46 |
Kelly green |
7725-88 |
Violet |
7725-177 |
Shadow blue |
7725-15 |
Bright yellow |
7725-47 |
Intense blue |
7725-89 |
Sandstone |
7725-186 |
Bright green |
7725-17 |
Vivid blue |
7725-48 |
Purple |
7725-90 |
Antique white |
7725-187 |
Wedgewood blue |
7725-19 |
Deep
mahogany
brown |
7725-49 |
Beige |
7725-96 |
Teal |
7725-193 |
Mauve |
7725-20 |
Matte white |
7725-53 |
Cardinal red |
7725-98 |
Dark violet |
7725-196 |
Apple green |
7725-22 |
Matte black |
7725-54 |
Light orange |
7725-99 |
Fawn |
7725-197 |
Light navy |
7725-24 |
Terra cotta |
7725-56 |
Dark green |
7725-103 |
Magenta |
7725-263 |
Perfect match red |
7725-25 |
Sunflower |
7725-58 |
Burgundy |
7725-105 |
Harvest gold |
7725-273 |
Process magenta |
7725-27 |
Indigo |
7725-59 |
Putty |
7725-114 |
Transparent |
7725-276 |
Bottle green |
7725-29 |
Russet brown |
7725-63 |
Geranium |
7725-120 |
Satin aluminum |
7725-307 |
Dark aqua |
7725-31 |
Medium gray |
7725-64 |
Apricot |
7725-130 |
Eggshell |
7725-357 |
Bermuda blue |
Effective Performance Life
The effective performance life is based on field experience and
exposure tests conducted throughout the United States. When the
graphics are processed and used according to 3M recommendations,
they should have the performance life shown in the charts below.
The actual performance depends on the:
• correct combination of film, ink and screen print clear
• ink formulation
• drying methods
• selection and preparation of the substrate
• application methods
• exposure conditions
• cleaning methods
Limitations of Product
Film series 7725 can be used on opaque surfaces, but has less hiding
power than a film with a colored adhesive. Consider this characteristic
when selecting and preparing the
substrate.
With long exterior exposure, unprinted film 7725-10 may chalk. Where
cleaning is not practical, sign graphics must have either screen
print clear 1920DR or screen print clear 9720UV.
Printing
Use the correct combinations of ink, processing, and screen print
clear to get the durability given in the Effective Performance
Screen print clears 1920DR and 9720UV are the only warranted screen
print clears for horizontal applications. With ink series 1900,
oven dry both the last color and the screen print clear for two
hours at 150°F (65°C).
Film series 7725 may be used for narrow width thermal transfer printing.
Fabrication
This Bulletin does not contain detailed processing or application
procedures.
Cutting
! Caution
When using any equipment, always follow the manufacturers’
instructions for safe operation.
For individual pieces, use one of these cutting methods.
• Hand cut
• Die cut
• Thermal kiss cut
The face of the die should be maintained between 280° and 325°F
(137° to 162°C), and a cutting dwell time of up to 1/2 second
should be utilized. Large open areas of the thermal die should be
covered with an adhesive backed foam tape to prevent the film from
contacting the hot die.
• Electronically-controlled, friction-fed or flat-bed cutters
For multiple pieces, use one of these cutting methods.
• Guillotine
• Die cut
Based on cutting and weeding evaluations that used Helvetica medium
upper and lower case copy, the recommended minimum cutting height
for text is 0.250 inch (0.64 cm). Because of differences in electronically
controlled cutting equipment and font characteristics, users should
determine their own cutting and weeding capability.
These factors can affect cutting quality and ability:
• Sharpness of the knife blade. Dull blades create a serrated
look to the cut edge of the film.
• Weight on the knife blade. The ideal weight slightly scores
the liner. Too little weight does not cut completely through the
film and the adhesive. Excessive weight cuts the liner. It also
causes the blade to drag, accelerating wear and eventually creating
a serrated cut edge on the film.
Application
Tape
The application tape you use depends on the type of graphic produced
and the screen print clear used.
• Use a prespacing tape if the graphic has large amounts
of the liner exposed.
• Use a premasking tape if very little of the liner is exposed.
Removal
! Caution
Solvents may ignite near heat or an open flame. To reduce the risk
of a flash fire and serious injury, do not use heat sources near
solvents. After removing film series 7725, there may be adhesive
left on the surface. To remove the adhesive, use a solvent-based
cleaner. Refer to Instruction Bulletin 6.5 for complete details.
Shelf Life, Storage, and Shipping
Follow these guidelines to store and ship this film and the processed
graphics.
• Unprocessed film has a shelf life of two years after receipt
from 3M. Processed film has a shelf life of one year. However, the
total shelf life of a graphic before and after processing cannot
exceed two years.
• Store the film in a clean, dry area, out of the direct sunlight,
and at less than 100°F (38°C).
• Ship the finished graphic lying flat or roll it. To roll
the graphic, wrap it film-side out onto a core that is 5 inches
(13 cm) 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:
• 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 http://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.
Warranty and Limited Remedy
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: Film series 7725 is 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. See the worldwide
3M™ MCS™ Warranty bulletin, which gives the terms and
limitations of the warranty.
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. |