Question 1

Product Description

Accepted Answer

3M™ Scotchcal colored foils are self-adhesive foils consisting of cast PVC and an acrylic adhesive. This modified acrylic adhesive achieves excellent adhesion even on difficult-to-bond surfaces, such as rough and porous substrates, hammered finishes, and low-energy plastics (e.g., polypropylene). The high flexibility and conformability of the foils enable labeling on shaped or curved components without the label edges lifting. The foils are dimensionally stable and resistant to weathering. The 3690+ series is therefore suitable for applications with the highest demands on durability and resilience.

Question 2

Construction

Accepted Answer

Product
Color
Foil thickness in mm
Adhesive thickness in mm
Release liner in mm (g/m²)
Release liner

3690A
White Glossy
0,050
0,035
0,120, (120)
Densified paper, siliconized on one side, white

3698A+
Aluminum glossy
0,050
0,035
0,120, (120)
Densified paper, siliconized on one side, white

3695A
Black glossy
0,050
0,035
0,120, (120)
Densified paper, siliconized on one side, white

3690D
White Glossy
0,050
0,035
0,175, (150)
Poly-coated paper, siliconized on both sides, white

3698B
Aluminum glossy
0,050
0,035
0,175, (150)
Poly-coated paper, siliconized on both sides, white

3690E+
White Glossy
0,050
0,035
0,075, (90)
Densified paper, siliconized on both sides

3698E+
Aluminum glossy
0,050
0,035
0,075, (90)
Densified paper, siliconized on both sides

3695E+
Black glossy
0,050
0,035
0,075, (90)
Densified paper, siliconized on both sides

3690-943E+
Black matte
0,050
0,035
0,075, (90)
Densified paper, siliconized on both sides

3690-1402E+
Off White glossy
0,050
0,035
0,075, (90)
Densified paper, siliconized on both sides

3690-906E+
Silver Gray glossy
0,050
0,035
0,075, (90)
Densified paper, siliconized on both sides

3690EDL+
White matte
0,050
0,035
0,075, (90)
Densified paper, siliconized on both sides

3698EDL+
Aluminum matte
0,050
0,035
0,075, (90)
Densified paper, siliconized on both sides

3698EDSL+
Aluminum glossy
0,050
0,035
0,056 (64)
Densified paper, siliconized on both sides

3690B-10BF+
White Glossy
0,080
0,035
0,175, (150)
Poly-coated paper, siliconized on one side, white

3690EDSL+
White Glossy
0,050
0,035
0,056 (64)
Densified paper, siliconized on both sides, white

3690SE+
White Glossy
0,050
0,035
0,072, (92)
Densified paper, siliconized on both sides, white

3698SE+
Aluminum glossy
0,050
0,035
0,072, (92)
Densified paper, siliconized on both sides, white

3692-1802EDL+
Yellow glossy
0,075
0,035
0,075, (90)
Densified paper, siliconized on both sides, Yellow

3692-1802ADL+
Yellow glossy
0,075
0,035
0,120, (120)
Densified paper, siliconized on one side, white

3692-1802DBL+
Yellow glossy
0,075
0,035
0,175, (150)
Poly-coated paper, siliconized on one side, white

Question 3

Performance characteristics

Accepted Answer

Backing material
PVC copolymer

Adhesive
Modified acrylate adhesive, 90 series

Adhesive properties (according to DIN 30646)
Permanent adhesive (PK), special adhesive (SK)

Dimensional stability (DIN 30646, applied condition)
Code number 05 Shrinkage ≤ 0.5%

Adhesive strength Adhesive strength level (DIN 30646) to aluminum to stainless steel
T (≥ 25N/25mm)
28N/25mm
28N/25mm

Temperature resistance (applied condition on aluminum)
Short term -40°C to +150°C
Long term -40°C to +90°C

Fire behavior (DIN 75200, applied condition)
Self-extinguishing

Salt spray test (ISO 9227)
150 hours, no complaints

Minimum processing temperature
+4°C

Substrate corrosion
does not cause corrosion on the bonded substrate

Condensation water alternating climate Sulfur dioxide-containing atmosphere (DIN 50018, stress 2 cycles)
No change

The foils are resistant to most mineral oils and greases, fuels, aliphatic solvents, weak acids, salts, and alkalis.

Exposure medium / time*
Result

Heptane
No complaints

Diesel
No complaints

Engine oil
No complaints

Windshield cleaner
No complaints

Isopropanol
No complaints

Industrial cleaner (lemon)
No complaints

Detergent
No complaints

Acid (pH 4)
No complaints

Alkali (pH 10)
No complaints

*Film applied to stainless steel, tested after 4 hours of storage in the specified test medium at room temperature

Question 4

Processing

Accepted Answer

Printing
The best results are achieved in screen printing.
A color qualification test is recommended before series production.Note: It is recommended to also test the basic print for chemical resistance if necessary.

Thermal transfer printing
The special surface coating of 3M™ Scotchcal™ foils is very well suited for post-labeling using the thermal transfer printing process.
The visual appearance and durability of the post-labeling depend on the ribbon used.
To achieve an optimal print image, the printing speed and the transfer temperature of the heating bar may need to be varied.

Punching
Sharp knives and minimal web tension are recommended to avoid possible adhesive leakage.

Question 5

Storage

Accepted Answer

Store clean and dry at temperatures of 20°C-25°C and 50% relative humidity. The shelf life is two years.  It is recommended to store the film/sign rolls in plastic bags.

Question 6

Durability

Accepted Answer

Based on our current knowledge, the following functionality and durability of 3M™ Scotchcal™ foils can be expected. Assuming vertical outdoor weathering and professional processing and application: The durability of the foil is 5-7 years for outdoor use, and almost unlimited for indoor use.

Question 7

Further information

Accepted Answer

UL Recognition 
See UL MH18072 for individual film and thermal transfer ribbon combinations.
 
Further information  
If additional product information is required, please contact the address given below.
 
Important note  
The above information represents our current state of experience. Before using our product, please check for yourself whether it is also suitable for your intended use with regard to possible application-effective influences. All questions of warranty and liability for this product are governed by our respective terms and conditions of sale, unless statutory provisions provide otherwise.

Product	Color	Foil thickness in mm	Adhesive thickness in mm	Release liner in mm (g/m²)	Release liner
3690A	White Glossy	0,050	0,035	0,120, (120)	Densified paper, siliconized on one side, white
3698A+	Aluminum glossy	0,050	0,035	0,120, (120)	Densified paper, siliconized on one side, white
3695A	Black glossy	0,050	0,035	0,120, (120)	Densified paper, siliconized on one side, white
3690D	White Glossy	0,050	0,035	0,175, (150)	Poly-coated paper, siliconized on both sides, white
3698B	Aluminum glossy	0,050	0,035	0,175, (150)	Poly-coated paper, siliconized on both sides, white
3690E+	White Glossy	0,050	0,035	0,075, (90)	Densified paper, siliconized on both sides
3698E+	Aluminum glossy	0,050	0,035	0,075, (90)	Densified paper, siliconized on both sides
3695E+	Black glossy	0,050	0,035	0,075, (90)	Densified paper, siliconized on both sides
3690-943E+	Black matte	0,050	0,035	0,075, (90)	Densified paper, siliconized on both sides
3690-1402E+	Off White glossy	0,050	0,035	0,075, (90)	Densified paper, siliconized on both sides
3690-906E+	Silver Gray glossy	0,050	0,035	0,075, (90)	Densified paper, siliconized on both sides
3690EDL+	White matte	0,050	0,035	0,075, (90)	Densified paper, siliconized on both sides
3698EDL+	Aluminum matte	0,050	0,035	0,075, (90)	Densified paper, siliconized on both sides
3698EDSL+	Aluminum glossy	0,050	0,035	0,056 (64)	Densified paper, siliconized on both sides
3690B-10BF+	White Glossy	0,080	0,035	0,175, (150)	Poly-coated paper, siliconized on one side, white
3690EDSL+	White Glossy	0,050	0,035	0,056 (64)	Densified paper, siliconized on both sides, white
3690SE+	White Glossy	0,050	0,035	0,072, (92)	Densified paper, siliconized on both sides, white
3698SE+	Aluminum glossy	0,050	0,035	0,072, (92)	Densified paper, siliconized on both sides, white
3692-1802EDL+	Yellow glossy	0,075	0,035	0,075, (90)	Densified paper, siliconized on both sides, Yellow
3692-1802ADL+	Yellow glossy	0,075	0,035	0,120, (120)	Densified paper, siliconized on one side, white
3692-1802DBL+	Yellow glossy	0,075	0,035	0,175, (150)	Poly-coated paper, siliconized on one side, white

Backing material	PVC copolymer
Adhesive	Modified acrylate adhesive, 90 series
Adhesive properties (according to DIN 30646)	Permanent adhesive (PK), special adhesive (SK)
Dimensional stability (DIN 30646, applied condition)	Code number 05 Shrinkage ≤ 0.5%
Adhesive strength Adhesive strength level (DIN 30646) to aluminum to stainless steel	T (≥ 25N/25mm) 28N/25mm 28N/25mm
Temperature resistance (applied condition on aluminum)	Short term -40°C to +150°C Long term -40°C to +90°C
Fire behavior (DIN 75200, applied condition)	Self-extinguishing
Salt spray test (ISO 9227)	150 hours, no complaints
Minimum processing temperature	+4°C
Substrate corrosion	does not cause corrosion on the bonded substrate
Condensation water alternating climate Sulfur dioxide-containing atmosphere (DIN 50018, stress 2 cycles)	No change

Exposure medium / time*	Result
Heptane	No complaints
Diesel	No complaints
Engine oil	No complaints
Windshield cleaner	No complaints
Isopropanol	No complaints
Industrial cleaner (lemon)	No complaints
Detergent	No complaints
Acid (pH 4)	No complaints
Alkali (pH 10)	No complaints

Printing	The best results are achieved in screen printing. A color qualification test is recommended before series production.Note: It is recommended to also test the basic print for chemical resistance if necessary.
Thermal transfer printing	The special surface coating of 3M™ Scotchcal™ foils is very well suited for post-labeling using the thermal transfer printing process. The visual appearance and durability of the post-labeling depend on the ribbon used. To achieve an optimal print image, the printing speed and the transfer temperature of the heating bar may need to be varied.
Punching	Sharp knives and minimal web tension are recommended to avoid possible adhesive leakage.

Scotchcal 3690-906 E+