3 Cylinder Mount Build-Up Tape

Transcription

1 3 Cylinder Mount Build-Up Tape Technical Data October, 2004 Product Description Features Typical Physical Properties 3M Cylinder Mount Build-Up Tape is a non-compressible vinyl carrier coated on one side with a pressure sensitive acrylic adhesive designed for building-up print cylinder diameter to help meet press undercut and pitch diameter requirements and allows the flexographic printer to take advantage of the print quality improvement of thinner plates without the costly investment of new cylinders, gears or sleeves. Any 3M Flexomount, 3M Cushion-Mount or 3M Cushion-Mount Plus Mounting Tapes can be mounted to the non-linered side. Allows the printer to use thinner printing plates without changing plate mounting tape thickness or press modifications. Designed for building-up print cylinder diameter to change the repeat length for presses with 1/4"-pitch gear systems. Good adhesion for mounting and repositioning to cylinders and sleeves. Reusable. Leave on the cylinder and remount any 3M Plate Mounting Tape for the next job. Easy to cut, splice, and removes clean. Note: The following technical information and data should be considered representative or typical only and should not be used for specification purposes. Adhesive: Carrier: 3M cylinder mount tape Acrylic Vinyl (Clear) Liner: Paper Tape Thickness: in mm Overall Thickness Tolerance: ± in. ± in. Typical Application Area ± in. Thickness Tolerance*: ± mm Roll Length: 50 feet 15.2 m Standard Roll Width: 18 in mm Master Roll Width: 36 in mm Peel Adhesion to Steel, 50 oz./in. 24 hr. Dwell (ASTM D-3330): 55 N/100 mm Durometer (ASTM-D2240): 90 Shore A Density: 70 lb/ft kg/m 3 Shelf Life (months): 12 *Typical Application Area: 18 in x 6 ft = 1.0 yd 2, mm x mm = m 2.

2 Application Techniques 3M Cylinder Mount Build-Up Tape is mounted on existing print cylinders. Any 3M Flexomount, 3M Cushion-Mount or 3M Cushion-Mount Plus Mounting Tapes can then be mounted on the 3M cylinder mount tape. This effectively increases the diameter of the print cylinder to allow the printer to reduce plate thickness and realize the print quality improvements. Photopolymer Plate Plate Cylinder Impression Cylinder 3M Cylinder Mount Build-Up Tape 3M Cushion-Mount Plus Mounting Tape Undercut Tape Selection Selecting a mounting system thickness will depend on the press configuration as well as the plate thickness being used. The following chart describes typical tape thickness and plate thickness combinations " Undercut (3.18 Plate Mounting Tape Cylinder Mount Tape.107 ( " ( " ( " ( " ( " ( " ( " (

3 Tape and Print Quality 3M Cylinder Mount Build-Up Tape gives the flexo printer the flexibility to easily and cost effectively take advantage of the print quality improvements of thin plates. The print quality improvements are evident in the images below which are 1:20 reproductions of the actual flexographic printing results. 40% dot line screen Reverse Type The images to the right were printed using an in. plate mounted on 3M Cushion-Mount Plus Tape The thicker plate is printing with increased dot gain and slur in. (2.72 The images to the right were printed using an in. plate mounted on 3M Cushion-Mount Plus Tape Reducing plate thickness helps improve both dot gain and slur in. (1.70 The images to the right were printed using an in. plate mounted on 3M Cushion-Mount Plus Tape 1040 and 3M Cylinder Mount Build-Up Tape. The thinner plate again helps improve both dot gain and slur in. (

4 Performance Requirements Caliper Control Because another caliper variable is being added to the mounting system, caliper tolerances in the 3M Cylinder Mount Build-Up Tape are very important and should provide similar caliper control tolerances one expects from the cylinder, mounting tape and plate. Adhesion to Cylinder Good initial adhesion with the ability to mount and remount and reposition various foam tapes is important. The adhesion between the mounting tape adhesive and the surface of the 3M cylinder mount tape should be such that the tape can be removed and reapplied many times during the application process. Reuse 3M cylinder mount tape can be left on the cylinder for multiple printing applications. Reuse is determined for each application by the tape s adherence to the cylinder and the general cleanliness and surface condition of the product. Several features are built into the 3M cylinder mount tape to enhance durability: Solvent Resistance: Adhesive is solventless. It will not redisolve when exposed to solvents like typical rubber-based adhesives which use solvents in their production. Heat Resistance: Acrylic adhesive is superior to typical rubber adhesives with resistance to heat. Cut Resistance: Pliable vinyl retains its integrity better than typical stiffer vinyls when cut. Ability to Splice 3M cylinder mount tape is a pliable vinyl that is easy to cut and splice on the cylinder. Clean edges can also be expected. Durometer 3M cylinder mount tape is a non-compressible, high durometer vinyl that provides build-up without compression. The build-up takes on the general characteristics of the cylinder, allowing the compressible foam tape and plate performance to achieve optimal print quality performance

5 Performance Requirements (continued) Removability 3M Cylinder Mount Build-Up Tape unique acrylic adhesive is formulated for clean removal by providing less force to remove the tape and controlling adhesive build during the tape application. Relative Removal Force from Stainless Steel vs. Time (3M Cylinder Mount Tape = 100%) 200 % Removal Force M Days Drape 3M cylinder mount tape has excellent drape for easy handling and improved conformance to the cylinder for minimizing air entrapment. Use with all 3M Flexographic Mounting Tapes 3M cylinder mount tape will remain adhered to the cylinder after repeated application of any 3M flexographic mounting tape. The chart below shows typical adhesion values for 3M Flexomount, 3M Cushion-Mount and 3M Cushion-Mount Plus Tapes. Typical Adhesions to 3M Cylinder Mount Tape oz. / in DL M Mounting Tapes - 5 -

6 Tape Mounting Instructions Preparation Tools Needed: Razor blades Isopropanol and water (50:50 mixture) Rags/wipes Hand roller Surface Inspection: Surface uniformity is important in developing consistent adhesion across the entire cylinder and plate. Scratches, nicks, dents and other surface abnormalities will create variation in adhesion levels. This variation may result in removability or flagging problems. Care and effort should be taken in maintaining a consistent uniform cylinder surface. Surface Cleaning: Cylinders, sleeves and plates should be clean and dry before the tape is applied. Removal of dirt, oils, residual inks and general contaminants from the cylinder and plate surfaces is important in developing optimum adhesion results. A thorough wash using a 50:50 mixture of isopropanol* and water should be sufficient for cleaning cylinders, sleeves and plates, unless there is a significant build up of grease, oils, ink, or other contaminants. A mild solvent should be used to cut the grease, oil or ink build up and then followed by a wash with 50:50 isopropanol* and water. *Note: When using solvents, be sure to follow manufacturer s precautions and directions for use when handling such materials. Mounting Measure: Measure and cut area of tape needed and remove liner from 3M Cylinder Mount Build-up Tape. Liner may be left on and removed incrementally as product is laminated to the cylinder. Lamination: Apply tape to cylinder or sleeve by adhering the leading edge first. With heel of hand apply tape to cylinder with sweeping motion across the cylinder. Slowly turn cylinder and continue to lay down the tape. Keep tape bowed to allow air to escape as tape is applied. Butt Splice: Allow tape edges to overlap, cut through both layers of tape and remove trimmed excess. Roll Down/Rub Down: Roll down (pressurize) the tape to sleeve/cylinder to increase contact area and adhesion. Use a hand-held rubber roller (wallpaper type roller will work). 3M Mounting Tape to 3M Cylinder Mount Tape : All of the 3M Cushion-Mount and 3M Cushion- Mount Plus Tapes have differential adhesives. Due to the differential adhesives, these products should be mounted with the non-linered side to the cylinder first. 3M Doublelinered Flexomount Tapes should have the clear poly liner removed before applying to the cylinder. Follow Lamination, Butt-Splice, Roll Down/Rub Down steps above to mount standard mounting tapes to the cylinder mount tape surface

7 Tape Mounting Instructions (continued) Mount Plate: Remove paper liner from tape, mount and register the plate. Roll down plate edges with hand-held roller to help minimize the potential for plate edge lifting. Trim excess tape: The total tape area used should exceed the size of the plate by a minimum of 0.5 inches (12.7 around the perimeter of the plate. Using a 0.5 inch margin of tape will help disperse the stress of plate memory and minimize plate lifting. Talc can be applied to exposed tape to detackify the adhesive if necessary. Edge Seal Plate: Edge sealers may be used to help prevent inks and other solvents from migrating between the tape and plate and causing plate lifting during the press operation. This becomes more important during long press runs where plates are cleaned during the press run. Wrap Mounted Cylinder: After the tape and plate have been bonded to the cylinder or sleeve a thin poly film should be tightly wrapped around the whole system. Wrapping of the plate/tape/cylinder system helps reduce stress on the tape/plate bond by holding the plate against the tape and alleviate the stress induced by the plate s memory to return to its original flat geometry. Wrapping of the system enables the plate/tape bond to build to its optimum level without the stress of the plate memory working against the tape/plate adhesion bond. The cylinder should remain wrapped until it is installed in the press. Other Mounting Tips Storage of mounted cylinder or sleeve should be in a controlled environment. Excess heat and humidity can increase adhesion levels significantly. Removal Techniques Remove Plate: When removing the plate or cylinder from the tape a low and slow technique should be used. Tugging, jerking and folding the plate back over itself can lead to plate damage. Removing the plate slowly using low angle of peel, less than 90 will help ensure clean removal of the plate. Remove Mounting Tape: Slowly peel mounting tape away from the 3M Cylinder Mount Build-up Tape layer. Tugging and jerking the tape can cause adhesive to transfer or lift the tape from the cylinder. Removing the tape slowly using low angle of peel, less than 90 will help ensure clean removal of tape. To Remove 3M Cylinder Mount Tape : When bare cylinder is needed or 3M cylinder mount tape needs replacing, slowly peel tape away from the cylinder. Tugging and jerking the tape can cause adhesive to transfer to the cylinder. Cutting into strips can facilitate easier removal. To Reuse 3M Cylinder Mount Tape : 1. Clean: Gently clean surface of 3M cylinder mount tape for reuse and remounting by washing with a 50:50 mixture of isopropanol* and water. 2. Inspect: Feel surface with hand and visually inspect to determine if scratches, cuts, nicks, dents and other surface abnormalities are present. Also, inspect for wrinkles and air pockets under the tape. *Note: When using solvents, be sure to follow manufacturer s precautions and directions for use when handling such materials

8 Product Use 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. Warranty and Limited Remedy 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 TO, ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY ARISING OUT OF A COURSE OF DEALING, CUSTOM OR USAGE OF TRADE. User is responsible for determining whether the 3M product is fit for a particular purpose and suitable for user s application. If the 3M product is defective within the warranty period, your exclusive remedy and 3M s and seller s sole obligation will be, at 3M s option, to replace the product or refund the purchase price. Limitation of Liability 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. ISO 9001:2000 This Industrial Adhesives and Tapes Division product was manufactured under a 3M quality system registered to ISO 9001:2000 standards. 3 Industrial Business Industrial Adhesives and Tapes Division 3M Center, Building 21-1W-10, 900 Bush Avenue St. Paul, MN (fax) Recycled Paper 40% pre-consumer 10% post-consumer Printed in U.S.A. 3M (10/04)