Unique UV curable screen printable adhesive

Productivity and performance margins in the printing and die cutting of graphic overlays are very tight and the potential for waste is very high. Eliminating or minimizing the impact of these issues and enhancing cost efficiency were the drivers behind the development of 3M™ SP-7514 UV Screen Printable Adhesive.

3M SP-7514 is a pressure sensitive, non-water, non-solvent adhesive based on liquid acrylate which delivers the advantages of both water and solvent-based adhesives, while avoiding their disadvantages and giving additional benefits not available with either systems. Comprising a 100% solids, the 3M SP-7514 system provides greater flexibility in processing and offers the potential of up to 40% higher productivity than conventional screen-printing adhesives.

In common with other screen printable adhesives it eliminates the need to die-cut sheets of laminating adhesive material, thereby reducing both the number of processing steps and the consequent material waste. But uniquely, its UV curability enables higher speed printing and faster curing cycles which translates into time savings or increased throughput.

However, the total package of advantages offered by 3M SP-7514 is much broader. The adhesives high speed printing is further complemented by its non-clogging characteristics. Because it doesn’t dry on the screen there is no requirement for the periodic in-process cleaning experienced with alternative adhesive systems. This advantage also extends to a simplified cleaning procedure on completion of printing and these factors combine to generate material savings which can be as much as 30%.

Although designed for use with flat bed screen printing processes and standard UV curing equipment, 3M SP-7514 adhesive is also suitable for rotary screen printing. Importantly, it consistently performs within process parameters and exhibits no caliper shrinkage after curing, easily achieving good print quality with accurate outlines in thicknesses between 25μ and 75μ. Moreover, because it contains no solvent, 3M SP-7514 does not emit VOCs making it more user friendly to work with and contributing to an improved processing environment.

Optimized to give a balanced combination of peel and shear strength, as well as environmental ageing properties, 3M™ SP-7514 provides a solution to meet the most intricate die cutting requirements. And, when cured, its adhesive properties give it an ideal fit for a wide range of graphic overlays. Principal markets include the automotive, electronics and medical industries in which 3M SP-7514 Screen Printable Adhesive can deliver cost efficient, aesthetic graphics solutions for interior trims, control panels, keyboards, nameplates, label systems and other graphic features and attachments.

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