TYPE II – Super Engineering Grade
Technical Data

Roll Sizes and Color Availability

Physical Properties

The data shown below is based on tests conducted on SEG sheeting applied to acid etched aluminum panels and conditioned for 48 hours at a room temperature of 23°C (74°F).

Resistance to Chemicals

CHROMATICITY COORDINATES

Nikkalite^® SEG sheeting is available in eight colors conforming to all worldwide retro-reflective sheeting standards. The pigments used in SEG are highly transparent and durable ensuring long durability without fading.

SILK SCREEN PRINTING

Nikkalite^® N3600 two pack inks is extremely durable, highly transparent, quick drying and fast curing inks, that bond strongly and permanently to Nikkalite^® retro-reflective sheeting. Normally, Nikkalite^® ink does not require dilution with thinner due to its pre-adjusted viscosity. However, when it is necessary, use only Nikkalite^® thinners. Use N3600 two-pack ink (ink and hardener) for situations that require a very hard "Vandal-resistant" finish. This ink is highly scratch resistant and also offers good resistance against most solvents, gasoline, grease and oils etc. Clear coating or edge sealing is not normally required for either ink; however, if it is specified use the appropriate 3612 clear toner to the relevant series ink being used. For screen printing Road Traffic Signs a 62T-77T/cm (157-180/in.) polyester mono-filament plain weave mesh is recommended to achieve the correct depth of color and the durability required. When screen printing with other manufacturer's ink, thinner, etc. onto Nikkalite^® sheeting, the user must accept all responsibility.

Mixing of inks and hardener: Ink: Hardener = 100 parts: 7-8 parts by weight Mixing of inks and thinner: Ink: Thinner = 100 parts: Up to 10 parts, as necessary

COLOR MATCHING

When using more than one piece of retro-reflective sheeting together, sheeting from the same roll should be used for uniform color matching and reflectivity. Every other piece of material should be rotated by 180°, so the same roll edges come together. Color matching is the responsibility of the sign manufacturer.

SUBSTRATE PREPARATION BEFORE APPLICATION

Nikkalite^® 15000 Series SEG sheeting will bond to clean smooth surfaces of tested and approved metal, coated metal and plastic sheets. There are many types of plastic sheets available, with new products coming onto the market all the time. Some will emit plasticizer or gas from their surface, which has a detrimental effect on the adhesion of retro-reflective materials. Pre-check the quality and suitability of the plastic sheets before use. To obtain optimum adhesion and good durability it is necessary to eliminate such problems. This can be done by abrading the surface, by cleaning with solvents, or by chemical treatment.

A) For correct application the substrate surface should be:

• Clean and smooth
• Rigid and weather resistant
• Relatively non-porous
• And not emit any release agents from it's surface

Suitable smooth clean surfaces, pre-treated to prevent corrosion and allowed to condition for approximately 24 hours at an ambient temperature between 18°C to 25°C (64°F to 77°F) in an area protected from moisture, will provide a durable bond.

B) Treatment Methods:

Cleaning with solvent
(1) Prepare clean, soft cloth (as clean as possible).
(2) Soak a cloth with any of the solvents described below and wipe surface completely.
(3) Soak another piece of cloth with the solvent and wipe the surface once again.
(4) Wipe the surface again with a dry clean cloth.
(5) You can use the cloth from step 3 again for the 2nd or 1st step but contaminated cloths should always be discarded, as dirty cloths will spread contamination all over the surface.
(6) Confirm that there are no residues of dirt or solvent on the surface.
(7) Suitable solvents: Acetate, Mineral Sprit, Toluene, Xylene
(8) Use the minimum amount of solvent for soaking the cloth and wipe the surface swiftly.

Abrasion Method
(1) Rub the surface of the aluminum plate evenly with sandpaper, No.150-200, or impregnated nylon scouring pads. For plastic surface or painted steel, use No.400 or fine sandpaper.
(2) Ideally the debris should be taken away with a vacuum cleaner.
(3) Wipe the surface as instructed above.
(4) The abrasion method will remove the oxidized surface film or contamination and will leave the surface clean. The abraded roughened surface will also aid adhesion. However, too much abrasion will result in poor adhesion.
(5) The abrasion work should be carried out away from the application and printing areas.

Chemical Method
(1) Many kinds of treatment agents are available such as sodium dichromate, phosphoric acid, etc. It is important to follow the manufacturers' instructions as to dilution ratio, treatment temperature, treatment time etc.
(2) Care should be taken of the substrate after chemical treatment. Thorough washing should be undertaken with water to eliminate excessive agent from the surface, which will reduce the retro-reflective sheeting life.
(3) Before sending the treated substrates to the application areas the surface should be dried thoroughly.
(4) Some treatment agents have a limited effective life when used on the substrates. Therefore, treated substrates should be applied as quickly as possible.

C) Substrate Material and Treatment Method

NOTE: PLASTICS

• When cleaning plastic surfaces with solvent, soak the cloth with a small amount of the solvent and wipe the surface quickly. If solvent remains on the surface, wipe it off with a clean dry cloth.
• Some plastics will develop hairline cracks on the surface after wiping with solvent. Perform a test by trying the solvent on a small panel before full treatment.
• Those plastics which do develop hairline cracks should be wiped with a cloth with mild detergent solution and then washed thoroughly with water and dried.

DURABILITY

When processed and applied in line with the manufacturer’s instructions, Nikkalite^® 15000 Series SEG material when exposed vertically under normal weathering conditions can expect to have a useful life as shown in the table below. However, actual performance depends greatly on type and treatment of substrate and on weathering conditions.

The aforementioned information regarding the processing is based on our own experience and experiments. However, these may not be representative of the actual information that can be guaranteed.