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.

Color Chart
3M™ Scotchcal™ ElectroCut™ Film Series 7725
Note: All colors are glossy except 7725-20 and 7725-22.

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.