Materials

Custom Material Requests Available

Polyester label stock:

  • Offers excellent heat and chemical resistance. Service temp range is -40°F to +304°F
  • To protect printed graphics from excessive chemical exposure or abrasion, laminate with a .001" thick clear gloss or matte polyester overlaminate.
  • Often used for computer imprintable labels (dot matrix, thermal transfer, inkjet and laser printing).

Vinyl label stock:

  • Offers outdoor durability, usually 2 to 5 years, depending on material grade and geographic location.
  • Used for thermal kiss-cut pre-spaced letters and graphics.
  • Usually less expensive than polyester labelstock.
  • Typical service temperature range is -40°F to +175°F.

Polycarbonate, PC (labels and graphic overlays):

  • Clear polycarbonate available in various textures including: polished, matte, velvet or fine velvet.
  • Hardcoated polycarbonate with gloss levels ranging from gloss to matte to textured.
  • Certain polycarbonates offer UV-resistant coating or laminates.
  • Flame-retardant grades available in clear and black with textures including: polished, matte or velvet.
  • Used in thermoforming applications. Holds embossing better than PET. Can emboss higher than PET.
  • Embossed keys have shorter actuation life than PET: 100,000 to 1,000,000 (PET can be 10X greater).
  • Available in a greater range of thicknesses than polyester. Typically ranges from .005" to .060".
  • Non-hardcoated PC has limited chemical resistance and will absorb moisture.
  • Certain grades of PC have light-diffusing properties.
  • PC - PET blends are available that offer improved chemical and mechanical properties.
  • High temperature service range: +185°F for prolonged periods and +275°F for short periods.

Polyester, PET (labels and graphic overlays):

  • Clear polyester is typically available in two textures: polished and textured (like fine velvet).
  • Hardcoated polyester with gloss levels ranging from gloss to matte to textured.
  • Embossed keys have longer actuation life: 1,000,000 to 10,000,000 (PC can be10X less).
  • Tends to "relax" after embossing but the desired height can be achieved by properly compensating.
  • Limited thicknesses, typically: .005", .007", .008" and .010".
  • Chemical resistant and does not absorb moisture.
  • Certain polyesters have UV-inhibitors to protect the material from "yellowing" outdoors.
  • Service temperature range: -40°F to +302°F.

Pressure Sensitive Adhesives:

  • 3M 200MP High Performance Adhesives
    • Industry standard PSA used for attaching graphics and switches to metal and HSE plastics.
    • Available thicknesses .002" to .005". Use the thicker version (.005") for textured surfaces.
    • Service temperature range: -31°F to +300°F for prolonged periods and +400°F for short periods.
    • Excellent chemical and humidity resistance.

  • 3M 300 High Strength Adhesives
    • Ideal for applications requiring greater initial adhesion, especially to LSE plastics and foam.
    • Available thicknesses .002" to .005". Use the thicker version (.005") for textured surfaces.
    • Heat resistance: +150°F for prolonged periods (days/weeks) and +250°F for short periods(hrs/mins).
    • Very good chemical resistance and excellent humidity resistance.

  • 3M 300LSE High Strength Adhesives
    • Best choice for bonding to LSE plastics. Also good for bonding to powder coated surfaces.
    • Available thicknesses .002" to .005". Use the thicker version (.005") for textured surfaces.
    • Service temperature range: -40°F to +200°F for prolonged periods and +300°F for short periods.
    • Very good chemical resistance and excellent humidity resistance.