Transportation Safety Division
3M™ Diamond Grade™
Conspicuity Markings Series 983
Product Bulletin Series 983
April 2018
Replaces Product Bulletin 983 Dated April 2017
1
Description
3M Diamond Grade Conspicuity Markings Series 983 are highly retroreflective microprismatic markings designed
to enhance the visibilities of the sides and rears of vehicles. These reflective markings consist of prismatic lenses
that are formed in a transparent, synthetic resin, and sealed and backed with a pressure sensitive adhesive and
clear polymeric liner. Diamond Grade Conspicuity Markings are highly durable, providing up to ten years of field
performance. 3M's Series 983 markings have excellent angularity which provides enhanced visibility for drivers.
For warranty and product information on specific applications, such as trucks and trailers, rail cars, school buses, or
emergency vehicles, please see the specific product bulletins. This product bulletin applies to applications other
than trucks and trailers, rail cars, school buses, or emergency vehicles.
•
•
Combined fluorescence and retroreflection provides 24-hour visibility and detection.
Fluorescence enhances visibility.
For details of the features and benefits of Series 983 sheeting, please refer to the 3M Transportation Safety
Division website (http://www.3M.com/roadsafety/).
Conspicuity Markings Series 983 is available in the following colors.
Table 1. Product Codes by Color
Color
White
Yellow
Red
Fluorescent Yellow
Fluorescent Yellow-Green
Product Code
983-10
983-71
983-72
983-21
983-23
2
3M™ Diamond Grade™ Conspicuity Markings Series 983
April 2018
1.1
•
•
•
Easy to Apply
Aggressive pressure sensitive adhesive
Easy to remove liner
Available in rolls, packaged pieces, or kiss-cut pieces on a roll. Please refer to the 3M Transportation Safety
Division Pricing Catalog for the standard product offering.
1.2 Durable
•
•
Pre-sealed edges
Non-metallic construction
2
Typical Physical Properties
Table 2 presents typical physical property data for Series 983 Conspicuity Markings. The information presented in
Table 2 should be considered typical only, and not be used for specification purposes.
Table 2. Typical Physical Properties
Property
Thickness (Caliper)
Whiteness Daytime Luminance Limit
YT ASTM E1164
Gloss ASTM D523 at 85º
Shrinkage ASTM D4956
Flexibility - wrap around 0.125 inch
mandrel at 32º F (0º C)
High pressure wash test - 45º angle,
1200 psi, 8 inch away
Adhesion - 90º Hanging Weight ASTM
D4956
Minimum Application Temp.
Series 983 Typical Values
0.014 inch - 0.018 inch
45 White
5 Red
27 Yellow
75 Fluorescent Yellow
90 Fluorescent Yellow-Green
100
No substantial change
No cracking
Passes
0.2 inch (4 mm)
50º F (10º C)
Degreased aluminum
Prepainted panel
Stainless steel
FRP
Tedlar®
Aluminum Rail
5.3 lb/in (.95 kg/cm)
3.0 lb/in (0.55 kg/cm)
6.0 lb/in (1.1 kg/cm)
2.5 lb/in (0.52 kg/cm)
3.0 lb/in (0.54 kg/cm)
3.5 lb/in (0.56 kg/cm)
Instron Peel Adhesion 12 inch/minute,
90º pullback
Chemical Resistance SAE J1967
Corrosion Resistance ASTM B117 Salt
Spray
Room Temperature Impact Resistance
100 in-lb, 5/8 inch tip
Cold Temperature Impact Resistance
60 in-lb at -20º F
Not affected by toluene, #2 diesel fuel, gasoline (leaded)
kerosene, TSP detergent, xylene, dilute metal brighteners
No effect - 1000 Hours
No damage outside impact
No damage outside impact
3
3M™ Diamond Grade™ Conspicuity Markings Series 983
April 2018
3
Coefficient of Retroreflection, R
A
The values in Table 3 are typical coefficients of retroreflection, expressed in candelas per lux per square meter
(cd/lux/m
2
). Conformance to coefficient of retroreflection requirements shall be determined instrumentally, in
accordance with ASTM E810 “Test Method of Coefficient of Retroreflection of Retroreflective Sheeting.” Per
ASTM E810, R
A
values obtained at 0° and 90° rotations were averaged to determine the R
A
values presented in
Table 3.
Table 3. Typical Coefficient of Retroreflection (R
A
) Values for New Sheeting (cd/lux/m
2
)
Observation
Angle
0.2º
a
Entrance
Angle
-4º
30º
45º
-4º
b
Typical R
A
for
White 983
800
430
175)
460
215
55
Typical R
A
for
Red 983
160
110
45
95
40
15
Typical R
A
for
Yellow 983
645
420
235
360
180
65
Typical R
A
for
FL. Yellow 983
400
220
120
150
75
40
Typical R
A
for
FL. Yellow-Green 983
700
430
160
385
180
30
0.5º
30º
45º
a. Observation Angle - the angle between the illumination axis and the observation axis.
b. Entrance Angle - the angle between the illumination axis and the retroreflector axis. The retroreflector axis is an axis
perpendicular to the retroreflective surface.
4
Typical Physical Characteristics
Table 4 describes the typical physical characteristics of Series 983. The information in Table 4 should be
considered typical only, and not be used for specification purposes.
Table 4. Typical Physical Characteristics
Property
Adhesive color and type
Liner
Application surfaces
Heat resistance
Recommended minimum application
temperature (ambient and substrate)
Performance range
Description
Clear, pressure sensitive
Translucent polymeric
Painted or unpainted flat metal without rivets
Maintains 70% of original coefficient of retroreflection at
(α=0.2,
β=-4)
after 24 hr. exposure to 170º F (77º C) in air
50º F (10º C)
-30º F to 200º F (-34º C to +94º C)
5
Photometrics
5.1 Fluorescence
Fluorescent materials absorb short wavelength, invisible, incident radiation (solar energy) and re-emit it as longer
wavelength, visible light. This re-emission of visible light continues as long as exciting incident radiation is present.
This means fluorescent materials are especially effective during dawn, dusk, and overcast days. Fluorescence adds
to the daytime luminances (apparent brightnesses) of markings and enhances the visibilities of emergency vehicles
and other vehicles.
5.2 Color Test for Fluorescent Sheetings
Conformance to standard chromaticity (x, y) and luminance factor (Y) requirements shall be determined
instrumentally, in accordance with ASTM E991, on sheeting applied to smooth aluminum test panels cut from alloy
6061-T6 or 5052-H38. Chromaticity values shall be determined on a HunterLab ColorFlex 45/0
spectrophotometer. Calculations shall be performed using CIE Illuminant D65 and the 2º standard observer.
4
3M™ Diamond Grade™ Conspicuity Markings Series 983
April 2018
Fluorescence luminance factors (Y
F
) differentiate fluorescent markings from ordinary (nonfluorescent) markings.
The additional daytime luminance provided by fluorescence is directly related to the increased conspicuity of
fluorescent vehicle markings under the varying daylight illumination conditions encountered in outdoor safety
marking applications. A marking’s fluorescence luminance factor, Y
F
, provides a standardized measure of the
marking’s fluorescence.
A marking’s numerical Y
F
value serves, under specified illumination and viewing conditions, to: 1) verify the
fluorescence of the marking (for nonfluorescent markings Y
F
=0) and 2) quantify the fluorescent efficiency of the
marking. The magnitude of a marking’s Y
F
can be used to assess whether the fluorescence of the marking is
sufficient for it to provide high daytime visibility performance under less than ideal conditions. Typical Y
F
values for
983-21, fluorescent yellow, and 983-23, fluorescent yellow-green, are provided in Table 5.
Table 5. Typical Luminance Factor Values for 3M Diamond Grade 983-21 Fluorescent Yellow and 983-23
Fluorescent Yellow-Green Conspicuity Markings
a
Color
Fluorescent Yellow
Fluorescent Yellow-Green
Total Luminance
Factor (Y
T
)
75
90
Luminance
Factor (Y
F
)
55
55
Luminance
Factor (Y
R
)
20
35
a. Total luminance is defined as the sum of fluorescent and reflected luminance
(Y
T
=Y
F
+Y
R
) and is determined in accordance with ASTM E2152 and ASTM E2153.
6
Maintenance
6.1 Cleaning
Routine cleaning is recommended for maximum performance. The following cleaning methods are recommended:
•
•
Clean with sponge, cloth, or soft brush using water and detergent
Automatic truck/car wash or standard high-pressure hand spray under following conditions:
-
-
-
-
-
•
Maximum pressure: 1200 PSI/80 bar
Maximum water/wash solution temperature: 140° F (60° C)
Minimum of 12 inches (30 cm) between cleaning jet(s) and marking
Cleaning wand or jets at angle of no more than 45 degrees from perpendicular to the marking surface
Use spray tip #1505 (15 degree spray angle, 05 capacity size)
When using metal brighteners, follow manufacturer's recommendations for dilution. Thoroughly rinse brightener
from markings after soaking vehicle
6.2 Storage
Series 983 markings should be stored in a cool, dry area, out of direct sunlight, at a temperature of 65-75º F (18-
24º C) and a relative humidity of 30-50%. Rolls should be stored horizontally in their shipping cartons or original
packaging.
6.3 Shelf Life
Apply Series 983 markings within two years of date of manufacture.
7
•
•
Durability
All 3M recommended procedures are followed and
Markings are applied to vertical surfaces (within ± 20º of vertical orientation).
Series 983 markings will provide maximum durability when:
Series 983 marking durability depends on use. Failure to follow 3M-required techniques may reduce durability.
5
3M™ Diamond Grade™ Conspicuity Markings Series 983
April 2018
Below are some conditions and processing examples that may lead to reduced durability:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Failure to cut markings around rivets, seams, and body panels
Improper use of high pressure cleaning
Contact with non-recommended chemicals or solvents
Improper application or surface preparation
Horizontal exposure
Open cells along the edges of a marking may collect dirt, which will not reduce marking performance
Damage due to external conditions may reduce adhesion and reflectivity near the damaged area
8
Health and Safety Information
Read all health hazard, precautionary, and first aid statements found in the Safety Data Sheet (SDS), Article
Information Sheet, and/or product labels of chemicals prior to handling or use. Consult local regulations and
authorities for possible restrictions. Visit us at
www.3M.com/us
and select SDS search to obtain current Safety
Data Sheets.
9
Warranty Information
9.1 3M Basic Product Warranty
3M Diamond Grade Conspicuity Marking Series 983 (“Product”) is warranted (“Basic Warranty”) to be free of
defects in materials and manufacture at the time of shipment and to meet the specifications stated in this product
bulletin. If the Product is proven not to have met the Basic Warranty on its shipment date, then a buyer’s exclusive
remedy, and 3M’s sole obligation, at 3M’s option, will be a refund or replacement of the Product.
9.2 Additional Warranty
For additional warranty information on specific applications such as trucks and trailers, rail cars, school buses or
emergency vehicles, please see the specific product bulletins for those applications.
9.3 Terms and Conditions
•
Product must be processed and applied to a vertically-mounted (±20º) 3M recommended substrate as described
in this product bulletin and in accordance with all 3M application, fabrication, and cleaning procedures provided
in 3M's product bulletins, information folders (including but not limited to
3M Information Folder 4.9),
and
applicable technical memos (which will be furnished to the manufacturer upon request).
Any third-party imaging or altering of the Product not endorsed by 3M will void the 3M Warranty.
A Product's failure to meet the 3M Warranty must be solely the result of design or manufacturing defects in the
Product and not of (a) outside causes including improper storage, fabrication, handling, maintenance, or
installation; (b) use of process colors, thinners, coatings, or other chemicals not recommended by 3M; (c) use of
application procedures not recommended by 3M; (d) exposure to chemicals or solvents not recommended by
3M; (e) abrasion and other physical damage; (f) snow or any other burial of the marking; (g) collisions, vandalism,
or malicious mischief; or (h) an act of God.
3M reserves the right to determine the method of replacement. Replacement product will carry the unexpired
warranty of the Product it replaces.
Claims made under this warranty will be honored only if 3M is presented with a traceable record of the Product's
Installation Date, 3M is notified of a potential failure within thirty days of discovery, reasonable information
requested by 3M is provided, and 3M is permitted to verify the cause of the failure.
•
•
•
•
9.4 Exclusive Limited Remedy and Disclaimer
If the Product is proven not to have met the 3M Warranty during the Warranty Period, then the purchaser's and
user's exclusive remedy, and 3M's sole obligation, at 3M's option, shall be that 3M will provide replacement of the
Product.
THE 3M WARRANTY IS MADE IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT
NOT LIMITED TO ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OR CONDITION OF MERCHANTABILITY, OR FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE, OR ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY ARISING OUT OF A COURSE OF DEALING OR OF
PERFORMANCE, CUSTOM, OR USAGE OF TRADE.
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