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Water Contact Indicator Tape
5557NP
Technical Data
March, 2006
Product Description
3M™ Water Contact Indicator Tape 5557NP quickly shows indication when
contacted by water. When water comes in contact with the tape surface, it rapidly
changes from white to red.
The tape is designed to withstand heat and humidity
aging without giving false indication. It will continue to show indication even after
prolonged submersion in water. The adhesive is a high performance acrylic
protected by a silicone coated film release liner.
Product Construction
Backing
Paper
Adhesive
Acrylic
Release Liner
Polyester Film
Color
White
Typical Physical
Properties
Note: The following technical information and data should be considered representative
or typical only, and should not be used for specification purposes.
ASTM Test Method
Adhesion to Stainless Steel:
(90° Peel Adhesion, 72 hr. Dwell)
82 oz./in. width (88 N/100 mm)
47 oz./in. width (52 N/100 mm)
8.6 mils (0.218 mm)
2.0 mils (0.051 mm)
55°C, 95% R.H.
D-3330
D-3330
D-3652
D-3652
Adhesion to Polycarbonate:
(90° Peel Adhesion, 72 hr. Dwell)
Tape Thickness:
Release Liner Thickness:
Humidity Resistance:*
0 hrs. exposure
7 days
Arrow identifies the location of 1 drop of water applied for 1 minute after the specified aging cycle.
Test circles are 1/2" diameter.
*Tape is applied to polycarbonate panel and hung vertically in heat/humidity chamber.
3M
™
Water Contact Indicator Tape
5557NP
General Information
• Tape may be die cut using rotary die cutting process.
• Substrate should be smooth, clean, dry and oil-free to insure good wet-out and
adequate adhesion.
• Adhesive should not be applied at temperatures <50°F (10°C) (best if room
temperature or higher).
• Not useful for indicating contact with other non-aqueous liquids such as oils and
organic solvents.
• Standard roll size = 12" x 180 yards (304.8 mm x 165 m).
Application Ideas
• As a water contact indicator in handheld or portable electronic devices such as cell
phones, PDA’s, pagers, MP3 players, game players, CD players, cordless phones,
two-way radios, laptops, digital or film cameras, video cameras, etc.
• As a water contact indicator for other products with sensitivity to aqueous liquids.
Key Attributes
Features
Paper backing
Benefits
Highly absorbent, quickly transports water to show indication.
Does not falsely indicate water contact in high humidity
exposures.
Performance not degraded by past high humidity exposures.
Rotary die cuttable. Can readily form variety of labels.
Acrylic adhesive
Excellent UV, chemical and temperature resistance.
Very high bond strength to most surfaces including low surface
energy plastics such as polypropylene and powder coatings.
Polyester film liner
Excellent die cuttability.
Shelf Life
To obtain best performance, use this product within 12 months from date of
manufacture and store under normal conditions of 60° to 80°F (16° to 27°C) and
40 to 60% R.H. in the original carton.
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3M
™
Water Contact Indicator Tape
5557NP
Technical Information
and Data
The technical information and data, recommendations, and other statements provided in this document
are based on tests or experience which 3M belives to be reliable, but the accuracy or completeness of
such information is not guaranteed.
For Additional
Information
To request additional product information or to arrange for sales assistance, call toll free 1-800-251-8634.
Address correspondence to: 3M Electronics Markets Materials Division, Building 21-1W-10, 900 Bush
Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55144-1000. Our fax number is 651-778-4244 or 1-877-369-2923. In Canada,
phone: 1-800-634-3577. In Puerto Rico, phone: 1-787-750-3000. In Mexico, phone: 52-70-04-00.
Product Use
All statements, technical information and recommendations contained in this document are based upon
tests or experience that 3M believes are reliable. However, many factors beyond 3M’s control can affect
the use and performance of a 3M product in a particular application, including the conditions under
which the product is used and the time and environmental conditions in which the product is expected to
perform. Since these factors are uniquely within the user’s knowledge and control, it is essential that the
user evaluate the 3M product to determine whether it is fit for a particular purpose and suitable for the
user’s method of application.
Warranty and
Limited Remedy
Unless stated otherwise in 3M’s product literature, packaging inserts or product packaging for individual
products, 3M warrants that each 3M product meets the applicable specifications at the time 3M ships the
product. Individual products may have additional or different warranties as stated on product literature,
package inserts or product packages. 3M MAKES NO OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED,
INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS
FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY ARISING OUT OF A COURSE OF
DEALING, CUSTOM OR USAGE OF TRADE. User is responsible for determining whether the 3M product
is fit for a particular purpose and suitable for user’s application. If the 3M product is defective within the
warranty period, your exclusive remedy and 3M’s and seller’s sole obligation will be, at 3M’s option, to
replace the product or refund the purchase price.
Limitation of Liability
Except where prohibited by law, 3M and seller will not be liable for any loss or damage arising from the
3M product, whether direct, indirect, special, incidental or consequential, regardless of the legal theory
asserted, including warranty, contract, negligence or strict liability.
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3M Electronics
3M Center, Building 21-1W-10, 900 Bush Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55144-1000
1-800-251-8634 phone
651-778-4244 fax
www.3M.com/electronics
Recycled Paper
40% pre-consumer
10% post-consumer
Printed in U.S.A.
©3M 2006 60-5002-0103-7
(3/06)
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