3M Controltac Graphic Film with Comply Adhesive 180MC

Use this opaque film to screen print large, long-term graphics.

It has pressure-activated adhesive and 3M Comply™ Adhesive feature for easier installation of fleet graphics, signs, emblems and more. Finishes include glossy, matte and metallic.

• Film series 180mC with micro Comply™ Adhesive has non-visible air release channels for fast and easy, bubble-free graphic installations
• Excellent hiding power
• Pressure-activated adhesive for easy sliding, tacking, snap-up and repositioning
• Conforms to flat surfaces, with and without rivets, simple curves, compound curves and corrugations

Product Features

Air-Release,‎ Slideability

 

Applications: Walls,‎ Public transport,‎ Labels,‎ Cars & Vans,‎ Watercraft,‎ Trucks and trailers,‎ Opaque Signs

Application Surface‎: Corrugations,‎ Flat with rivets,‎ Flat,‎ Simple curves,‎ Compound curves

Color Name‎‎: Intense Blue,‎ Black,‎ Vivid Blue,‎ Charcoal Metallic,‎ Geranium,‎ Gray Metallic,‎ Dark Gray,‎ Bright Blue Metallic,‎ Dark Blue Metallic,‎ Burgundy,‎ Indigo,‎ Deep Mahogany Brown,‎ Dark Violet,‎ Bright Green,‎ Magenta,‎ Salmon Pink,‎ Light Orange,‎ Kelly Green,‎ Medium Gray,‎ Matte Black,‎ Gold,‎ Silver Blue Metallic,‎ Light Silver Metallic,‎ Cardinal Red,‎ Slate Metallic,‎ Satin Aluminum,‎ Orange,‎ Sunflower,‎ Aqua,‎ Copper Metallic,‎ Sage Green Metallic,‎ Peacock Blue,‎ Tan,‎ Sapphire Blue,‎ Dark Aqua,‎ Russet Brown,‎ Chocolate Brown Metallic,‎ Beige,‎ Dark Green,‎ Deep Red,‎ Teal,‎ Apple Green,‎ White,‎ Royal Purple,‎ Olympic Blue,‎ Transparent,‎ Bright Yellow,‎ Tomato Red,‎ Gold Metallic,‎ Dark Burgundy Metallic,‎ Red Metallic

Color Palette‎‎: Red,‎ Black,‎ Yellow,‎ Beige,‎ Brown,‎ White,‎ Blue,‎ Violet,‎ Grey,‎ Transparent,‎ Green,‎ Magenta,‎ Pink,‎ Gold,‎ Orange,‎ Silver

Max. Durability‎‎‎: 6 years,‎ 7 years

Opacity‎‎‎: Transparent,‎ Opaque

Print Compatibility: Screenprint solvent,‎ Screen Print UV

Warranty‎‎‎‎: 3M Basic Product Warranty,‎ 3M™ MCS™ Warranty

3M ID 75347281760

Product Bulletin 180/180C Release Q

3M Graphic Film Controltac ™ ™ Controltac

Product Description

• 2-mil cast, vinyl film

Product Features

• Excellent hiding power
• Pressure-activated adhesive for easy sliding, tacking, snap-up and repositioning
• Conforms to flat surfaces, with and without rivets, simple curves, compound curves and corrugations
• Film series 180C with Comply™ Adhesive also have air release channels for fast and easy, bubble-free graphic installations
• Film 180Cv2-10 (white only) features non-visible air release channels
• Expected Performance Life of 10 years (unwarranted period for unprinted film with no graphic protection, applied to a flat, vertical, outdoor

surface)

Recommended Types of Graphics and End Uses

See 3Mgraphics.com/warranties for a complete list of compatible products that are approved by 3M for use with the base film covered in this

Bulletin and used for the creation of a graphic that may be eligible for the 3M™ MCS™ Warranty.

• Indoor and outdoor graphics and signs, including point-of-purchase and displays
• Commercial vehicles, straight trucks, semi-trucks and semi-trailers, emblems or striping
• Bus graphics
• Rail car graphics
• Transparent film color 114 can be used for two-way emblems for windows, except on buses or other vehicles
• Small format original equipment manufacturer’s (OEM) decorative and identification graphics, cautionary and safety labeling

Recommended Compatible Products

See 3Mgraphics.com/warranties for a complete list of compatible products that are approved by 3M for use with the base film covered in this

Bulletin and used for the creation of a graphic that may be eligible for the 3M™ MCS™ Warranty.

Screen Printing Inks for 3M™ MCS™ Warranty

• 3M™ Screen Printing Ink Series 1900 (Solvent), line color and four color
• 3M™ Screen Printing UV Ink Series 9800, line color and four color
• Sericol™ Duracal™ UV Screen Print Ink* (approved for OEM applications only)
• Sericol™ Duracal™ Screen Print Clear* (approved for OEM applications only)

* To identify a Sericol inks distributor, contact FUJIFILM North America Corporation, Graphic 1101 W. Cambridge Drive, Kansas City, KS 66103; Tel: 1-800-255-4562 or

913-342-4060.

Graphic Protection

• 3M™ Screen Print Gloss Clear 1920DR
• 3M™ Screen Print Matte Clear 1930
• 3M™ Screen Print UV Gloss Clear 9800CL
• 3M™ Screen Print Matte Clear 9730UV
• 3M™ Screen Print UV Gloss Clear 9740i
• 3M™ Wrap Overlaminate Series 8900

Product Bulletin 180/180C

Release Q, October 2015 (Replaces P, Jan ‘15)

Series 180

with Comply™ Adhesive Series 180C

with Comply™ v2 Adhesive 180Cv2-10

Quick Links

3M Graphics Warranties

Technical Information Selector

Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

Flammability (ASTM E84 Reports)

Videos

Some of these links lead to web-based resources

that are not product-specific.

3M Graphics Warranties

2 Product Bulletin 180/180C Release Q

3M Graphic Film Controltac ™ ™

Application Tapes

See 3M Instruction Bulletin AT-1 to determine what application tape is recommend for your film or finished graphic.

Other Products

• 3M™ Edge Sealer 3950
• 3M™ Edge Sealer Tape 8914

Characteristics

These are typical values for unprocessed product. Processing may change the values.

Physical Characteristics

Application Characteristics

Characteristic Value

Material Cast vinyl

Film Color See “Colors” on page 3

Thickness Without adhesive: 2 mil (0.05 mm)

With adhesive: 3 – 4 mils (0.08 – 0.10 mm)

Adhesive

Film series 180: Pressure-activated (slide, tack. snap-up, reposition)

Film series 180C, 180Cv2-10: Pressure-activated (slide, tack, snapup,

reposition) with air release channels

Adhesive Color Gray or clear, see “Colors” on page 3

Liner Polyethylene-coated paper

Adhesion, Typical

24 hours after

application

ABS 4-5 pounds/inch (0.72-0.89 kg/cm)

Acrylic enamel 3-4 pounds/inch (0.54-0.72 kg/cm)

Aluminum, anodized 7-8 pounds/inch (1.26-1.43 kg/cm)

Aluminum, etched 5-6 pounds/inch (0.89-1.08 kg/cm)

Chrome 4-5 pounds/inch (0.72-0.89 kg/cm)

Fruehauf pre-painted panels 3-5 pounds/inch (0.54-0.89 kg/cm)

Tensile Strength 5 pounds/inch at 73 F (0.9 kg/cm at 23 C)

Chemical

Resistance

• Resists mild alkalis, mild acids, and salt
• Excellent resistance to water (does not include immersion)
• Resists occasional fuel spills

• Film series 180mC with micro Comply™ Adhesive has non-visible air release channels for fast and easy, bubble-free graphic installations
• Excellent hiding power
• Pressure-activated adhesive for easy sliding, tacking, snap-up and repositioning
• Conforms to flat surfaces, with and without rivets, simple curves, compound curves and corrugations

Flammability ASTM E84 reports: 180, 180C

Characteristic Value

Finished Graphic Application

Recommendation

Surface type: Flat, with and without rivets, simple curves, compound

curves, and corrugations

Substrate type: ABS resins, aluminum, chrome, glass, fiberglass reinforced

plastics, paint (check adhesion to powder-coated or water-based

paints)

Application method: Dry

Application temperature: (air and substrate)

• Flat without rivets: 50–100 F (10–38 C)
• Curves or corrugations with rivets: 50–100 F (10–38 C)
• Compound curves: 60–90 F (16–32 C)

• Film series 180mC with micro Comply™ Adhesive has non-visible air release channels for fast and easy, bubble-free graphic installations
• Excellent hiding power
• Pressure-activated adhesive for easy sliding, tacking, snap-up and repositioning
• Conforms to flat surfaces, with and without rivets, simple curves, compound curves and corrugations

Applied Shrinkage 0.015 inches (0.4 mm)

Temperature Range After

Application

-65 to +225 F (-60 to +107 C)

(not for extended periods of time at the extremes)

Graphic Removal Removable with heat and/or chemicals from most substrates within the

Warranty Period at 50 F (10 C) minimum (air and substrate)

Product Bulletin 180/180C Release Q 3

3M Graphic Film Controltac ™ ™ 3M Graphic Film Controltac ™ ™

Colors

1, Indicates clear adhesive; all other adhesive is gray-pigmented

2. Indicates minimal or no hiding power
3. Available in film series 180C only.

Warranty Information

i IMPORTANT NOTE

Warranty information including limitations and exceptions and warranty periods for this product can be found at 3Mgraphics.com/

warranties.

Warranty Coverage Overview

The warranty coverage for eligible graphics is based on the user both reading and following all applicable and current 3M Graphics Product and

Instruction Bulletins. The warranty period for eligible graphics is as stated in the 3M Graphics Warranties Matrices at the time that the film was

purchased. Information found at 3Mgraphics.com/warranties includes:

• 3M Graphics Warranties Bulletin

– This bulletin contains information on limitations and exceptions, and warranty period reductions for 3M Graphics Warranties. The warranty

period may be reduced and stipulations may apply for certain constructions and applications, and graphic exposures as covered in this

Bulletin.

• 3M Graphics Warranties Selector

– Use this selector to search for your vertical warranty period by product number, ink type, and ink/printer platform.

• U.S. Desert Southwest Region Map

– Use this map of hot, arid desert areas to determine if you are subject to reduced warranted durabilities.

The warranties set forth in this Bulletin are made in lieu of all other express or implied warranties, including any implied warranty of

merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, or arising out of a course of dealing, custom, or usage of trade.

3M Basic Product Warranty

3M Graphics Products are warranted to be free of defects in materials and manufacture at the time of shipment and to meet the specifications

stated in its applicable 3M Graphics Product Bulletin and as further set forth in the 3M Graphics Warranties Bulletin.

Solid Colors Metallic and

Transparent

10 White 31 Medium Gray1 58 Burgundy1 201 Slate1, 3

12 Black 37 Sapphire Blue 59 Putty 211 Charcoal1, 3

13 Tomato Red 38 Royal Purple1 63 Geranium1 217 Dark Blue1, 3

14 Bright Orange 39 Tan 77 Peacock Blue 227 Bright Blue1, 3

15 Bright Yellow1, 2 41 Dark Gray1 96 Teal1 229 Copper1, 3

17 Vivid Blue 46 Kelly Green 98 Dark Violet1 239 Chocolate Brown1, 3

19 Deep Mahogany Brown 47 Intense Blue 103 Magenta1 241 Gold1, 3

22 Matte Black1 49 Beige 120 Satin Aluminum 114 Transparent1, 2

23 Deep Red 53 Cardinal Red 131 Satin Gold1

25 Sunflower1, 2 54 Light Orange 186 Bright Green1

27 Indigo (Navy) 56 Dark Green 196 Apple Green1

29 Russet Brown 57 Olympic Blue 307 Dark Aqua1

3M Graphics Warranties

4 Product Bulletin 180/180C Release Q

3M Graphic Film Controltac ™ ™

Limited Remedy

The limited remedy applicable to each warranty is addressed in the 3M Graphics Warranties Bulletin found at 3MGraphics.com/warranties.

Limitation of Liability

Except to the extent prohibited by law, 3M SHALL NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES BE LIABLE TO PURCHASER OR USER FOR ANY DIRECT

(EXCEPT FOR THE LIMITED REMEDY PROVIDED HEREIN), INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING, BUT

NOT LIMITED TO, LABOR, NON-3M MATERIAL CHARGES, LOSS OF PROFITS, REVENUE, BUSINESS, OPPORTUNITY, OR GOODWILL) RESULTING

FROM OR IN ANY WAY RELATED TO 3M’S GRAPHICS PRODUCTS, SERVICES, OR THIS BULLETIN. This limitation of liability applies regardless of

the legal or equitable theory under which such losses or damages are sought.

Warranty Period Matrices

See the 3M Graphics Warranties Matrices at 3MGraphics.com/warranties, for vertical warranty period information specific to your film.

Lifetime Warranty

See the 3M Graphics Warranties Matrices at 3MGraphics.com/warranties for lifetime warranty information specific to your film.

Legibility Warranty

See the 3M Graphics Warranties Matrices at 3MGraphics.com/warranties for legibility warranty information specific to your film. This warranty

is only for horizontal exposures and selected constructions.

Additional Limitations

See the 3M Graphics Warranties Bulletin at 3MGraphics.com/warranties, for terms, additional limitations of your warranty, if any, information on

reduced warranties for different exposures, and limitations of liability.

Factors that Affect Graphic Performance Life

The actual performance life of a graphic is affected by:

• the combinations of graphics materials used.
• complete ink drying or curing.
• selection, condition and preparation of the substrate.
• surface texture.
• application methods.
• angle and direction of sun exposure.
• environmental conditions.
• cleaning or maintenance methods.

Graphics Manufacturing

! CAUTION

Before using any equipment, always read the manufacturer’s instructions for safe operation.

Product Bulletin 180/180C Release Q 5

3M Graphic Film Controltac ™ ™ 3M Graphic Film Controltac ™ ™

Screen Printing

Formulations and processing conditions can affect ink durability. Refer to the Product and Instruction Bulletins for your ink for limitations and

proper usage.

Whether you apply screen print clears with traditional screening methods or roller coating, use equipment designed to handle high viscosity

materials and make sure the coating is evenly applied to the specifications in the clear’s 3M Instruction Bulletin.

Cutting

See 3M Instruction Bulletin 4.1 for Sheeting, Scoring and Film Cutting details.

Graphic Protection

Graphic protection may improve the appearance, performance and durability of the graphic. Click on the graphic protection options listed in the

“Recommended Compatible Products” on page 1 or see the 3M Graphics Market Product Catalog, for more information.

Application Tapes

There are two types of application tapes. See 3M Instruction Bulletin AT-1 to determine what application tape is recommended for your film or

finished graphic.

Premasking Tape

Increases stiffness during application while preventing stretching and damage. Use when little or no liner is exposed. See 3M Instruction Bulletin

4.3 for complete details.

Prespacing Tape

Holds cut and weeded letters or graphics in place during application and after removing the film liner, while preventing stretching and damage.

Use when large amounts of liner are exposed. See 3M Instruction Bulletin 4.3 for complete details.

Application and Installation

In addition to other 3M Bulletins specified in this document, the following Bulletins provide details that you may need to successfully apply a

graphic

3M ID 75347281927

• 3M Instruction Bulletin 5.37. A Guide to Understanding and Applying Graphics to Common Smooth and Textured Wall Surfaces.
• 3M Instruction Bulletin 5.4. Application, Fleet Trucks.
• 3M Instruction Bulletin 5.5. Application, General Procedures for Interior and Exterior Dry Application.
• 3M Product and Instruction Bulletin V-Tools. 3M™ Vehicle Channel Applicator Tools.

Pressure-activated Adhesive

The pressure activated adhesive on this film offers:

• smooth sliding into position on a substrate;
• fast finger tacking to check position; and
• easy snap-up and repositioning when you need it.

The snap-up and reposition feature is lost:

• when firm pressure with a squeegee or other application tool is applied.
• at application temperatures above 100 F (38 C) even if only light finger pressure was used for tacking.
• if any part of the film is removed from the original liner and reapplied to the same or another liner.
• solvent from inkjet ink has not completely dried or cured, which affects both slideability and snap-up.

3M Graphics Warranties

6 Product Bulletin 180/180C Release Q

3M Graphic Film Controltac ™ ™

Working with Air Release Channels

Air release channels are a characteristic of films with Comply™ adhesive that allow trapped air to exit through the edges of the graphic.

• The channels will be damaged and effective air removal affected if you remove and attempt to change liners or reapply the same liner.
• For the best results, always work from the center out to the edges of the graphic to allow trapped air to exit through the air release channels.

If the channels are closed off by firm pressure and air is trapped, use an air release tool to aid in removing air bubbles. See 3M Instruction

Bulletin 5.4 for details.

Video

Click here to see how 3M’s Comply™ adhesive technology works.

3M™ Tape Primer 94

3M recommends that where the film will be stretched, particularly on the edges of the film, use primer to maximize a graphic’s bond to its

substrate.

Maintenance and Cleaning

Use a cleaner designed for high-quality painted surfaces. The cleaner must be wet, non-abrasive, without strong solvents, and have a pH value

between 3 and 11 (neither strongly acidic nor strongly alkaline). See 3M Instruction Bulletin 6.5 for details.

Removal

Removal requires heat and/or chemicals. The ease and rate of removal depends on a number of factors. See 3M Instruction Bulletin 6.5 for

details.

Shelf Life, Storage and Shipping

Shelf Life

The shelf life is never more than 3 years from the date of manufacture on the original box.

If you process the film, the shelf life is changed to 1 year from the processing date, but not later than the 3 year maximum from the manufacturing

date.

Storage Conditions

• 40 to 100 F (4 to 38 C)
• Out of sunlight
• Clean, dry area
• Original container
• Bring the film to room temperature before use

Download DATASHEET

Download Color Sheet