Introduction
Road safety remains a paramount concern globally, with visibility playing a crucial role in preventing accidents, especially involving large vehicles like trucks and trailers. 3M, a leader in innovation and safety, offers the Diamond Grade™ Conspicuity Markings Series 983 to enhance the visibility of these vehicles. This article explores the features, benefits, and technical specifications of the Series 983, demonstrating its significant contribution to road safety.
Description and Features
3M™ Diamond Grade™ Conspicuity Markings Series 983 are highly retro-reflective micro-prismatic markings designed to enhance the visibility of the sides and rears of trucks and trailers. These markings are made from prismatic lenses embedded in a transparent synthetic resin, sealed, and backed with a pressure-sensitive adhesive and a clear polymeric liner. The key features of Series 983 include:
- High Retroreflectivity: Ensures excellent visibility from a wide range of angles, crucial for preventing accidents.
- Durability: Offers up to ten years of field performance, withstanding harsh environmental conditions.
- Compliance: Meets or exceeds all FMVSS 108 requirements and includes the DOT-C2 certification mark.
- 24-Hour Visibility: Provides combined daytime brightness and retroreflection, ensuring continuous visibility and detection.
The Series 983 markings are available in various colors, including white and red, with different patterns to suit specific application needs.
Ease of Application
Applying 3M™ Diamond Grade™ Conspicuity Markings Series 983 is straightforward due to its user-friendly design. The product features an aggressive pressure-sensitive adhesive and an easy-to-remove liner. It is available in rolls, packaged pieces, or kiss-cut pieces on a roll, making it convenient for various application methods. Typical application surfaces include painted or unpainted flat metal without rivets.
Technical Specifications
The Series 983 markings have been designed to meet rigorous standards, ensuring reliability and performance. Some of the critical physical properties include:
- Thickness: Ranges from 0.014 inches to 0.018 inches.
- Whiteness and Gloss: Exceeds daytime luminance limits and exhibits high gloss levels.
- Flexibility and Adhesion: Demonstrates excellent flexibility and adhesion properties, crucial for maintaining integrity on curved surfaces and during high-pressure washes.
- Chemical and Corrosion Resistance: Resistant to various chemicals, including diesel fuel and gasoline, and shows no effects from 1000 hours of salt spray exposure.
Coefficient of Retroreflection
The coefficient of retroreflection (RA) values for Series 983 ensure that the markings are visible from a range of observation and entrance angles. For instance, the typical RA values for white markings at a 0.2º observation angle and -4º entrance angle are 800 cd/lux/m2, significantly higher than the FMVSS 108 requirement of 250 cd/lux/m2. These values ensure that the markings are highly visible even at night or in poor weather conditions.
Maintenance and Durability
To ensure maximum performance, routine cleaning of the markings is recommended. They can be cleaned using a sponge, cloth, or soft brush with water and detergent, or through automatic truck/car washes under specific conditions. The markings should be stored in a cool, dry area, away from direct sunlight, with a recommended temperature of 65-75º F and relative humidity of 30-50%. The product should be applied within two years of manufacture for optimal results.
The durability of Series 983 markings is maximized when applied according to 3M’s recommended procedures. Proper application to vertical surfaces and following cleaning guidelines are essential for maintaining the product’s performance and longevity.
Warranty and Liability
3M provides a comprehensive warranty for the Diamond Grade™ Conspicuity Markings Series 983. The basic product warranty ensures that the product is free of defects in materials and manufacture at the time of shipment. Additionally, 3M offers a ten-year warranty for conspicuity markings on trucks and trailers in the United States and Canada. This warranty covers visibility issues such as excessive fading, cracking, peeling, lifting, and discoloration.
However, the warranty is subject to specific terms and conditions. The product must be applied to a vertically-mounted surface using 3M’s recommended substrates and procedures. Any third-party modifications or improper application can void the warranty. In the event of a warranty claim, 3M reserves the right to determine the method of replacement.
Conclusion
3M™ Diamond Grade™ Conspicuity Markings Series 983 are a vital innovation in enhancing road safety. Their high retroreflectivity, durability, and compliance with stringent safety standards make them an excellent choice for increasing the visibility of trucks and trailers. By ensuring that these large vehicles are easily seen by other road users, 3M helps to reduce the risk of accidents, saving lives and improving road safety. For more information and assistance, feel free to contact us using the link above.