Description
Gerber StrikeGuard Overlaminate 8 Mil
Gerber StrikeGuard 13” Unpunched Color 10 Yard 50 Yard Clear P76480A P75963A
Gerber StrikeGuard is an extra-thick (8 mil), flexible clear overlaminate designed to provide EDGE®-printed graphics with extreme protection from forceful impact. It has been developed as part of a great new system for producing helmet decals and for decorating “extreme sports” equipment, including recreational vehicles
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Gerber StrikeGuard™ Overlaminate
DESCRIPTION
Gerber StrikeGuard is an 8.0-mil, clear, glossy overlaminate film designed for a variety of
applications. This heavy-duty overlaminate film is ideal for the protection of graphics, up to two
years, and is especially beneficial where printed graphics experience severe handling and forceful
impact. Gerber StrikeGuard is not recommended in applications that require petrochemical
protection or where additional UV or vandal resistance is desired.
For protection from petrochemical exposure, refer to the Gerber Guard™ Product Bulletin. Refer to
Gerber UVGuard™ and UVGuard™ G9, both manufactured by 3M, Product Bulletins for
information on protecting graphics from ultraviolet light or from graffiti.
INTENDED APPLICATIONS
Gerber StrikeGuard is ideally suited as a protective film for printed graphics applied to helmets,
hard hats, vehicles, motocross, snowmobiles, and recreational accessories. Gerber StrikeGuard is
compatible with specific Gerber EDGE READY™ materials including QUANTUM™ 2000, Gerber
ImageCal™ “P” and ImageCal “R”, as well as all GerberColor™ Foils recommended for printing on
these materials. Due to the total thickness of the StrikeGuard/base film construction, applications
to compound curves, corrugations or applications over rivets are not recommended. Consult
individual base material product bulletin for more information on final surface selection.
Special Application Note:
Gerber StrikeGuard and QUANTUM 2000 are part of a total system designed for creating EDGEprinted decals and graphics for helmets and hard hats made of polycarbonate. The adhesive
systems of both Gerber StrikeGuard and Gerber QUANTUM 2000 have been evaluated on
polycarbonate. Results are there is no observed effect or degradation on polycarbonate strength.
However, because the materials used for the manufacturing of such helmets can vary by
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manufacturer, the user must determine the suitability of the QUANTUM 2000 and StrikeGuard
products prior to their actual use.
The StrikeGuard/QUANTUM 2000 construction will achieve an excellent bond to polycarbonate.
However, easy removal can be achieved with this construction within 12-months of the initial
application with minimal adhesive residue remaining on the substrate.
* Testing was conducted on LEXAN® brand polycarbonate from GE Plastics.
PERFORMANCE LIFE (GERBER STRIKEGUARD ONLY)
Gerber StrikeGuard has an expected exterior performance life of up to two years when applied
vertically.
Performance statements are based upon representative experience obtained from testing
throughout the United States. Actual performance will be affected by substrate preparation,
maintenance of the markings, and exposure conditions. Continuous exposure in regions that
experience maximum sunny days will result in decreased performance. This product is not
recommended for horizontal applications.
SHELF LIFE AND STORAGE
Apply overlaminate within one year of receipt. Gerber StrikeGuard should be stored in a clean
area free from excessive moisture. Maintain temperature at less than 70 F (21C).
MAINTENANCE
Clean the surface of Gerber StrikeGuard with a mild, non-abrasive soap using a soft cloth or
sponge. Avoid soaps containing grit or abrasives.
CUTTING
A StrikeGuard-laminated graphic can be cut using any 15-inch EDGE-compatible sprocketed
plotter. GS-15 plotters or similar plotters can be set to full speed. HS-15 and HS-15plus and
Gerber enVision™ 375 plotters should be set to a cut speed of 50% or less depending on the
severity of the cut line.
A test cut should be performed to determine the ideal tool force setting.
SUBSTRATE PREPARATION
Before applying your graphic, wash the surface of your substrate with warm water and detergent.
Do not use soaps or other cleaners with lotions or creams as they will leave a residue. Thoroughly
rinse the surface and allow it to completely dry.
Saturate a clean paper towel with a solvent-based cleaner and wipe the substrate surface. Be
certain to follow all manufacturer safety guidelines when using any solvent. Take special note of
the solvent’s safety guidelines if the intended application substrate is a helmet or protective safety
device. Dry the surface with a lint-free paper towel before the solvent evaporates.
If applying to glass, solvent wipe the surface with a 2 to 1 mixture of water and isopropyl alcohol.
Glass temperatures can vary across the surface. These temperature variations can produce
stresses that may cause the glass to break. Use caution when applying to glass.
Some polycarbonate substrates may weaken when certain vinyl films are applied to them.
However, the unique adhesive systems and vinyl construction of both QUANTUM 2000 and Gerber
StrikeGuard have been tested under lab conditions for use with polycarbonate and no visual
evidence of material degradation or any detrimental effects were detected. As with any application
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it is recommended that each user determine the suitability of the film’s use – especially if graphics
are to be applied to safety items such as helmets, safety shields, and windshield applications.
Many paint systems (e.g. two-part urethane) and some polycarbonate substrates will outgas if they
are not fully cured. Outgassing can cause permanent bubbling in most films; substrates should be
tested for outgassing prior to final application.
APPLICATION TECHNIQUES
To ensure a proper adhesion, application of graphics produced with StrikeGuard overlaminate
must be done dry (without the aid of application fluids).
The following application guidelines are suggested for using Gerber with QUANTUM 2000:
Note: It is strongly recommended that all corners be radiused to make cutting and weeding
easier.
1. Print graphics onto QUANTUM 2000.
2. Remove printed graphics from the GERBER EDGE®, EDGE® 2, or EDGE FX™ thermal
transfer printing system.
3. Using a cold roll laminator, or by hand, apply Gerber StrikeGuard over the printed graphic.
4. Wait at least 15 minutes for overlaminate to set to face film. (When run through a plotter,
overlaminates may sometimes separate from the base film if the adhesive has not had a
chance to set up.)
5. Load laminated graphic into the plotter and line up the cut registration mark using the
registration eyepiece.
Tool force needs to be set much higher than what usual for the base film. For example, if
normal cutting of QUANTUM 2000 film is at 4.5 oz on the enVision 375, use 14.5 oz. (A
test cut should be performed to determine the ideal tool force setting). The ideal weight will
cut through both the StrikeGuard (overlaminate) and the base (printed) film without cutting
through the base film liner.
6. Cut and weed the graphic (as with any pressure-sensitive film) and apply to the final
surface.
Note: Due to the thickness of the overlaminated decal, care should be taken to design the
cut lines of a decal intended for application to moderately curved (or convex shapes
such as helmets) to accommodate the curvature of the substrate and to achieve a
consistent and proper level of adhesion.
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
Construction PVC
Thickness 8.0 mils without adhesive
Film Color Clear
Adhesive PSA
Adhesive Color Clear
Liner 78-lb white kraft paper
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Dimensional Stability .015 in (.4 mm)
Application Temperature 50F (10C)
Removal Temperature n/a
Operating Temperature -40F to 185F (-40C to 85C)
CHEMICAL RESISTANCE
Chemical agent Exposure time Results
Water at 90F (32C) 24 hours No effect
50/50 ethylene glycol/water 24 hours No effect
Reference fuel 1 hour No effect
SAE 20 motor oil 24 hours No effect
JP-4 Fuel 1 hour No effect
10% Hydrochloric acid 10 minutes No effect
10% Ammonium Hydroxide 10 minutes No effect
VM&P Naphtha 10 minutes No effect
Mineral Spirits 10 minutes No effect
Methyl Alcohol 10 minutes No effect
RELATED LITERATURE
Refer to Product Bulletins of relevant foils and materials for product-specific handling, production,
and finishing information.
CONTACT INFORMATION
For help with questions concerning Gerber products, please call your distributor or Gerber
Customer Service at 1-800-222-7446 or (860) 644-1551. Visit us on the Internet at
www.gerbertechnology.com/signage to learn more about our many other foils, materials and
equipment.
When sold by Gerber, use only the corresponding Gerber Product Bulletin to determine product details, including but not limited to appropriate uses, warranty and processing.
EDGE, GERBER EDGE, GERBER EDGE 2, Gerber Scientific Products, GerberCal, GerberGraphics, GRAPHIX ADVANTAGE, GSP, and Images on Vinyl are Registered
Trademarks of Gerber Technology.
Abrasion Guard, ColorSet, EDGE Positive, EDGE READY, Gerber AutoMag, GERBER EDGE FX, Gerber FastFacts, Gerber Guard, Gerber HoloGraphix, Gerber ImageCal, Gerber
ImageCast, Gerber InstaChange, Gerber OMEGA, Gerber PermaGrip, Gerber PlastiGraphix, Gerber QUANTUM, Gerber StrikeGuard, Gerber Tone, Gerber UVGuard, GerberCal,
GerberColor, GerberColor Spectratone, GerberGauge, GerberGlow, GerberMag, GerberMask, GerberVision, GS 15, GS15plus, GSP Plot, GSxplus, GSx, ImagePerfect, IMAGE
READY, LexEdge, Matched Technology System, MTS, OMEGA, Process Pro, SpectraShade, and SpectraTint are Trademarks of Gerber Technology.
PANTONE, and other Pantone, Inc., trademarks are the property of Pantone, Inc.
LEXAN is a Registered Trademark of General Electric Company.
3M is a trademark of 3M Company.
enVision is a trademark of 3M Company that is licensed to Gerber.
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©2018 Gerber Technology. All Right Reserved
Category: EDGE READY™ FastFact #: 5583 Supplied by: Aftermarkets Last Modified: 02/27/18
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