Description
Nikkalite 15000 Series Super Engineering Grade (SEG) retro-reflective 24″ X 50 Yds. 15035 Red
15000 Series Super Engineering Grade (SEG) retroreflective sheeting is an enclosed lens type high performance
retroreflective material. The photometric properties of Nikkalite SEG are more than double those of Engineering
Grade. SEG was specially developed for use on traffic (regulatory, warning guides etc.) signs and other safety
devices that require high reflectance. Traffic signs faced with Nikkalite sheeting and screen printed with Nikkalite
transparent process colors are attractive in appearance and highly visible during both day and night, and contribute
greatly to driving safety.
2. DESCRIPTION
Nikkalite 15000 Series SEG will bond to clean and smooth surfaces of tested and approved metal, coated metal and
plastic sheets. 15000 Series SEG has a high-tack pressure sensitive adhesive for application to the above substrates
where an immediate aggressive adhesive is required, or for lower temperature range applications (minimum 15°C
(59ºF). Application should be undertaken in an ambient temperature of between 18°C to 25°C (64°F to 77ºF), where
the sign face material and substrate has been allowed to condition. Permanent bonding will take place approximately
48 hours after application. DO NOT ALLOW THE ADHESIVE TO FREEZE DURING CURING PERIOD. The material
is watermarked (star mark: ) in the middle of sheeting layer for identification purposes.
Nikkalite 15000 Series SEG retroreflective sheeting offers the following characteristics:
* A full 10-year guarantee in reflectivity * Resistance to most solvent
except orange color (Orange: 3-year life) * Excellent resistance to weathering
* Colorfast * Excellent adhesion
* Resistance to corrosion * Dimensional stability
Available colors, widths and lengths
Colors: White, Yellow, Red, Blue, Orange, Green and Brown
Widths: 24, 30, 36 and 48
Lengths: 50 Yards
3. TECHNICAL DATA
A) Physical Properties of Nikkalite 15000 Series SEG Sheeting
Property Test Method Results
Average Thickness Micrometer 0.193mm
Average Gloss Gloss Meter (85 degrees) 96
Tensile Strength Instron at 30cm (12)/minute 38.2 N/25mm
Elongation Instron at 30cm (12)/minute 30%
B) The data shown below is based on tests con- ducted on SEG sheeting applied to acid etched aluminum panels and
conditioned for 48 hours at a room temperature of 23°C(74°F).
Property Test Method Results
Humidity Resistance 100% humidity at 27°C(81 °F) 72 hours No effect
Cold Resistance 72 hours at -56.6°C(-70°F) No effect
Heat Resistance 72 hours at 71°C(160°F) No effect
Adhesion 180 pullback at 30cm(12″)/min. at 23°C(74°F) 24.5 N/25mm
90° Peeling Test 0.8Kg(1.8ibs) weight suspended for 5 min. Less than 3mm
Accelerated Weathering Sunshine Weather-O-Meter for 2,200 hours
15037 Orange: 600 hours
No effect
Salt Spray Effects 3% concentration at 25°C(95°F) for 500 hours No effect
Super Engineering Grade 15000 SERIES
NIPPON CARBIDE INDUSTRIES (USA) INC.
13856 Bettencourt Street, Cerritos, CA 90703 (800) 821-4264
V2012-02
C) Resistance to Chemicals
Chemical Agent Exposure Time Results
Water 1 month No effect
10% Hydrochloric Acid Solution 10 minutes No effect
10% Sodium Chloride Solution 1 month No effect
Kerosene 10 minutes No effect
Turpentine 1 minute No effect
Xylene 1 minute No effect
4. RETROREFLECTIVITY
Typical coefficient of reflection for SEG are shown in the table below. (cd/lux/m2)
O.A. E.A. White Yellow Red Blue Orange Green Brown
0.2
(12)
-4/5 185 126 44 12.0 76 38 9.0
15 150 110 34 10.0 65 19 8.0
30 57 57 25 4.6 45 17 5.0
40 21 21 13 1.2 16 6 2.5
(20)
130 94 94 31 6.2 54 26 6.5
121 71 71 27 5.2 50 15 6.0
90 53 53 26 3.4 20 14 4.5
34 15 15 12 1.2 15 3 2.0
0.5 72 54 54 18 4.0 30 15 3.0
68 42 42 17 2.7 28 11 2.8
1.0
22 18 18 6.3 1.3 11 3.1 1.6
19 14 14 5.5 1.2 10 2.7 1.1
14 7.0 7.0 3.3 0.4 6.8 1.6 0.7
2.0
9.2 5.8 5.8 3.3 0.6 3.2 1.4 0.6
8.1 5.7 5.7 2.5 0.4 2.8 1.3 0.4
6.3 3.4 3.4 2.4 0.3 2.7 0.8 0.3
O.A. = Observation Angle, E.A. = Entrance Angle
All the aforementioned figures in the tables are based on our experience and actual measurements based on our own tests.
However, these figures may not be guaranteed
5. CHROMATICITY COORDINATES
Nikkalite SEG sheeting is available in eight colors conforming to all worldwide retroreflective sheeting standards.
The pigments used in SEG are highly transparent and durable ensuring long durability without fading.
6. SILK SCREEN PRINTING
Nikkalite N3500 single pack and the Nikkalite N3600 two pack inks are extremely durable, highly transparent,
quick drying and fast curing inks, that bond strongly and permanently to Nikkalite retroreflective sheeting. Normally,
Nikkalite ink does not require dilution with thinner due to its pre-adjusted viscosity. However, when it is necessary,
use only Nikkalite thinners. Use N3600 two-pack ink (ink and hardener) for situations that require a very hard
“Vandal-resistant” finish. This ink is highly scratch resistant and also offers good resistance against most solvents,
gasoline, grease and oil’s etc.
Clear coating or edge sealing is not normally required for either inks, however, if it is specified use the appropriate
N3512 or 3612 clear toner to the relevant series ink being used.
For screen printing Road Traffic Signs a 62T-77T/cm (157-180/in.) polyester mono-filament plain weave mesh is
recommended to achieve the correct depth of color and the durability required. Do not print Nikkalite N3500 series
ink onto Nikkalite N3600 series inks or vice versa. When screen printing with other manufacturer’s ink, thinner, etc.
onto Nikkalite sheeting, the user must accept all responsibility
Super Engineering Grade 15000 SERIES
NIPPON CARBIDE INDUSTRIES (USA) INC.
13856 Bettencourt Street, Cerritos, CA 90703 (800) 821-4264
V2012-02
Inks available:
Color N3500 Series
Single Pack
N3600 Series
Two Pack
Black (Opaque) N3503 N3603
Yellow N3504 N3604
Traffic Sign Red N3525 N3625
Blue N3506 N3616
Orange N3507 N3607
Green N3508 N3608
Brown N3529 N3629
Toner N3512 N3612
Hardener —- N3631
Thinner N3511 N3611
Mixing of inks and hardener: Ink: Hardener= 100 parts: 7~8 parts by weight
Mixing of inks and thinner: Ink: Thinner = 100 parts: Up to 10 parts, as necessary
7. COLOR MATCHING
When using more than one piece of retroreflective sheeting together, sheeting from the same roll should be used for
uniform color matching and reflectivity. Every other piece of material should be rotated by 180°, so the same roll
edges come together. Color matching is the responsibility of the sign manufacturer.
8. SUBSTRATE PREPERATION BEFORE APPLICATION
Nikkalite 15000 Series SEG sheeting will bond to clean smooth surface of tested and approved metal, coated metal
and plastic sheets. There are many types of plastic sheets available, with new products coming onto the market all
the time. Some will emit plasticizer or gas from their surface, which has a detrimental effect on the adhesion of
retroreflective materials. You should pre-check the quality and suitability of them before use.
To obtain optimum adhesion and good durability it is necessary to eliminate such problems. This can be done by
abrading the surface, by cleaning with solvents or by chemical treatment.
a) For correct application the substrate surface should be:
* Clean and smooth * Rigid and weather resistant
* Relatively non-porous * Not emit any release agents from its surface
Suitable smooth clean surfaces, pre-treated to prevent corrosion and allowed to condition for approximately 24 hours
at an ambient temperature between 18°C to 25°C (64°F to 77°F), in an area protected from moisture, will provide a
durable bond.
b) Treatment Methods:
“A”Cleaning with solvent
(1) Prepare clean, soft cloth (as clean as possible).
(2) 1st Step: Soak the cloth with any of the solvent described below and wipe the surface completely.
(3) 2nd Step: Soak another piece of cloth with the solvent and wipe the surface once again.
(4) 3rd Step: Wipe the surface again with a dry clean cloth.
(5) You can use the cloth from step 3 again for the 2nd or 15′ step but contaminated cloths should always be
discarded, as dirty cloths will spread contamination all over the surface.
(6) Confirm that there are no residues of dirt or solvent on the surface.
(7) Suitable solvents: Acetate, Mineral Sprit, Toluene, Xylene
(8) For plastic panels please refer to “B” below and use the minimum amount of solvent for soaking the cloth and wipe
the surface swiftly.
Super Engineering Grade 15000 SERIES
NIPPON CARBIDE INDUSTRIES (USA) INC.
13856 Bettencourt Street, Cerritos, CA 90703 (800) 821-4264
V2012-02
“B”Abrasion Method
(1) Rub the surface of the aluminum plate evenly with sandpaper, No.150-200, or impregnated nylon scouring pads.
For plastic surface or painted steel, use No.400 or fine sandpaper.
(2) Ideally the debris should be taken away with a vacuum cleaner.
(3) Wipe the surface as instructed in “A” 2-8 above.
(4) The abrasion method will remove the oxidized surface film or contamination and will leave the surface clean. The
abraded roughened surface will also aid adhesion. However, too much abrasion will result in poor adhesion.
(5) The abrasion work should be carried out away from the application and printing areas.
“C”Chemical Method
(1) Many kinds of treatment agents are available such as sodium dichromate, phosphoric acid, etc. It is important to
follow the manufacturers’ instructions as to dilution ratio, treatment temperature, treatment time etc.
(2) Care should be taken of the substrate after chemical treatment. Thorough washing should be undertaken with
water to eliminate excessive agent from the surface, which will reduce the retroreflective sheeting life.
(3) Before sending the treated substrates to the application areas the surface should be dried thoroughly.
(4) Some treatment agents have a limited effective life when used on the substrates. Therefore, treated substrates
should be applied as quickly as possible.
Substrate Treatment
Method
Remarks
Aluminum A Aluminum pre-treated by manufacturer
Aluminum B + C Not treated
Iron & Steel B + C Epoxy powder or melamine thermosetting painted steel is recommended
Stainless Steel Stainless steel is not recommended as a substrate
Galvanized Iron C Adhesion is normally poor
Painted Iron B Epoxy powder or melamine thermosetting painted steel is recommended
Glass Plate A MEK (Methyl-Ethyl-Ketone) or acetone
Concrete Pre-treat surface with a suitable primer for concrete and dry thoroughly
Plastics:
Polycarbonate
Polymethyl
Metacrylate
PVC
A 1) Wipe with methanol
2) Wipe with methanol, allow to stand, remove the debris and wipe again with
methanol
Epoxy, Polyester
Melamine,
Polyethylene
Polypropylene
A 1) Wipe with methanol
2) Wipe with methanol, allow to stand, remove the debris and wipe again with
methanol
NOTE: PLASTICS
* When cleaning plastic surfaces with solvent, soak the cloth with a small amount of the solvent and wipe the surface
quickly. If solvent remains on the surface, wipe it off with a clean dry cloth.
* Some plastics will develop hairline cracks on the surface after wiping with solvent. Perform a test by trying the
solvent on a small panel before full treatment.
* Those plastics which do develop hairline cracks should be wiped with a cloth with mild detergent solution and then
washed thoroughly with water and dried.
9. APPLICATION
Nikkalite SEG 15000 Series retro- reflective sheeting is coated with pressure sensitive (PS) adhesive that, when
applied at room temperature of 18°C to 25°C (64°F to 77°F) is easy to handle and apply. SEG is bonded to the sign
substrate by application of pressure with a hand roller, a manual roller applicator or power squeegee roller applicator.
Aluminum plate, epoxy powder or backed melamine painted panels normally provides good adhesion properties for
retroreflective sheeting. The sheeting does not adhere well to some types of air drying paints, therefore, before
applying to painted surfaces care should be taken to test the surface. Plastics that are being used for the first time
should be tested to determine whether the sheeting will perform well by exposing a test specimen at 70°C (158°F) for
three hours to check bubbles causing out-gassing from plastic and by exposing a test specimen outdoors facing south
Super Engineering Grade 15000 SERIES
NIPPON CARBIDE INDUSTRIES (USA) INC.
13856 Bettencourt Street, Cerritos, CA 90703 (800) 821-4264
V2012-02
at 45 degrees (in the Southern hemisphere, north facing 45 degrees) for at least three months to check adhesion
strength to the substrate.
1O. GRAPHIC CUTTING
Friction or sprocket driven rotary plotters, flat bed plotters or craft type cutting knives are all suitable for cutting 15000
Series SEG materials.
The material must be allowed to condition, out of its box and correctly supported, ideally in a room with an ambient
temperature of 18°C to 25°C (64°F to 770F). If the entire area cannot be heated to 18°C (64°F or above, use some
form of safe heating to provide warm air onto the working area.
11. STORAGE
Retroreflective sheeting should be stored between 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 770F), ideally with a relative humidity of
30% to 60%, and out of direct sunlight. In a horizontal position above the floor, store full and open rolls in the carton
that they were shipped in. Make sure rolls are suspended in the box on the plastic supports, or suspended through
the core with a suitable bar. Do not leave full or open rolls of material resting on hard surface; this may cause bruising
to 18°C to 25°C (64°F to 77°F) reflective material, which may not be seen until exposed to a light source. Do not
stand full or part rolls vertically on their end. Retroreflective sheeting should be used within one year after purchased.
12. CLEANING I MAINTENANCE
During its lifetime the sign may require cleaning at some stage. The sign will probably have sand / grit within the
surface dirt, therefore it is recommended that a low-pressure flow of water is used to help remove this loose dirt and
sand / grit from the sign first. Never use a strong jet of water. Rubbing the sand/grit into the sign during the cleaning
procedure may cause irreparable damage to the sign material. Therefore, care must be taken during the cleaning
process. A small solution of a mild detergent in clean warm water is recommended for cleaning the material surface.
The detergent and cloth must be non-abrasive, free of any strong aromatic solvents or alcohols and be chemically
neutral. Rinse the whole area thoroughly after washing and allow to dry naturally or use a lint free cloth. Tar or
similar deposits can be removed by a light application of turpentine, following with the washing instructions above.
13. DURABILITY
When processed and applied in line with the manufacturer’s instructions, NikkaIite 15000 Series SEG material when
exposed vertically under normal weathering conditions can be expected to have a useful life as shown in the table
below. However, actual performance depends greatly on type and treatment of substrate and on weathering
conditions.
Item Number Color Life
15012 White 12 Years
15004 Yellow 12 Years
15035 Red 12 Years
15006 Blue 12 Years
15037 Orange 3 Years
15008 Green 12 Years
15006 Blue 12 Years
That aforementioned information regarding the processing is based on our own experience and experiments. However, these may
not be representative of the actual information that can be guaranteed.
14. RELIABILITY
All recommendations and technical information contained herein are based on experience and tests, which the
manufacturer believes to be reliable, but their accuracy and completion are not warranted. The user is cautioned to
undertake their own test/tests to determine the suitability of a particular product for the intended application.
Super Engineering Grade 15000 SERIES
NIPPON CARBIDE INDUSTRIES (USA) INC.
13856 Bettencourt Street, Cerritos, CA 90703 (800) 821-4264
V2012-02
15. WARRANTY
Nikkalite Products are warranted to be free from defects in materials and workmanship at the time of their sale.
Except as herein above expressly warranted, Nikkalite products are sold without any warranty whatsoever, including
warranties of merchantability or fitness for a purpose. The sole remedy for failure of Nikkalite products to conform
to said warranty is the replacement of the defective products; neither the manufacturer nor the seller shall be liable for
any loss, damage or injury, direct or indirect or incidental, arising from the use or inability to use said Nikkalite
products.
Technical Data
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
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