Tek Tip - 3M™ Commercial Solutions Adhesive and Liner Technology Overview

3M™ Commercial Solutions has several unique adhesive technologies selectively embedded within their product line. The three main adhesive technologies include:

  • Air release with 3M™ Comply™ Adhesive
  • Pressure activated with 3M™ Controltac™ Technology
  • Pressure sensitive with 3M™ Scotchcal™ films 


We'll attempt to explain the main differences and help guide you in properly selecting the correct adhesive technology for your application.


3M™ Comply™ Adhesives (Air Release)
A micro-replicated pattern is embossed onto the liner. Air release channels help prevent trapped air during installation by providing an escape, or egress route. Several versions of 3M™ Comply™ Adhesive exist. Micro comply is the newest version and features non-visible air release channels.


Popular films using 3M™ Comply™ Adhesive include: 3M™ Scotchcal™ Graphic Film with Comply™ v3 Adhesive IJ180cv3 and 3M™ Scotchcal™ Graphic Film with Comply™ Adhesive IJ35C-10 and IJ35-20C.


3M™ Controltac™ Technology (Pressure Activated)
3M™ Controltac™ Technology provide a slideability feature that allows positioning and repositioning of films. Microreplicated spheres or "posts" are systematically placed throughout the liner and are transferred to the adhesive during the manufacturing process.



Popular films using 3M™ Controltac™ Technology include: 3M™ Controltac™ Graphic Film IJ160, 3M™ Controltac™ Graphic Film IJ181 and 3M™ Controltac™ Print Film 40C.

3M™ Scotchcal™ (Pressure Sensitive)
3M™ Scotchcal™ adheres on contact. This technology is the most cost effective and is used when graphic sliding is not a major concern.



Popular films using 3M™ Scotchcal™ include: 3M™ Scotchcal™ Graphic Film IJ3650-10 and 114, 3M™ Scotchcal™ Changeable Graphic Film IJ3555 and 3M™ Scotchcal™ High Tack Graphic Film IJ39-20.

Often times, technologies will be combined to offer even more versatility. Combining the benefits of their air egress for bubble-free installations using 3M™ Comply™ Adhesive with the repositionability of 3M™ Controltac™ Technology helps ensure successful applications every time. Some of 3M's most popular products combining adhesive technologies include: 3M™ Controltac™ Graphic Film with Comply™ Adhesive Series 180mC, 3M™ Controltac™ Graphic Film with Comply™ Adhesive IJ160C, and 3M™ Controltac™ Print Film 40C-10R and 40C-20R.

Contact Tekra today at www.tekra.com or 1-800-448-3572 for help selecting the correct 3M™ Commercial Solutions adhesive technology for your project.

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