3M™ Scotchlite™ C790 Carbon Black stretch transfer film offers inherent deep black color and retroreflectivity.
By Janet Bealer Rodie, Contributing Editor
Apparel designers can now stretch their imaginations when creating reflective stretch apparel, whether it be for activewear, lifestyle apparel, sportswear or another such application. Working in collaboration with apparel brands in those sectors, St. Paul, Minn.-based 3M Corp. has developed an inherently deep black, reflective stretch transfer film that can be laminated using a low-temperature bonding process to a range of fabrics — all of which enhance design flexibility and options. The film is offered under the company’s 3M™ Scotchlite™ Reflective Material brand.
“The solution that came to be known as C790 Carbon Black Stretch Transfer Film was born from collaborative discussions between Scotchlite and some of the most well-regarded apparel brands in the world,” said Ryan Gallagher, 3M’s global market development manager. “As their designers have started to integrate visibility into their apparel, colorized reflective has been their choice. They want high brightness; a dark, rich black color; stretch; and durability.
“When designing or developing a product, you really want it all, without
any compromise,” he added.
“C790 is the deepest black material that we’ve ever come out with,” Gallagher said. “It uses our patented Carbon Black technology, which combines high retroreflectivity with a dark material; offers high stretch and recovery, high brightness, stain resistance, off-angle brightness and good wash durability; and uses a low-temperature bond adhesive. This is the first product in this range that has this type of stretch characteristic.”
在C790膜中，与传统的色彩颜色的银色反射材料相比，将深黑色和反射材料掺入膜溶液中，其中将颜色涂在粘合到基板表面的玻璃珠上。这部电影提供了300RA的初始亮度，这是由3M的客户确定为黑色颜色反射材料反射率的基准。因为它可以在相对较低的温度下（250°F至265°F）层压到织物，并提供四向拉伸，因此可以在包括氨纶和聚氨酯在内的各种织物上使用。在测试中，它的特性已被证明持久至50次家庭洗钱。
有针对性的服装市场包括运动服，生活方式和运动服。加拉格尔说：“我们也对赛车运动以及不受监管的职业工作服市场引起了很多兴趣。”
3M presented the C790 Carbon Black film to potential customers at the recent Outdoor Retailer Summer Market in Salt Lake City, where it was received very favorably, according to Gallagher. “We also met with some customers that are already developing lines using the materials,” he added, noting that he anticipates end-products featuring the technology will be introduced at retail in Spring 2018.
For more information about 3M™ Scotchlite™ C790 Carbon Black stretch transfer film, contact3mscotchliteinfo@mmm.com;3m.com/carbonblackreflective.
September/October 2017
