Flexible Prismatic Conspicuity Markings Series 963 are highly retroreflective flexible
microprismatic markings designed to mark the sides and rear of vehicles for enhanced visibility
and detection. The reflective marking consists of prismatic lenses that are formed in a transparent,
synthetic resin, reflectorized and backed with a pressure sensitive adhesive and paper liner.
Series 963 meets or exceed all FMVSS 108 requirements.
Features
• 2, 3, and 4 inch wide x 50 yard rolls
• High brightness
• Wide angularity
• 5 year warranty
Easy to apply
• Aggressive pressure sensitive adhesive
• Easy to remove liner
• Available in convenient rolls or kiss-cut pieces on a roll
Product Code
963-10
963-32
963-326
963-72
Color
White
Red 11 inch/White 7 inch
(alternating pattern)
Red 6 inch/White 6 inch
(alternating pattern)
Red
Size
2, 3, 4 inch x 50 yards
2, 3, 4 inch x 50 yards
2 inch x 50 yards
2, 3, 4 inch x 50 yards
DOT Mark
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Coefficient of
Retroreflection
The minimum coefficient of retroreflection values of these sheetings when new are given in Table
A in terms of candelas per lux per square meter. Measurements are made for samples applied to
an aluminum panel in accordance with ASTM E-810 “Standard Test Method for Coefficient of
Retroreflective Sheeting” and represent an average of values at 0 and 90 degree orientations.
Table A. Minimum Coefficient of Retroreflection (R
A
) for New Sheeting (cd/lux/m
2
)
1
Observation Angle
-4º
65
15
0.5º
30º
65
15
45º
15
4
2
Entrance Angle
963 White
963 Red
-4º
250
60
0.2º
30º
250
60
45º
60
15
Observation Angle – the angle formed by the light beam striking the reflective surface and the light beam
returning to the observer
1
Entrance Angle – the angle formed by a light beam striking a surface at a point and a line perpendicular to
the surface at the same point.
2
Typical Physical
Properties
The following technical information should be considered typical only and should not be used for
specification purposes.
Table B. Physical Properties for New Sheeting
Property
Thickness
Gloss
ASTM D523 @ 85º
Whiteness
ASTM E1164
Dimensional Stability
ASTM D4956
Flexibility
0.125 inch mandrel @ 32ºF
(0ºC)
High Pressure Wash Test
45º angle, 1200 psi, 8 inch
distance
Adhesion 90º Hanging Weight
ASTM D4956
Minimum Application
Temperature
Instron Peel Adhesion
12 inch/minute, 90º pullback
Chemical Resistance
Corrosion Resistance
ASTM B-117 Salt Spray
Impact Resistance
Room Temperature, 100
inch/lb, 5/8 inch tip Cold
temperature, 60 inch/lb at
-20ºF
Value
0.010 inch – 0.014 inch (.25 – .36mm)
100
> 15 white, > 2.5 red
< 0.125 inch change on 9 x 9 panel
No cracking
No delamination from panel
< 2 inch (55mm) movement
50ºF (10ºC)
3.0 lbs./inch or greater on typical substrates
Not affected by toluene, #2 diesel fuel, gasoline,
kerosene, TSP detergent, xylene, dilute metal
brighteners
No effect in 1000 hours
No damage outside impact area
No damage outside impact area
2
Maintenance
Cleaning
Routine washing is recommended for maximum performance. The following cleaning methods are
recommended:
• Wash with sponge, cloth or soft brush using water and detergent.
• Standard high-pressure hand spray:
Maximum
pressure – 1200 PSI/80 bar.
Maximum
water/wash solution temperature – 140ºF/60ºC.
Minimum
of 12 inches/30cm distance between spray tips and markings.
Cleaning wand or spray tips to be at
no greater
angle than 45 degrees from perpendicular to the
marking’s surface.
Use Spray Tip – #1505 (15 deg spray angle, 05 capacity size)
• When using metal brighteners, follow manufacturer’s recommendations for dilution. Thoroughly
rinse from marking after soaking vehicle.
Storage
Routine washing is recommended for maximum performance. The following cleaning methods are
recommended:
• Store in a cool, dry area out of direct sunlight.
• Temperature 65-75ºF (18-24ºC)
• Humidity 30-50%
• Store rolls horizontally, in carton or in original packaging.
Shelf Life
Apply series 963 markings within two years of receipt of material.
Health and Safety
Information
General Performance
Considerations
Read all health hazard, precautionary, and first aid statements found in the Material Safety Data Sheet
and/or product label of chemicals prior to handling or use.
Series 963 markings will provide maximum durability when:
• 3M recommended procedures are followed.
• Markings are applied to vertical surfaces (within +20º).
Actual durability will be based on actual customer use conditions. Durability can be reduced if
recommended techniques are not followed, including:
• Improper application or surface preparation.
• Failure to cut markings around rivets, seams and body panels.
• Improper use of high pressure cleaning.
• Spillage of chemicals or solvents.
Warranty
3M warrants that 3M
™
Flexible Prismatic Conspicuity Markings Series 963 sold by 3M to be used
for markings in the United States and Canada will remain effective for the intended use and meet
the stated minimum values for coefficient of retroreflection for 5 years when applied on vertical
(+20º) surfaces. If the 3M reflective marking is applied in accordance with all 3M application and
fabrication procedures, including the exclusive use of 3M recommended application equipment; and if
the emblem or marking deteriorates due to natural causes, such as fading, cracking, peeling, lifting, or
discoloration; 3M’s sole responsibility and purchaser’s exclusive remedy shall be that 3M will provide
replacement of the 3M material.
3
Warranty
(continued)
Conditions
Such failures must be solely the result of design or manufacturing defects in the 3M reflective
markings and not of outside causes such as: improper handling, maintenance or installation; use of
application procedures not recommended by 3M; failure of substrate; exposure to chemicals, abrasion
and other mechanical damage from fasteners used to mount the marking; collisions, vandalism or
malicious mischief.
3M reserves the right to determine the method of replacement.
Replacement markings will carry the unexpired warranty of the markings they replace.
Claims made under this warranty will be honored only if 3M is notified of a failure within a
reasonable time, reasonable information requested by 3M is provided, and 3M is permitted to verify
the cause of the failure.
Limitation of Liability
3M’s liability under this warranty is limited to replacement as stated herein, and 3M assumes no
liability for any incidental or consequential damages, such as lost profits, business or revenues in
any way related to the product regardless of the legal theory on which the claim is based. THIS
WARRANTY IS MADE IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED,
INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY,
OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY ARISING
OUT OF A COURSE OF DEALING OR OF PERFORMANCE, CUSTOM OR USAGE OF TRADE.
Information Folder 4.9
Application Instructions for 3M
™
Diamond Grade
™
and 3M
™
Flexible
Prismatic Conspicuity Markings
Literature Reference
4
FOR INFORMATION OR ASSISTANCE
CALL: 1-800-553-1380
IN CANADA CALL:
1-800-265-1840
Internet:
www.3M.com/roadwaysafety
3M assumes no responsibility for any injury, loss or damage arising out of the use of a product that is not of our manufacture. Where reference
is made in literature to a commercially available product, made by another manufacturer, it shall be the user’s responsibility to ascertain the
precautionary measures for its use outlined by the manufacturer.
Important Notice
All statements, technical information and recommendations contained herein are based on tests we believe to be reliable, but the accuracy
or completeness thereof is not guaranteed, and the following is made in lieu of all warranties, or conditions express or implied. Seller’s and
manufacturer’s only obligation shall be to replace such quantity of the product proved to be defective. Neither seller nor manufacturer shall be
liable for any injury, loss or damage, direct, special or consequential, arising out of the use of or the inability to use the product. Before using, user
shall determine the suitability of the product for his/her intended use, and user assumes all risk and liability whatsoever in connection therewith.
Statements or recommendations not contained herein shall have no force or effect unless in an agreement signed by officers of seller and