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Diamond GradeConspicuity Markings
Series 983
Product Bulletin 983 June 2009
Description
3M™ Diamond Grade™ Conspicuity Markings
Series 983 are highly retroreflective micro-
prismatic 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, sealed and backed with a pressure-
sensitive adhesive and clear poly liner. Applied to
properly prepared surfaces Diamond Grade
markings should provide seven years of field
performance.
Health and Safety Information
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 983-10, 983-32, 983-326 and 983-72 meet
or exceed all FMVSS 108 requirements, including
DOT-C2 Certification Mark.
2, 3 and 4 inch wide x 50 yard rolls
High brightness
Wide angularity to almost 90˚ from
perpendicular
Easy to apply
Aggressive pressure sensitive adhesive
Easy to remove liner
Available in convenient rolls, packaged pieces, or
kiss-cut pieces on a roll
Durable
Pre-sealed edges
Non-metallic construction to prevent corrosion
7 year warranty (non-prorated)
Product Code Color Size DOT Mark
983-10 White 2, 3, 4 inch x 50 yards Yes
983-32 Red 11 inch/White 7 inch 2, 3, 4 inch x 50 yards Yes
(Alternating Pattern)
983-326 Red 6 inch/White 6 inch 2 inch x 50 yards Yes
(Alternating Pattern)
983-71 Yellow 1, 1-3/4, 2 inch x 50 yards No
983-72 Red 2, 3, 4 inch x 50 yards Yes
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Coefficient of Retroreflection
Measurements are made in accordance with ASTM E-810 "Standard Test Method for Coefficient of
Retroreflective Sheeting" in terms of candlepower per foot-candle per square foot (cd/lux/m2).
Table A. Typical Coefficient of Retroreflection (RA) for New Sheeting (cd/lux/m2).
Observation Angle1
0.2˚ 0.5˚
Entrance Angle2-4˚ 30˚ 45˚ -4˚ 30˚ 45˚
983 Typical Values White 800 550 345 460 215 85
(FMVSS 108 Requirement) (250) (250) (60) (65) (65) (15)
983 Typical Values Red 160 110 60 95 40 16
(FMVSS 108 Requirement) (60) (60) (15) (10) (10) (4)
983 Typical Values Yellow 645 420 235 360 180 65
1Observation Angle - the angle formed by the light beam striking the reflective surface and the light beam returning to the
observer (from 800 feet, a motorist normally views a marking at approximately an 0.2˚ observation angle).
2Entrance 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.
Typical Physical Properties
The following technical information should be considered typical only and should not be used for specification
purposes.
Property FMVSS 108 Requirement Series 983 Typical Value
Thickness (Caliper) No requirement 0.014 inch - 0.018 inch
Whiteness
Reflective Limit Y > 15 White 45 White
ASTM E1164 > 2.5 Red 5 Red
Gloss No requirement 100
ASTM D523 @ 85˚
Dimensional Stability < 1/8 inch change on No measurable change
ASTM D4956 9 x 9 inch panel
Flexibility - wrap around No cracking No cracking
0.125 inch mandrel @ 32˚F (0˚C)
High pressure wash test No requirement Passes
45˚ angle, 1200 psi, 8 inch away
Adhesion
90˚ Hanging Weight < 2 inch (55mm) movement 0.2 inch (4 mm)
ASTM D4956
Minimum Application Temp. 60˚F (15˚C)
Instron Peel Adhesion
12 inch/minute, 90˚ pullback No requirement Degreased aluminum 5.3 lb/in (.95 kg/cm)
Prepainted panel 3.0 lb/in (0.55 kg/cm)
Stainless steel 6.0 lb/in (1.1 kg/cm)
FRP 2.5 lb/in (0.52 kg/cm)
Tedlar™ 3.0 lb/in (0.54 kg/cm)
Aluminum Rail 3.5 lb/in (0.56 kg/cm)
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Property FMVSS 108 Requirement Series 983 Typical Value
Chemical Resistance No requirement Not affected by toluene, #2 diesel
SAE J1967 fuel, gasoline (leaded) kerosene, TSP
detergent, xylene, dilute metal
brighteners
Corrosion Resistance
ASTM B-117 Salt Spray No requirement No effect 1000 Hours
Impact Resistance
Room Temperature No damage outside impact No damage outside impact
100 in-lb, 5/8 inch tip
Cold temperature No requirement No damage outside impact
60 in-lbs at -20˚F
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.
Automatic truck/car wash or standard
high-pressure hand spray:
Maximum pressure-1200 PSI/ 80 bar.
Maximum water/wash solution temperature-
140˚F/ 60˚C.
Minimum of 12 inches/ 30cm distance of
cleaning jet(s) from markings.
Cleaning wand or jets to be at no greater angle
than 45 degrees from perpendicular to the
marking surface.
When using metal brighteners, follow
manufacturer’s recommendations for dilution.
Thoroughly rinse from markings after soaking
vehicle.
Storage
Cool, dry area out of direct sunlight.
Temperature 65-75˚F (18-24˚C)
humidity 30-50%.
Store rolls horizontally, in carton or in original
packaging.
Shelf Life
Apply series 983 markings within two years of
receipt of material.
General Performance Considerations
Series 983 markings will provide maximum
durability when:
3M recommended procedures are followed.
Marking is applied to vertical surfaces.
Actual durability will be based on actual
customer use, field testing, exterior exposed test-
ing and artificial weathering testing.
Durability can be reduced if recommended
techniques are not followed:
Failure to cut markings around rivets, seams and
body are panels.
Improper use of high pressure cleaning.
Spillage of chemicals or solvents.
Improper application or surface preparation.
Warranty
3M warrants that 3M™ Diamond Grade™
Conspicuity Markings Series 983 sold by 3M to
be used for truck and trailer conspicuity markings
in the United States and Canada will remain effec-
tive for its intended use and meet the stated mini-
mum values for coefficient of retroreflection for
seven years, subject to the following provisions:
Minimum Coefficient of Retroreflection
Candelas per foot candle per Sq. Ft.
Candelas per Lux per Square Meter
(.2˚ Observation and -4˚ Entrance)3
Marking Color (FMVSS 108 Requirement)
White 250
Red 60
3All measurements shall be made after cleaning according to
3M recommendations and in accordance with ASTM E 810
“Standard Test Method for Coefficient of Retroreflection of
Retroreflective Sheeting.
If Diamond Grade conspicuity marking is
processed and applied to a vertical +20˚ surface in
accordance with all 3M application and fabrica-
tion procedures provided in 3M’s product
bulletins, information folders, technical memos
(which will be furnished to the agency upon
request), including the exclusive use of 3M
process colors and clear coatings, and
recommended application equipment; and
If the marking deteriorates due to natural causes;
such as fading, cracking, peeling, lifting, discol-
oration or the coefficient of retroreflection is less
than the minimum herein specified; 3M’s sole
responsibility and purchaser’s and user’s exclusive
remedy shall be that 3M will provide full
replacement of the 3M materials for seven years
from the date of installation.
Conditions
Such failure must be solely the result of design or
manufacturing defects in the 3M™ Diamond
Grade™ Conspicuity Markings and not of outside
causes such as: improper fabrication, handling,
maintenance or installation; use of process colors,
thinners, or coatings not made by 3M; use of
application procedures not recommended by 3M;
applied to a surface at greater than +20˚ from ver-
tical; failure of substrate; exposure to chemicals,
abrasion and other mechanical damage from fas-
teners used to mount the marking; collisions, van-
dalism or malicious mischief.
3M reserves the right to determine the method of
replacement.
Replacement markings will carry the unexpired
warranty of the marking it replaces.
Claims made under this warranty will be honored
only if 3M is notified of a failure within a reason-
able time, reasonable information requested by
3M is provided, and 3M is permitted to verify the
cause of the failure.
Limitation and 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 MER-
CHANTABILITY, 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.
Literature Reference
IF 4.9 Application Instructions for Diamond
Grade Conspicuity Markings Series 983
FOR INFORMATION OR ASSISTANCE
CALL:
1-800-553-1380
IN CANADA CALL:
1-800-265-1840
Internet:
www.3M.com/tss
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 manufacturer.
3M and Diamond Grade are trademarks of 3M. Used under license in Canada. Tedlar is a trademark of Dupont.
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