Balancing solids anddots for customer
satisfaction.
3M™ Flexographic Plate Mounting Systems | Selection Guide

2

3M™ Flexographic Plate Mounting Systems | Selection Guide

Wide choice of adhesives, foams
and thickness for the results yourcustomers demand.
For halftone work where dot gain is a concern, a softer tape optimizes
reproduction. When solids and dots share the plate, a combination tapecan properly balance the result. When your customer requires solid ink
and crisp lines, you’ll want a firm, high density mounting tape.
From the wide 3M selection, you can find the adhesives, foams, andthickness for the print quality that customers demand and expect.
You’ll also find choices to meet your handling requirements for:• Mounting ease and positioning accuracy• Easy, clean removal from plate and cylinder

mils

Easy Mount
Adhesive

0.300
0.000

46.9

-0.300mils-0.600-1.2
35.1-0.9000.0 0.0 mils

-1.200mils

Pebbled
Liner

0.300
0.000

46.9

-0.300mils-0.600-1.2
35.1-0.9000.0 0.0 mils

-1.200mils

Flat Liner

0.300
0.000

46.9
mils

-0.300-0.600-1.2
35.1

E-Series Tapes with Easy Mount Adhesive
On easy with reduced air entrapment. Unlike flat or pebbled liners,
E-Series liners are crosshatched. This imprints unique micro-channels
into the adhesive that allows air to flow throughout. Air bubbles
disappear from between the tape and plate, and between the tape andcylinder or sleeve for virtually bubble-free mounting. Setup is faster withsmoother surfaces for cleaner print quality and higher productivity.
Stays on with reduced edge-lifting. Exclusive 3M plate-side adhesive
maintains tight contact. Saves the prep time, downtime and labor ofsealing plate edges.
Peels off easily to reduce plate damage. Peels off so easily you canvirtually eliminate plate back treatment. You’re less likely to damage
plates, so you save time, labor and money.
Bubble-free print quality. Prevent blemishes in screen and process
printing. Help assure proper registration.

-0.9000.0 0.0 mils

-1.200Microscopic view of adhesive surface
measured with interferometer.

EH-Series Adhesive to hold the edge on small
diameter cylinders
3M EH-Series Tapes combine the air-release of 3M E-Series Tapes
with higher plate side adhesion to resist edge lifting on cylinder
diameters as small as 2 inches.

L-Series Tapes with Less Removal Force
3M L-Series Tapes combine the air-release feature of 3M E-Series and
H-Series Tapes. They are designed to provide easy and clean removalof printing plates across a wide range of printing applications withexcellent resistance to plate lifting.

3M™ Flexographic Plate Mounting Systems | Selection Guide

Solid
Printing

3

Process
Printing

Combination Printing
18 Series:
Firm

17 Series:
Medium Firm

15 Series:
Medium10 Series:
Standard

13 Series:
Medium Soft19 Series:
Light Medium

Uniform
coverage ofsolids when
halftone dot
reproduction
is not critical.

When platecontains
mostlysolids in a
combinationof solid andhalftoneimages.

When platecontains
slightly more
solids in a
combinationof solid andhalftoneimages.

For highspeed printing
with fine typereverses andexpandedcolor gamut.

When solidand halftone
areas areequallyimportant.

For high speed Improved tone
printing of
reproduction
combination
at high speed
work when
when process
halftone areasand halftone
exceed solid.
imagespredominate.

447,
447DL

E1815,
E1815H,

E1715,
E1715H

E1515,
E1515H

411,
411DL,
413DL

1815M

E1720,
E1720H,

E1520,
E1520H

E1015,
E1015H,
1015,
1015M

1720M

L1520

12 Series:
Light

11 Series:
Process

Low density
maximizes dot
reproduction
for high speed
processand screen
printing.

Low density
maximizes dot
reproduction
for high
qualityprocess workand screen
printing.
E1115,
E1115H,
1115

100% Solid

Reverse

40% Midtone

10% Highlight

400 Series
Tapes: Solid

412,
412DL,
414DL

E1820,
E1820H,
1820M

L1720

E1840,
E1840H
E1860,
E1860H
L1820

E1020,
E1020H,
1020,
1020M,
1020R
E1040,
E1040H,
1040
E1060,
E1060H,
1060

E1315,
E1315H

E1915,
E1915H,

E1215,
E1215H

E1320,
E1320H

E1915S,
E1915HS

E1220,
E1220H

1915M

L1220

L1320

E1920,
E1920H,
E1920S,
E1920HS,
1920M,
1920S
L1920,
L1920S

L1020

DL: Double Liner
E: Air Release, Standard Plate Side Adhesion
EH: Air Release, High Plate Side Adhesion
K:	High Sleeve Side Adhesion for Composite Sleeves

Note: Additional calipers available for specialized needs.

L: Air Release, Less Removal Force and Plate Damage
M: Modified Plate Side Adhesion
R: For Rubber Plates
S:	High Sleeve Side Adhesion for Urethane Sleeves

E1120,
E1120H,
1120,
L1120

4

3M™ Flexographic Plate Mounting Systems | Selection Guide

3M™ Flexographic Plate Mounting Systems Selection Guide

3M™ Solid Printing Tapes

Manufactured
Application
TargetProduct
Thickness
Thickness
NumberInches (mm)Inches (mm)Description
400 Series — 3M™ Flexomount™ Solid Plate Mounting Tapes
411DL, 411

0.015 (0.38)

0.015 (0.38)

412DL, 412

0.020 (0.51)

0.020 (0.51)

447DL, 447

0.010 (0.25)

0.010 (0.25)

413DL

0.015 (0.38)

0.015 (0.38)

0.020 (0.51)

0.020 (0.51)

414DL

Gray double coated tape witha soft rubber adhesive on eachside of a vinyl carrier. Available
in single and double liner.
Black double coated tape witha firm rubber adhesive on eachside of a vinyl carrier. Available
only in double liner.

PlatesCylinders

Color

P/R

SS/SL

Gray

P/R

SS/SL

Gray

P/R

SS/SL

Gray

P/R

SS/SL

Black

P/R

SS/SL

Black

P

SS/SL

Blue

P

SS/SL

Blue

P

SS/SL

Blue

P

SS/SL

Blue

P

SS/SL

Blue

P

SS/SL

Teal

P

SS/SL

Teal

P

SS/SL

Teal

P

SS/SL

PurpleP

SS/SL

PurpleP

SS/SL

PurpleFeatures

Gray vinyl tapes with highadhesion. Helps reduce edge
lifting. Helps minimize pin
holing on solid work.
Black vinyl with lower
adhesion. Higher temperatureand solvent resistance. Helps
minimize pin holing on solids.

18 Series — 3M Cushion-Mount Plus Firm Combination Plate Mounting Tapes™

™

E1815H, E1815,
1815M

0.015 (0.38)

0.017 (0.43)

E1820H, E1820,
1820M

0.020 (0.51)

0.022 (0.56)

E1840, E1840H

0.040 (1.02)

0.042 (1.07)

E1860, E1860H

0.060 (1.52)

0.062 (1.57)

0.020 (0.51)

0.022 (0.56)

L1820

Differential acrylate adhesive
system on each side of a foam
carrier, protected by a releaseliner on one side.

Better solid ink density than
the standard combination
printing tapes. Clean removalfrom plate and print cylinder.

17 Series — 3M Cushion-Mount Plus Medium Firm Combination Plate Mounting Tapes™

™

E1715H, E1715

0.015 (0.38)

0.017 (0.43)

E1720H, E1720,
1720M

0.020 (0.51)

0.022 (0.56)

0.020 (0.51)

0.022 (0.56)

L1720

Differential acrylate adhesive
system on each side of a foam
carrier, protected by a releaseliner on one side.

Quality results when platecontains slightly more solids
in a combination of solid andhalftone images.

15 Series — 3M Cushion-Mount Plus Medium Combination Plate Mounting Tapes
3M™ Combination Printing Tapes™

™

E1515, E1515H

0.015 (0.38)

0.017 (0.43)

E1520, E1520H

0.020 (0.51)

0.022 (0.56)

0.020 (0.51)

0.022 (0.56)

L1520

Differential acrylate adhesive
system on each side of a foam
carrier, protected by a releaseliner on one side.

High quality, medium
combination print. Adhesive
removes cleanly from the print
plate and the print cylinder.

10 Series — 3M Cushion-Mount Plus Standard Combination Plate Mounting Tapes™

™

E1015H, E1015,
1015, 1015M

0.015 (0.38)

0.017 (0.43)

P

SS/SL

White

E1015-15H,
E1015-15, 1015-15

0.015 (0.38)

0.015 (0.38)

P

SS/SL

White

E1020H, E1020,
1020, 1020M

0.020 (0.51)

0.022 (0.56)

P

SS/SL

White

1020R

0.020 (0.51)

0.022 (0.56)

P/R

SS/SL

White

E1020-20H,
E1020-20, 1020-20

0.020 (0.51)

0.020 (0.51)

P

SS/SL

White

E1040H, E1040,
1040

0.040 (1.02)

0.042 (1.07)

P

SS/SL

White

E1060H, E1060,
1060

0.060 (1.52)

0.062 (1.57)

P

SS/SL

White

L1020

0.020 (0.51)

0.022 (0.56)

P

SS/SL

White

P

SS/SL

YellowP

SS/SL

YellowP

SS/SL

Yellow

Differential acrylate adhesive
system on each side of a foam
carrier, protected by a releaseliner on one side.

Most versatile 3M™ CushionMount™ Plus Tapes. Effectively
prints most types of
flexographic printing.

13 Series — 3M Cushion-Mount Plus Medium Combination Plate Mounting Tapes™

™

E1315H, E1315

0.015 (0.38)

0.017 (0.43)

E1320H, E1320

0.020 (0.51)

0.022 (0.56)

L1320

0.020 (0.51)

0.022 (0.56)

Differential acrylate adhesive
system on each side of a foam
carrier, protected by a releaseliner on one side.

High quality, medium-soft
combination print. Adhesive
removes cleanly from the print
plate and the print cylinder.

Note: This technical information and data should be considered representative or typical only and should not be used for specification purposes.
DL – Double Liner; E – Air Release, Standard Plate Side Adhesion; EH – Air Release, High Plate Side Adhesion; K – High Sleeve Side Adhesion
for Composite Sleeves; L – Air Release, Less Removal Force and Plate Damage; M – Modified Plate Side Adhesion; P – Photopolymer Plates;
R – For Rubber Plates; S – High Adhesion on Cylinder/Sleeve Side; SL – Sleeve; SS – Stainless Steel Cylinder

3M™ Flexographic Plate Mounting Systems | Selection Guide

5

3M™ Combination Printing Tapes cont.

3M™ Flexographic Plate Mounting Systems Selection Guide (cont.)
Manufactured
Application
TargetProduct
Thickness
Thickness
NumberInches (mm)Inches (mm)Description
19 Series — 3M™ Cushion-Mount™ Plus Soft Combination Plate Mounting Tapes
E1915, E1915H,
0.015 (0.38)
0.017 (0.43)
1915M
E1915HS, E1915S

Cylinders

Color

P

SS/SL

Pink

P

SL

Pink

P

SS/SL

Pink

P

SL

Pink

0.015 (0.38)

0.017 (0.43)

0.020 (0.51)

0.022 (0.56)

0.020 (0.51)

0.022 (0.56)

L1920

0.020 (0.51)

0.022 (0.56)

P

SS/SL

Pink

L1920S

0.020 (0.51)

0.022 (0.56)

P

SL

Pink

P

SS/SL

P

SS/SL

P

SS/SL

P

SS/SL

Tan

P

SS/SL

Tan

P

SS/SL

Tan

P

SS/SL

Tan

P

SS/SL

Tan

E1920H, E1920,
1920M
E1920S, 1920S,
E1920HS

Differential acrylate adhesive
system on each side of a foam
carrier, protected by a releaseliner on one side.

Features

Soft support improves tone
reduction when process andhalftone images predominate.

12 Series — 3M™ Cushion-Mount™ Plus Light Combination Plate Mounting Tapes
E1215H, E1215

0.015 (0.38)

0.017 (0.43)

E1220H, E1220

0.020 (0.51)

0.022 (0.56)

0.020 (0.51)

0.022 (0.56)

L1220
3M™ Process Printing Tapes

PlatesDifferential acrylate adhesive
system on each side of a foam
carrier, protected by a releaseliner on one side.

Orange High quality, light combination
print. Adhesive removes
cleanly from the print plate
Orangeand the print cylinder. Air
release on both adhesive
Orange surfaces.

11 Series — 3M Cushion-Mount Plus Process Plate Mounting Tapes™

™

E1115H, E1115, 1115

0.015 (0.38)

0.017 (0.43)

E1115-15H, E1115-15,
1115-150.015 (0.38)

0.015 (0.38)

E1120H, E1120, 1120

0.020 (0.51)

0.022 (0.56)

E1120-20H,
E1120-20, 1120-20

0.020 (0.51)

0.020 (0.51)

L1120

0.020 (0.51)

0.022 (0.56)

Differential acrylate adhesive
system on each side of a foam
carrier, protected by a releaseliner on one side.

Better tone reproduction than
the standard combination
printing tapes. Clean removalfrom plate and print cylinder.

Note: This technical information and data should be considered representative or typical only and should not be used for specification purposes.
DL – Double Liner; E – Air Release, Standard Plate Side Adhesion; EH – Air Release, High Plate Side Adhesion; K – High Sleeve Side Adhesion
for Composite Sleeves; L – Air Release, Less Removal Force and Plate Damage; M – Modified Plate Side Adhesion; P – Photopolymer Plates;
R – For Rubber Plates; S – High Adhesion on Cylinder/Sleeve Side; SL – Sleeve; SS – Stainless Steel Cylinder

3M™ Thin Tapes

Designed specifically for flexographic
printing on corrugated board, 3M™ Thin
Flexographic Mounting Tape 2205 is a
5-mil double-coated polyester film tapewith cross-hatched adhesive. The crosshatching reduces air entrapment, saving
time and improving print quality.

When cushioning is unnecessary,these tapes can mount bothrubber and photopolymer plates.
Some are also repositionable.
Product
NumberTape Thickness
Mils (mm)Description

415

4.0 (0.10)

Double coated tape with amedium-firm acrylic adhesive oneach side of a polyester carrier.

927

2.0 (0.05)

Acrylic adhesive transfer tape.

950

5.0 (0.13)

Acrylic adhesive transfer tape.

E2105

5.0 (0.13)

Double coated film tape withdifferential acrylic adhesive on apolyester film carrier.

2205

5.0 (0.13)

Double coated film tape withdifferential acrylic adhesive on apolyester film carrier.

9500PC

5.6 (0.14)

High performance acrylic adhesivewith good chemical resistance.

Compressible
Sleeves

CorrugatedRotaryLetterpress

Make
Ready

Features

Good adhesion to a wide range of
surfaces. Can be used for Cameron Press
applications, splice papers, films and foils.
Corrugated plate mounting applications
where repositionability and removability
are not required.
Specifically designed for mounting
flexographic print plates to cushioned/
compressible sleeves. Both adhesives aredesigned to provide high holding power
and to cleanly remove from both the plate
and the sleeve.
Adhesives designed specifically forcorrugated flexo mounting. Removes
cleanly and easy to reposition.
Thin tape plate mounting applications
requiring higher performance than
442KW Tape.

All tapes listed on this chart have been used successfully on non-compressible sleeves.
Note: This technical information and data should be considered representative or typical only and should not be used for specification purposes.

6

3M™ Flexographic Plate Mounting Systems | Selection Guide

Plate Edge Sealing
3M™ Hot Melt Bonding Systems
Easily apply 3M™ Hot Melt Adhesives 3762LM,
3776LM, 3792LM or 3798LM with a 3M™ Hot Melt
Applicator LT to seal plate edges against ink andsolvent penetration that can cause edge lifting.
LT

LT withQuadrack™
Converter

5/8" x 2" TC
5/8" x 8" Q

3M™ Hot Melt
Applicator

WeightOutput(lb/hr)LT

10.0 oz.

2.6

LT with Quadrack™
Converter

13.8 oz.

2.6

Tip No.

Description

9913

2-hole Spreader (1/4" hole span)9916

3-hole Spreader

Adhesive Size(dia. x length)

Accessories(keyed below)

265°F(129°C)

5/8" x 2" TC

1

265°F
(129°C)

5/8" x 8" Q

Temperature.090" Fluted Tip

9922.063" Fluted Tip

9940.125" Fluted Tip

9725.072" Mini Extension Tip

9785.070" Tapered Aluminum Extension

3

1

4

4
2

1

9921

3

Increase loading capacity andease of operation with Quadrack™
Converter and Palm Trigger.

9913

9921

2

9916

9922

9725

9940

A generalpurpose tip(9921) is
supplied witheach 3M™ Hot
Melt Applicator.
Optional tips
are available toincreaseproductivity.

4

Heavy-Duty
Benchstand provides
added convenience.

9785

3M™ Hot Melt Adhesives
Product
Number(Color)Features
Low Melt Technology: Applied 250–270°F (127–132°C)

Size

Delivery Timefor 1" x 3"
Cartridge

Heat
ResistancePeel Strength
PIW
72°F (22°C)

Shear Strength
PSI
72°F (22°C)

Open Time
1/8" Bead

3762LM*(Lt. Amber)

Economical, fast setting,general purpose

5/8" x 8" Q
5/8" x 2" TC

45 sec.

130°F(54°C)

6480

25 sec.

3776LM(Tan)

Bonds variety of materials

5/8" x 8" Q

47 sec.

140°F(60°C)

9600

40 sec.

3792LM*(Clear)Clear, multi-purpose

5/8" x 8" Q
5/8" x 2" TC

57 sec.

140°F(60°C)

13350

40 sec.

3798LM*(Clear)Removable “gummy glue” adhesive

5/8" x 2" TC

N/A

120°F
(49°C)

N/A

N/A

30 sec.

*Also available in bulk.
Note: This technical information and data should be considered representative or typical only and should not be used for specification purposes.

3M™ Flexographic Plate Mounting Systems | Selection Guide

7

Plate Edge Sealing (cont.)
Multiple options with 3M™ Single Coated Tapes
3M™ Aluminum Foil Tape 425, 3M™ Vinyl Tape 471 or 3M™ Polyester Film Tape 850 are pressure
sensitive adhesive tapes that bond on contact to seal plate edges against ink and solvent penetrationthat can cause edge lifting.

Product Information
Product
Number(Color)Tape Structure(Backing/Adhesive)

Backing
Thickness
Mils (mm)Total
Thickness
Mils (mm)Adhesion to Steel Tensile Strength
oz./in.
lbs./in.
Elongation(N/100mm)(N/100mm)
at Break (%)

Temperature
Range

Features-65 to 300°F(-54 to 149°C)

Most versatilealuminum tape.

Premium Performance Aluminum Foil Tape
425*
(Silver)

Aluminum/Acrylic

2.8 (0.07)

4.6 (0.12)

47 (51)30 (525)

8

Premium Performance Vinyl Tape

471
(Various)

Vinyl/Rubber

4.1 (0.10)

5.2 (0.13)

23 (25)16 (280)130

40 to 170°F(4 to 77°C)

Conformable andclean removal.
Black, Blue, Brown,
Green, Orange,
Purple, Red,
Transparent, White,
Yellow.

General Industrial Tapes
850(Transparent)

Polyester/Acrylic

0.9 (0.02)

1.9 (0.05)

30 (33)28 (491)120-60 to 300°F(-50 to 150°C)

Splicing, holding,sealing, highly
transparent.

850(White, Red,Black)Polyester/Acrylic

0.9 (0.02)

1.9 (0.05)

30 (33)28 (491)120-60 to 300°F(-50 to 150°C)

Splicing, holding,decorating, colorcoding, sealing.

850(Silver)

Metallic Polyester/
Acrylic

0.9 (0.02)

1.9 (0.05)

42 (46)28 (491)120-60 to 300°F(-50 to 150°C)

Splicing, holding,decorating, colorcoding, sealing.

*Can be qualified to L-T-80B, MIL-T-23397B II; Meets U.L., Class L File R 7311; F.A.R.25.853 (a); Meets U.L.746C File E122798
Note: This technical information and data should be considered representative or typical only and should not be used for specification purposes.

To seal plate edges against ink and solvent penetration that can weaken mounting tape strength, 3M™ Aluminum Foil Tape 425 (left) and 3M™ Vinyl Tape 471(right) apply easily, bonding on contact and conforming over the plate edge.

8

3M™ Flexographic Plate Mounting Systems | Selection Guide

Splicing Tape
3M™ Splittable Flying Splice Tape 8387
Maximize speed. Keep your presses running at higher speeds so you
can get the best from your press with consistent results.
Optimize surface adhesion. Splice even the most challenging
substrates, such as: polyethylene, biaxially oriented polypropylene,cast polypropylene, polyester and aluminum foil.
Minimize contamination. Save cleanup time and money by reducing
tab debris and fiber contamination on your central impression (CI)drum and rollers, as well as eliminating the hazards of using glue.
Product
Number8387

Adhesive

Backing

Liner

Color

Tape Thickness
Mils (mm)Liner Thickness
Mils (mm)Post — Split Tape Thickness
Mils (mm)Differential
Adhesive

Film

Easy-releasecoated paper

Splicing Side: Pink
Tabbing Side: Black

7.0 (0.19)
without liner

3.0 (0.09)

Splicing: 4.0 (0.10)
Tabbing: 3.0 (0.09)

Other Mounting Essentials
3M™ Cylinder Mount Build-Up Tape 1640
For use with any 3M flexographic tape to add 0.040" thickness.
Facilitates use of thinner printing plates.

Scotch® Magic Tape 810
Secures proofing paper to a proofer/mounter with good adhesion but
simple removal from the proofing cylinder.

3M™ Primer 94
Helps hold the leading and trailing edges of the plate to prevent
edge lifting.

3M™ Hand Roller 903
For virtually air-free mounting, helps air bleed through and out of theadhesive micro-channels in 3M™ Flexographic Plate Mounting Tapes

3M Industrial Adhesives and Tapes Division
3M Center, Building 225-3S-06
St. Paul, MN 55144-1000
Phone
Fax
Web

800-362-3550
877-369-2923
3M.com/flexo

Product Use: Many factors beyond 3M’s control and uniquely within user’s knowledge and control can affect the use andperformance of a 3M product in a particular application. Given the variety of factors that can affect the use and performance of a
3M product, user is solely responsible for evaluating the 3M product and determining whether it is fit for a particular purpose andsuitable for user’s method of application. Warranty, Limited Remedy and Disclaimer: Unless an additional warranty is specificallystated on the applicable 3M product packaging or product literature, 3M warrants that each 3M product meets the applicable
3M product specification at the time 3M ships the product. 3M MAKES NO OTHER WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS, EXPRESSOR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OR CONDITION OF MERCHANTABILITY OR
FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OR CONDITION ARISING OUT OF A COURSE OF
DEALING,CUSTOM OR USAGE OF TRADE. If the 3M product does not conform to this warranty, then the sole and exclusive
remedy is, at 3M’s option, replacement of the 3M product or refund of the purchase price. Limitation of Liability: Except whereprohibited by law, 3M will not be liable for any loss or damage arising from the 3M product, whether direct, indirect, special,incidental or consequential, regardless of the legal theory asserted, including warranty, contract, negligence or strict liability.
3M, Cushion-Mount, Flexomount and Quadrack are trademarks of 3M. Scotch is a registered trademark of 3M. Please recycle.
Printed in USA. © 3M 2016. All rights reserved. 70-0709-4579-8