Technical Data
October 2014
3M
™
Ultra-Thin Water Contact Indicator Tape 5559
Product Description
3M™ Ultra-Thin Water Contact Indicator Tape 5559 is an ultra-thin 5.0 mil (127 micron) thick tape that changes color
RAPIDLY from white to red upon contact with water. It is designed to withstand heat and humidity aging without giving
water indication. The top surface is press printable by laser and ink jet devices.
Features and Benefits
Paper Backing
• Highly absorbent, transports water to show indications
Acrylic Adhesive
• Very high bond strength to most surfaces including low surface energy plastics such as polypropylene and
powder coatings
Total Construction
• Rotary die cuttable
• Thinner to enable slim electronics device design
• No film top layer
Product Construction
3M™ Ultra-Thin Water Contact Indicator Tape 5559
Backing
Top Film
Adhesive
Color
Standard Roll Length
Paper
None
Acrylic
White
180 yards
3M
™
Ultra-Thin Water Contact Indicator Tape 5559
Typical Physical Properties
Note:
The following technical information and data should be considered representative or typical only and should not be used
for specification purposes. The adhesion data was generated using a 2 mil polyester film as a supplemental backing.
Property
Adhesion to Stainless Steel:
(90° Peel Adhesion, 12 in/min
peel rate, 20 min Dwell)
Adhesion to Stainless Steel:
(90° Peel Adhesion, 12 in/min
peel rate, 72 hr Dwell)
Adhesion to Polycarbonate:
(90° Peel Adhesion, 12 in/min
peel rate, 72 hr Dwell)
Tape Thickness:
Release Liner Thickness:
Humidity Resistance:*
Value
28 oz/in width (31 N/100 mm)
ASTM Test Method
D-3330 (modified)
34 oz/in width (37 N/100 mm)
D-3330 (modified)
35 oz/in width (39 N/100 mm)
5.0 mil (0.127 mm)
2.0 mil (0.051 mm)
D-3330 (modified)
D-3652
D-3652
Control, t = 0 days
7 days @ 55°C, 95% R.H.
*Tape
is applied to polycarbonate panel and hung vertically in heat/humidity chamber.
7 days @ 55°C, 95% R.H.
indicated w/1 drop H
2
O for
one minute at arrow.
Indication Properties
Note:
The following technical information and data should be considered representative or typical only and should not be used
for specification purposes. The adhesion data was generated using a 2 mil polyester film as a supplemental backing.
t = 0 sec.
1 drop of water placed at edge of 1/2" diameter circle @ t = 0 sec.
t = 5 sec.
t = 60 sec.
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3M
™
Ultra-Thin Water Contact Indicator Tape 5559
General Information
• Tape may be die cut using rotary die cutting process.
• Substrate should be smooth, clean, dry and oil-free to insure good wet-out and adequate adhesion.
• Adhesive should not be applied at temperatures < 10°C (50°F) [best if room temperature or higher].
• Maximum roll length depends upon width.
• Maximum roll width = 12 in. (304.8 mm).
• Temperature resistance is -40°C to 65°C for days or weeks and up to 121°C for minutes or hours.
Application Ideas
• Use as a water contact indicator in handheld or portable electronic devices such as smart phones, tablets and
phablets, laptop computers and keyboards, wearable electronic devices, gaming and MP3 players, two-way
radios and cordless phones, digital and video cameras, Li-MH batteries and chargers.
• The ultra thin caliper, 5.0 mils total, is suitable for applications with very tight design tolerances.
Key Attributes
Features
Paper Backing
Benefits
Highly absorbent, quickly transports water to show
FAST
indication.
Does not falsely indicate water contact in high humidity exposures.
Performance not degraded by past high humidity exposures.
Rotary die cuttable. Can readily form variety of labels.
Acrylic Adhesive
2.0 mil Polyester Liner
3M™ Acrylic Adhesive 320 suitable for a wide variety of substrate materials.
Ideal for rotary die cutting.
Storage and Shelf Life
The shelf life of 3M™ Ultra-Thin Water Contact Indicator Tape 5559 is 12 months from the manufacture date when
stored in original cartons at 21°C (71°F) and 50% relative humidity.
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3M
™
Ultra-Thin Water Contact Indicator Tape 5559
Regulatory
For regulatory information about this product, contact your 3M representative.
Technical Information
The technical information, recommendations and other statements contained in this document are based upon tests
or experience that 3M believes are reliable, but the accuracy or completeness of such information is not guaranteed.
Product Use
Many factors beyond 3M’s control and uniquely within user’s knowledge and control can affect the use and performance
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
and suitable for user’s method of application.
Warranty, Limited Remedy, and Disclaimer
Unless an additional warranty is specifically stated 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, EXPRESS OR 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 where prohibited 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.
Electronics Materials Solutions Division
3M Center, Building 225-3S-06
St. Paul, MN 55144-1000
1-800-251-8634 phone
651-778-4244 fax
www.3M.com/electronics
3M is a trademark of 3M Company.
Please recycle.
© 3M 2014. All rights reserved.
60-5002-0048-4
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