Nikkalite Crystal Grade

 
 

Introduction
Nikkalite® Flexible Crystal Grade CVF is a new more conformable and flexible Crystal grade microprismatic retroreflective sheeting designed for emergency vehicle conspicuity.

Nikkalite Flexible Crystal Grade CVF offers very high retroreflectivity making the vehicle very conspicuous to other road users during the hours of darkness.

Nikkalite Flexible Crystal Grade CVF complies with the PSDB High Conspicuity Livery for Police Vehicles

Expected performance life
When processed and applied in line with NCI’s procedures CVF standard colours can be expected to have a useful working life of 7 years.


Roll storage / cut kit storage
Nikkalite Flexible Crystal Grade CVF should be stored in dry clean conditions between 15°C to 27°C, 30% to 60% humidity and out of direct sunlight. Rolls should be supported through the centre after use and not left lying on hard surface. Kits should be stored flat and adequately packed.


Livery design stretched during application, as with other sheetings any tension introduced
Nikkalite Flexible Crystal Grade CVF will adhere to flat, two and shallow three dimensional contoured panels providing the sheeting is not forced out of shape during application. CVF is more flexible and conformable than previous Nikkalite Crystal grade sheetings and careful livery design is important using butt joints where necessary. CVF sheeting is easy to handle but must not beduring incorrect application will be released within 2 to 3 days.
Kits should be professionally designed by experienced operatives to fit the vehicle correctly allowing sufficient space to the edges of body panels, handles etc. The sheeting can be edge sealed when required using ultrasonic cut and seal methods to prevent discoloration in the outer cut cells.
Maximum reflectivity is obtained when Nikkalite Flexible Crystal Grade CVF is applied in a horizontal direction off the roll.

Vehicle preparation
All surfaces to which Nikkalite Flexible Crystal Grade CVF are to be applied must be thoroughly cleaned using Isoproyl Alcohol (IPA), Ethyl Acetate or MEK with particular attention to the complete removal of surface contaminants and protective waxing agents. Recently painted panels should be left for 3 days to allow for outgassing of solvents before livery application.

Livery application
Both the vehicle and CVF sheeting should be conditioned to the same air temperature within the range of 15°C to 30°C before application. Full adhesion normally takes place within 48 hours, and may be longer in winter temperatures. Do not expose vehicle to freezing conditions during the first 24 hours following application. Gentle heat may be used to the surface of Nikkalite Flexible Crystal Grade CVF liveries after application in low temperatures if necessary; liveries should then be resqueeged to ensure satisfactory initial bonding.

As with all vehicle conspicuity livery kits care must be taken before removing the liner to ensure the piece can be correctly applied without introducing tension or overlaps onto adjacent pieces. If the sheeting is not
applied correctly to the designed and cut shape, tension may later be released causing a wrinkle or lifting during the curing period which may not have been evident initially.
Nikkalite Flexible Crystal Grade CVF should be applied dry, we do recommend the “wet application” method. The livery should be applied using firm overlapping strokes using a fibre type squeegee or sleeved plastic squeegee to expel all air. Care should be taken during application that points of chevrons and other vulnerable areas are not bent by applying pressure against the direction of the shape. Apply firm pressure along all edges after initially applying the livery.

Removal
Warm the panel by applying gentle heat to the surface and peeling away.