3M™ Ultra-Thin Water Contact Indicator Tape 5558
Product Description
3M™ Ultra-Thin Water Contact Indicator Tape 5558 is an ultra-thin, 6.0 mil (152 micron) thick tape used to indicate
water contact. The tape permanently changes from white to red upon direct water contact.
Technical Data October 2014
Features and Benefits
Film Top Layer
• Printable by thermal transfer, flexographic, and screen printing methods
• Provides improved ink receptivity
• Provides protection from soiling and moisture during handling
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
Product Construction
3M™ Ultra-Thin Water Contact Indicator Tape 5558
Backing Film / Paper Laminate
Top Film Polyester
Adhesive Acrylic
Color White
Standard Roll Length 180 yards
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3M™ Ultra-Thin Water Contact Indicator Tape 5558
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 aluminum foil as a supplemental backing.
Property Value ASTM Test Method
Adhesion to Stainless Steel:
(90° Peel Adhesion, 12 in/min 36 oz/in width (39 N/100 mm) D-3330 (modified)
peel rate, 15 min Dwell)
Adhesion to Stainless Steel:
(90° Peel Adhesion, 12 in/min 47 oz/in width (51 N/100 mm) D-3330 (modified)
peel rate, 72 hr Dwell)
Adhesion to Polycarbonate:
(90° Peel Adhesion, 12 in/min 43 oz/in width (47 N/100 mm) D-3330 (modified)
peel rate, 72 hr Dwell)
Tape Thickness: 6.0 mil (0.152 mm) D-3652
Release Liner Thickness: 2.0 mil (0.051 mm) D-3652
Humidity Resistance:*
Control, t = 0 days 7 days @ 55°C, 95% R.H. 7 days @ 55°C, 95% R.H.
indicated w/1 drop H2O for
one minute at arrow.
*Tape is applied to polycarbonate panel and hung vertically in heat/humidity chamber.
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 aluminum foil as a supplemental backing.
t = 0 sec. t = 5 sec. t = 60 sec.
1 drop of water placed at edge of 1/2" diameter circle @ t = 0 sec.
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Storage and Shelf Life
The shelf life of 3M™ Ultra-Thin Water Contact Indicator Tape 5558 is 12 months from the manufacture date when
stored in original cartons at 21°C (71°F) and 50% relative humidity.
General Information
• Tape may be die cut using rotary die cutting process.
• Substrate should be smooth, clean, dry and oil-free to ensure 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, 6.0 mils total, is suitable for applications with tight design tolerances.
Key Attributes
Features Benefits
PET Top Film Printable by multiple methods including Ink Jet, Laser Jet, Flexographic, Screen, and Thermal Transfer
techniques. Can be used for identification.
Top-coated film for improved ink receptivity.
Provides protection from soiling and moisture during handling. Permanent indication remains after
prolonged immersion.
Paper Backing Highly absorbent, quickly transports water to show 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 3M™ Acrylic Adhesive 300 suitable for a wide variety of substrate materials.
2.0 mil Film Liner Ideal for rotary die cutting.
3M™ Ultra-Thin Water Contact Indicator Tape 5558
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3M is a trademark of 3M Company.
Please recycle.
©3M 2014. All rights reserved.
60-5002-0047-6
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™ Ultra-Thin Water Contact Indicator Tape 5558
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.
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.
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.
