Product Description
Arlon DPF 4000 is a professional-grade 3.5-mil (90 micron) satin white polymeric vinyl film featuring medium-tack permanent pressure-sensitive adhesive. Engineered specifically for the transportation, vending, and automotive industries, this high-tensile film delivers exceptional performance for fleet and container markings, long-term vehicle graphics, and permanent outdoor signage. With 100% polymeric construction and a special lay-flat liner, DPF 4000 meets the demanding specifications of commercial fleets, rail operators, and industrial applications requiring durable, permanent graphics solutions.
Why Choose DPF 4000?
As an engineering-grade permanent film, DPF 4000 is built for applications where long-term durability and professional appearance are critical. The higher density white point and satin finish produce richer, more vibrant print quality, while the thicker 96-micron construction provides superior opacity and ease of handling. Whether you're marking an ocean container, branding a commercial fleet, or creating architectural signage, DPF 4000 delivers the reliability and longevity demanded by industrial and commercial applications.
Key Features
- Engineering Grade Quality: Professional-grade polymeric film for demanding applications
- Permanent Adhesive: Medium-tack, solvent acrylic adhesive for long-lasting bonds
- 100% Polymeric Facestock: Superior durability and conformability
- Enhanced Print Quality: Higher density white point for richer, more vibrant graphics
- Superior Opacity: Thicker 96-micron film ensures excellent coverage
- Extended Durability: Up to 7 years unprinted outdoor performance
- Extreme Temperature Range: Performs from -65°F to 225°F (-54°C to 107°C)
- Lay-Flat Liner: Special liner prevents curling and ensures smooth application
- Industry Compliant: Meets marking specifications for transportation, vending, and automotive industries
- Excellent Conformability: Conforms well to flat surfaces with slight contours
Applications
- Transportation & Logistics:
- Fleet vehicle graphics and identification
- Ocean shipping container markings
- Rail container and railcar graphics
- Trucking fleet branding and numbers
- DOT compliance markings
- Commercial Vehicles:
- Bus exterior graphics and route numbers
- Boat and marine vessel identification
- Recreational vehicle (RV) graphics and decals
- Commercial van and truck branding
- Industrial & Commercial:
- Vending machine graphics and branding
- POP (Point-of-Purchase) displays
- Architectural signage and wayfinding
- Display graphics and exhibits
- Long-term indoor and outdoor static signs
- Equipment and machinery identification
Technical Specifications
- Film Type: Engineering Grade Polymeric
- Thickness: 3.5 mil (90 micron / 96 micron actual)
- Finish: Satin White (40-60% gloss)
- Adhesive: Medium-Tack Permanent (Clear Solvent Acrylic)
- Release Liner: Lay-flat polycoated
- Durability (Unprinted): Up to 7 years outdoors
- Application Temperature: 40°F to 100°F optimum (4.4°C to 38°C)
- Service Temperature: -65°F to 225°F (-54°C to 107°C)
- Tensile Strength: 13.0 lb/in width (2.3 kg/cm width)
- Elongation: 100%
- Peel Adhesion: 4.0 lbs/in (0.71 kg/cm) - Strong permanent bond
- Dimensional Stability: 15-mils (0.38 mm) after 158°F (70°C), 48 hours
- Liner Release: 30 g/2 in (12 g/cm)
- Shelf Life: 1 year from factory shipment
Print Compatibility
DPF 4000 is compatible with a wide variety of digital printing systems:
- Eco-Solvent Inks
- Solvent Inks
- UV Inks
- Latex Inks
- Screen Printing
- Thermal Transfer
Performance Advantages
Superior Opacity The thicker 96-micron construction provides greater opacity than standard films, ensuring your graphics look professional even over dark substrates or previous markings. This enhanced coverage reduces the need for multiple layers and ensures consistent color reproduction.
High-Tensile Strength With a tensile strength of 13.0 lb/in, DPF 4000 resists tearing and maintains structural integrity during application and throughout its service life, even in demanding industrial environments.
Extreme Temperature Performance The exceptional service temperature range (-65°F to 225°F) makes DPF 4000 suitable for applications in extreme climates and industrial settings where temperature fluctuations are common. From arctic shipping routes to desert environments, this film maintains its performance.
Lay-Flat Technology The special lay-flat liner prevents edge curling and tunneling, making installation easier and ensuring professional results. This feature is particularly valuable when working with large-format graphics or in windy outdoor conditions.
Industry Applications
Transportation & Vending Industries DPF 4000 is specifically designed to meet the marking requirements and specifications of:
- Transportation companies requiring DOT-compliant vehicle identification
- Container shipping companies marking ocean and rail containers
- Vending machine manufacturers and operators
- Commercial fleet operators requiring durable, professional graphics
- Automotive industry for permanent vehicle identification
Long-Term Signage Perfect for applications requiring permanent, durable graphics:
- Wayfinding and architectural signage
- Facility identification and branding
- Safety and compliance signage
- Industrial equipment markings
- Permanent exhibition and display graphics
Installation Guidelines
- Surface Preparation: Ensure surfaces are clean, dry, and free from contaminants
- Optimal Application Temperature: 40°F to 100°F (4.4°C to 38°C)
- Surface Compatibility: Adheres permanently to painted metal, plastics, and other smooth substrates
- Conformability: Conforms well to flat surfaces with slight contours when properly applied
- Permanent Bond: This is a permanent adhesive - removal will be difficult and may damage substrates
Important Notes
- Permanent Adhesive: Unlike DPF 4300 and 4400, this film features permanent adhesive and is NOT designed for removal
- Printed durability depends on ink system and environmental conditions
- Film conforms to flat surfaces and slight contours when processed according to Arlon recommendations
- Always test adhesion and compatibility on a small area before full application
- Store in original packaging away from excessive moisture, temperature extremes, and direct sunlight
- Shelf life of 1 year from factory shipment when properly stored
DPF Series Comparison: Choose the Right Film
Choose DPF 4000 when:
- You need permanent, long-term adhesion
- Marking fleet vehicles or containers
- Requiring engineering-grade performance
- Working in extreme temperature environments
- Creating industrial or commercial signage that won't be changed
Choose DPF 4300 when:
- You need clean removability (up to 1 year)
- Creating changeable seasonal graphics
- Maximum opacity for covering previous graphics
- Temporary promotional campaigns
Choose DPF 4400 when:
- You need easy, bubble-free installation with air-egress
- Working in cold weather conditions
- Creating short-term promotional graphics
- Speed of installation is critical
Brand You Can Trust
Arlon Graphics has been the trusted choice of professional installers and commercial fleet operators for decades. DPF 4000 represents Arlon's commitment to engineering-grade quality and reliability for the most demanding industrial and commercial applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is DPF 4000 removable? A: No, DPF 4000 features permanent adhesive designed for long-term applications. For removable options, consider DPF 4300 or DPF 4400.
Q: What makes this "engineering grade"? A: Engineering grade refers to the film's superior quality, durability, and performance characteristics that meet the demanding specifications of transportation, vending, and automotive industries.
Q: Can I use this on shipping containers? A: Yes, DPF 4000 is specifically designed for container markings including ocean and rail containers, and performs excellently in extreme temperature environments.
Q: Will this work on curved surfaces? A: DPF 4000 conforms well to flat surfaces with slight contours. For complex curves, consider a cast vinyl product.
Q: What's the difference between DPF 4000 and DPF 4300/4400? A: DPF 4000 has permanent adhesive (4.0 lbs/in peel strength) and is engineering grade for long-term applications. DPF 4300/4400 are removable films designed for temporary or changeable graphics.
Q: Can this withstand extreme temperatures? A: Yes, DPF 4000 has an exceptional service temperature range of -65°F to 225°F, making it suitable for extreme climates and industrial environments.
Q: Is this suitable for DOT compliance markings? A: Yes, DPF 4000 meets the marking requirements and specifications of the transportation industry, making it suitable for DOT compliance applications.
