Product Description
Overview
Arlon DPF 9000 is a specialized 3.5-mil (90 micron) satin white engineering-grade polymeric vinyl film featuring a unique medium-tack, repositionable permanent pressure-sensitive adhesive system. What sets DPF 9000 apart is its exceptional heat and solvent resistance, making it the ideal solution for demanding applications requiring bake cycle curing, exposure to chemicals, or extreme temperature conditions. Specifically engineered for the transportation and automotive industries, this 100% polymeric film delivers professional-grade performance where standard vinyl films would fail.
Why Choose DPF 9000?
DPF 9000's special adhesive system is engineered to withstand both solvent exposure and high heat, making it uniquely suited for specialized applications like gas pump skirts, motorcycle graphics requiring bake cycles, and fleet vehicles exposed to fuel and chemical splashes. The repositionable adhesive allows for precise placement during installation while creating a permanent bond once positioned. With its lay-flat liner and exceptional temperature tolerance, DPF 9000 provides the reliability and durability demanded by automotive manufacturers, gas station operators, and transportation companies.
Key Features
- Heat & Solvent Resistant: Special adhesive system withstands exposure to solvents and high temperatures
- Repositionable Permanent Adhesive: Allows adjustment during installation, then forms permanent bond
- Bake Cycle Compatible: Survives high-temperature curing processes for motorcycle and automotive applications
- 100% Polymeric Facestock: Superior durability and performance
- Engineering Grade Quality: Meets transportation and automotive industry specifications
- Extreme Temperature Range: Performs from -65°F to 225°F (-54°C to 107°C)
- Extended Durability: Up to 7 years unprinted outdoor performance
- High Tensile Strength: 13.0 lb/in for exceptional tear resistance
- Lay-Flat Liner: Special liner prevents curling for easier installation
- Chemical Resistant: Stands up to fuel, oil, and chemical exposure
Specialized Applications
Gas Station & Fuel Industry:
- Gas pump skirts and panels
- Fuel dispenser branding and safety markings
- Convenience store exterior graphics
- Petroleum industry equipment markings
Motorcycle & Powersports:
- Motorcycle decals requiring bake cycle curing
- ATV and UTV graphics
- Snowmobile markings
- Performance vehicle decals
- Custom motorcycle branding
Transportation & Fleet:
- Fleet vehicle markings exposed to fuel/chemicals
- Railway car decorations and identification
- Bus exterior graphics and route numbers
- Boat and marine vessel graphics
- Recreational vehicle (RV) branding and decals
Industrial & Specialty:
- Equipment exposed to solvents or chemicals
- High-temperature environment markings
- Automotive industry applications
- Specialty vehicle graphics
Technical Specifications
- Film Type: Engineering Grade Polymeric
- Thickness: 3.5 mil (90 micron)
- Finish: Satin White (40-60% gloss)
- Adhesive: Medium-Tack Repositionable Permanent (Heat & Solvent Resistant)
- 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: 2.5 lbs/in (0.45 kg/cm)
- Dimensional Stability: 20 mils (0.50 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 9000 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
Heat Resistance for Bake Cycle Curing Unlike standard vinyl films, DPF 9000 is specifically designed to survive bake cycle curing processes commonly used in motorcycle and automotive manufacturing. This allows graphics to be applied before powder coating or paint curing, streamlining production processes and ensuring graphics remain intact through high-temperature exposure.
Solvent & Chemical Resistance The special adhesive system resists degradation from fuel, oil, cleaning solvents, and other chemicals commonly encountered in:
- Gas stations and fuel dispensers
- Automotive repair facilities
- Industrial environments
- Marine applications
- Transportation fleets
Repositionable Yet Permanent The unique adhesive formulation allows for precise positioning during installation - you can lift and reposition the graphic to achieve perfect alignment. Once properly positioned, the adhesive forms a strong, permanent bond that won't fail even under harsh conditions.
Extreme Temperature Performance With a service temperature range of -65°F to 225°F, DPF 9000 maintains adhesion and appearance in conditions that would cause standard films to fail:
- Arctic shipping routes and northern climates
- Desert environments with extreme heat
- Engine compartments and heated equipment
- Industrial ovens and curing processes
Installation Advantages
- Repositionable: Adjust placement without losing adhesive strength
- Lay-Flat Technology: Special liner prevents curling for easier handling
- Conformability: Adheres well to flat surfaces with slight contours
- Professional Results: Achieves clean, professional appearance when properly applied
Industry Compliance
DPF 9000 is engineered to meet the marketing requirements and specifications of:
- Transportation industry standards
- Automotive manufacturing requirements
- Fuel dispenser regulations
- Industrial safety marking standards
Important Application Notes
Bake Cycle Guidelines:
- Suitable for applications requiring post-application baking/curing
- Follow manufacturer's recommendations for time and temperature
- Test on sample materials before production runs
- Ensure proper surface preparation before application
Chemical Exposure:
- Resistant to gasoline, diesel fuel, and common automotive fluids
- Withstands cleaning solvents and degreasers
- Maintains adhesion in chemical environments
- Always test compatibility with specific chemicals in your application
Permanent Adhesive Warning:
- This film features permanent adhesive - removal will be difficult
- Not designed for temporary or removable applications
- Repositionable during installation only
- May damage substrates upon removal
Storage & Handling
- Store in original packaging away from excessive moisture and temperature extremes
- Avoid direct sunlight exposure
- Optimal storage temperature: 70°F (21°C) and 50% relative humidity
- Shelf life: 1 year from factory shipment when properly stored
- Allow material to acclimate to room temperature before use
DPF Series Comparison: Choose the Right Film
Choose DPF 9000 when:
- Requiring heat resistance for bake cycle applications
- Graphics will be exposed to solvents or chemicals
- Creating gas pump skirts or fuel dispenser graphics
- Marking motorcycles requiring high-temperature curing
- Need repositionable placement with permanent results
Choose DPF 4000 when:
- Need permanent adhesive without heat/solvent resistance
- Standard fleet and container markings
- General long-term outdoor signage
- Not exposed to extreme chemicals or heat
Choose DPF 4300 when:
- Require clean removability (up to 1 year)
- Temporary or seasonal graphics
- Changeable promotional displays
Choose DPF 4400 when:
- Need air-egress for bubble-free installation
- Short-term promotional graphics
- Cold weather installation capability
Brand You Can Trust
Arlon Graphics has engineered vinyl solutions for the most demanding industrial applications for decades. DPF 9000 represents Arlon's commitment to developing specialized films that solve real-world challenges in automotive manufacturing, fuel industry applications, and transportation graphics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is bake cycle curing and why does it matter? A: Bake cycle curing is a high-temperature process used in automotive and motorcycle manufacturing where parts are baked at elevated temperatures (often 200°F+) to cure paint or coatings. DPF 9000 is specially formulated to survive these temperatures without bubbling, shrinking, or losing adhesion.
Q: Will this vinyl withstand gasoline and fuel exposure? A: Yes, DPF 9000's special adhesive system is designed to resist solvents including gasoline, diesel fuel, and other automotive fluids, making it ideal for gas pump skirts and vehicle graphics.
Q: Is the adhesive really repositionable? A: Yes, during installation you can lift and reposition the graphic to achieve perfect placement. Once positioned and pressure is applied, the adhesive forms a strong permanent bond.
Q: Can I remove DPF 9000 later? A: No, DPF 9000 features permanent adhesive and is not designed for removal. Attempting to remove it may damage the substrate. For removable options, consider DPF 4300 or DPF 4400.
Q: What makes DPF 9000 different from DPF 4000? A: While both are permanent polymeric films, DPF 9000 has special heat and solvent-resistant adhesive for specialized applications like bake cycles and fuel exposure. DPF 4000 is better for standard permanent applications without these special requirements.
Q: How hot can DPF 9000 withstand? A: DPF 9000 has a service temperature range up to 225°F (107°C) and is designed to survive bake cycle curing processes, making it suitable for high-temperature applications where standard vinyl would fail.
Q: Is this suitable for motorcycle graphics? A: Yes, DPF 9000 is specifically designed for motorcycle markings requiring bake cycle curing, making it ideal for OEM motorcycle manufacturers and custom graphics shops.
Q: Can I use this on boats or marine applications? A: Yes, the chemical resistance and extreme temperature range make DPF 9000 suitable for marine vessel graphics that may be exposed to fuel, oil, and harsh environmental conditions.
