How to create Traffic Signage with HP Latex 360-365 & Flexi Complete Authorized 3M Traffic Edition

Content preserved and reformatted from the attached source file titled "3M Latex L365 Traffic Cookbook.pdf"

Supported Printers

• HP Latex 360
• HP Latex 365

Supported Substrates

• 3M Diamond Grade DG3 Reflective Sheeting Series 4000
• 3M Diamond Grade VIP Reflective Sheeting 3990 Series
• 3M High Intensity Prismatic Reflective Sheeting Series 3930
• 3M Engineer Grade Prismatic Reflective Sheeting 3400 Series
• 3M Diamond Grade Fluorescent Work Zone Sheeting 3924S Series
• 3M Advanced Flexible Engineer Grade Reflective Sheeting Series 7300

Supported RIP for 3M MCS Warranty eligibility

• SAi Flexi Complete Authorized 3M Traffic Edition

Application Purpose

The 3M™ MCS™ Warranty does not apply to the following

• Regulated traffic or custom colors printed on colored 3M reflective sheeting
• Traffic Yellow printed on 3M white reflective sheeting

Before Printing

Install Substrate Presets from HP Media Locator

1. Open the HP Media Locator. https://www.printos.com/ml/#/medialocator/latex
2. Filter by Printer Latex 360 or 365, Supplier 3M Transportation Safety Division, Application Reflective signage.
3. Locate and download the profiles designated for your substrate. Make sure they end in "v3".
4. Install via the printer Embedded Web Server.
   • Enter the printer IP in a browser.
   • Go to Setup, then Substrate Presets Management, then Import.
   • Select the downloaded OMS file and import.

Install Presets from the Printer Menu

1. On the front panel press Substrate Library.
2. Select Online Search and filter by Brand 3M Transportation Safety Division.
3. Download the required presets that show v3.

The substrate preset will be downloaded and installed automatically on the printer.

Install SAi Flexi Complete Authorized 3M Traffic Edition

1. Create or sign in to your SAi Cloud account and activate your voucher.
2. Download and install the software, select your printer model and IP at first launch.
3. When the RIP detects new printer presets, allow it to synchronize.

The SAi Flexi Complete Authorized 3M Traffic Edition includes presets for HP Latex printers with color formulations for traffic standards on 3M sheeting.

Substrate Presets by Application

Regulated Traffic Colors Supported by 3M MCS Warranty

Loading Substrate

• Load in the second loading position
• Use edge holders
• Advance the substrate until it shows in the output bin before printing
• Use the take up reel as recommend
• Set Skew Acceptance to 1 mm per meter for dimensional accuracy
• Select the correct substrate preset in the Self Adhesive Vinyl folder

Color Calibration

This section applies to regulated color signs. It is not necessary for non regulated or black only signs.

1. Load 3M IJ180 Self Adhesive Vinyl
2. On the front panel select it as your reflective material preset such as 3M 4000 Traffic Colors or 3M 3930 Traffic Colors
3. Go to Settings, then Image Quality Maintenance, then Color Calibration, then Calibrate
4. After calibration, load the reflective material

Important Do not reset color calibration. If it is reset to factory, delete the substrate profile, download it again, and reinstall.

Printing Color Regulated Signs

These steps reference SAi Flexi Complete Authorized 3M Traffic Edition.

• Confirm calibration is not marked Obsolete or Recommended in the Substrate menu
• If it is Obsolete, follow the instructions in the chapter Color Calibration in this document.
• Define spot colors in your image as Traffic RED, Traffic GREEN, Traffic BLUE, Traffic PURPLE, Traffic BLACK, Traffic BROWN, Traffic YELLOW (case sensitive). Note Traffic Yellow is not covered by warranty
• The RIP maps these spot colors to the correct CMYK values for ASTM D4956 09E1
• From SAi Complete Authorized 3M Traffic Edition you can Rip and Print directly
• In the Color Management tab select the correct Preset and enable Use Color Correction then send

If you use a different editor, open Production Manager, add the job, open Job Properties, go to Color Management, choose the correct Preset for your substrate and printer, and ensure Use Color Mapping is enabled so spot colors use exact CMYK combinations.

Post Processing

Protection

For maximum durability laminate with a matching over laminate. 3M ElectroCut Film Series 1170 and 3M Premium Protective Overlay Series 1160i are recommended for HP Latex 360 and 365 prints on supported sheeting.

Application Method

All sheets have pressure sensitive adhesive and should be applied using a roll laminator mechanical or hand driven. Hand application may show visual irregularities.

Troubleshooting and Tips

Length consistency does not match expected dimensions

• Verify image size in your editor
• Use the latest substrate profiles from the Media Locator. Uninstall and download again if needed
• Disable OMAS in the substrate profile. Substrate Library, select your substrate, Modify, Modify Print Mode, Advanced Settings, ensure OMAS enable is disabled
• Load substrate with maximum skew of 1 mm per meter
• Cover the OMAS sensor with opaque tape
• Use the take up reel
• If needed reduce Input Tension in Advanced Settings

Curing issues

• Increase curing temperature in 5 degree steps until fully cured. Note higher temperature can deform substrate
• Increase inter pass delay offset by 200 ms increments - By increasing the ISD of the printer, the image will remain under the curing module for some additional time, but the throughput will slightly decrease.
• Maintain room conditions near 25 degrees Celsius or 77 degrees Fahrenheit and 50 percent relative humidity
• Use a slower print mode. Sixteen or twenty pass generally cures better than twelve pass

Rewetting

If an oily finish appears later, treat as an under cured print and follow the curing steps above.

Head crashes

• Use the recommended substrate presets
• Do not overheat the substrate
• Load the roll in the second loading position
• Always use edge holders
• Use the take up reel
• Before printing advance the substrate until it passes through the curing zone

Cutting reflective sheets

The printer automatic cutter cannot cut reflective vinyl due to material properties.

Warranties

Learn more on the 3M Traffic Sign Printing Warranty page.