3M's new 3M Piezo Ink Jet Ink Series 2600 UV is a flexible UV-curable inkjet ink. When printed on flexible materials, the company reports, the inks are able to conform to compound curves, making them suitable for fleet applications (over rivets and corrugation). The inks may be warranted for up to 8-yr indoor and 5-yr outdoor use.

Available in 5-liter containers, the CMYKcm inks are designed for use with 2- and 4-mil 3M Controltac Plus Graphic Films and 3M Scotchlite Reflective Graphic Films, as well a on a variety of rigid materials. In addition, because of their flexibility, these inks may also be used on selected fabrics.

The 3M Piezo Ink Jet Ink Series 2600 UV is optimized for use with the 3M Printer 2500 UV. In the future, 3M hopes to have the inks compatible with other UV printer platforms, including the L&P Virtu RS and RS Plus flatbed printers.

In addition, 3M Commercial Graphics has extended its Performance Guarantee to the Scitex Vision XLjet and TurboJet. The guarantee covers qualified OEM printers and inks with approved 3M graphic films and overlaminates/clearcoats, installed according to 3M recommendations. The guarantee covers the replacement cost of 3M materials only; it does not cover image fade, cracking, peeling, or other performance issues. (3M Commercial Graphics: www.scotchprint.com)