I believe that Metamark M7 Series performs better than M7A MetaScape, thoughts?

[RobertLambie]

I have NOT tried either of these “Metamark” Vinyls, but my personal opinion on ANY air-release adhesive systems on cut vinyl graphics is that they are more problematic in manufacturing and overall performance long term.

[David Hammond]

What makes you believe this?

We have been using it for years, and haven’t noticed any obvious problems.

[Graham Scanlan]

Fascinating post, air release adhesives as we all know use a channel to let the air release, there is a potential problem with cad cut vinyl as edges of the vinyl with the air channel exposed to the elements can allow moister or water ingress and a potential for a fail. Especially in winter months. If water gets behind the vinyl and then freezes problems can appear. It’s only a problem when it’s a problem.

[Joe Killeen]

I use both and one customer has a fleet of trucks with a lot of striping on the cabs and not one failure with M7a, I think if your cleaning properly, applying properly you won’t have any problems.

[RobertLambie]

Correct Graham, and it’s nothing new mate.
This goes back 22+ plus years, I posted this in another thread, in early march, so will link to it as it helps with google and uksb site searches..

see below
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Doing this from memory, but sticks with me.
If I go back about 22+ years, in the U.S.A. 3M launched the first air release adhesive system and shortly after pulled it from the market. They then relaunched with their controltac adhesive system.
Sometime after, Avery launched its own air-release adhesive system. However, all across the states and i “think” Canada, there were massive failures recorded during the winter period. This was costly for Avery, as you can imagine.
Soon after that, 3M sued Avery for infringing on their air-release adhesive Patent, and won the case!
My point here is,
“why did 3M pull their new adhesive system from the market and opt for another?”
“what made the Avery air-release adhesive fail all over the states?”

My understanding of the fail is the following, exactly which one, if not all, caused the fails.
* Because of habit, some used a mist of water when installing the new air release adhesive.
* Snow/Rain allowed water to creep down the air channels from the top of the cut vinyl text.
* Due to cold weather, the vehicle metal was very cold when the vinyl was being installed.

Due to extreme overnight low temperatures in some regions of the states. The moisture trapped between the adhesive’s “air channels” behind the vinyl froze and expanded. this reduced the “already limited” contact the adhesive had against the “cold metal” of the vehicle.
Because the weather remained very cold for days after. the lettering began to fall off or was whipped off when going through a car wash.

As far as I know, 3M are still paid a licence by other vinyl manufacturers for the use of their air-release adhesive system. with variations and improvements made to it these days. whilst others have created their own unique adhesive systems.

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https://uksignboards.com/forums/discussion/perfect-apply-easy-apply-types-of-vinyl/

[Mark Johnston]

not that i have had any issues with bubble free vinyl, but that makes sense.

[Pane Talev]

Thank you all for your input. I have registered 3 fails with the M7A Metascape.

Yes, we have more snow here in Switzerland and that might be the case.

It is reassuring that most of you don’t have problems using Metascape. I avoid them as much as I can and use them where they make my life a lot easier. Cheers!