3M
3M 983-71 Conspicuity Tape Yellow 4 in 50 yd
Yellow retroreflective microprismatic tape, four inches wide by fifty yards long, with eighteen-mil thickness and acrylic adhesive for outdoor conspicuity marking
- TypeFlagging Tape
- FinishYellow
- High-visibility yellow tape improves railcar conspicuity in low light
- Microprismatic retroreflective backing returns light to its source for night detection
- 18 mil thickness resists abrasion and weather on exterior surfaces
- Acrylic adhesive bonds to aluminum rail at 3.5 lb per inch
- 50 yard roll covers long continuous lengths with fewer seams
3M 983-71 Conspicuity Tape Yellow 4 in 50 yd
This 3M reflective tape provides high-visibility marking for railcars and other heavy-duty outdoor applications. The yellow microprismatic material reflects light efficiently to improve safety in low-light conditions. It is supplied as a 50-yard roll with a 4-inch width for broad coverage.
18 mil Thickness and Acrylic Adhesive
The tape measures 18 mil thick and uses an acrylic adhesive system designed for durable outdoor bonding. Adhesion strength varies by substrate, reaching 6.0 lb/in on stainless steel and 5.3 lb/in on degreased aluminum. Lower values are recorded on FRP, Tedlar, prepainted panels and aluminum rail surfaces.
50 Yard Roll for Large-Area Marking
A single 50-yard roll covers extensive linear distances on rolling stock or fixed structures. The smooth retroreflective backing maintains consistent performance across the full length. The product is not suited for applications requiring narrower widths, different colours or removable adhesive properties.
Highlights
- High-visibility yellow tape improves railcar conspicuity in low light
- Microprismatic retroreflective backing returns light to its source for night detection
- 18 mil thickness resists abrasion and weather on exterior surfaces
- Acrylic adhesive bonds to aluminum rail at 3.5 lb per inch
- 50 yard roll covers long continuous lengths with fewer seams
Specifications
| Brand | 3M |
|---|---|
| Type | Flagging Tape |
| Finish | Yellow |
Questions about this item
How bright is the 983 tape on a railcar at night?
The 18 mil microprismatic backing returns light directly to the source, making the yellow surface highly visible to approaching trains and vehicles in darkness.
What does the 4 in width and acrylic adhesive mean for installation?
The four‑inch roll covers a broad stripe in one pass, and the acrylic adhesive bonds at 2.5 to 6.0 lb/in depending on whether the rail is FRP, Tedlar, prepainted, aluminium or stainless steel.
Will the 50 yd roll fit the curved side of a tank car?
The smooth 18 mil film conforms to large radii without wrinkling, and the 50 yard length provides enough continuous tape for multiple car sides.
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