3M: ‘cool’ where it counts

3M has announced the launch of 3M™ Cooling Film, a new performance film technology designed to help fleet and rail operators manage heat buildup across transportation assets, specifically engineered for applications including last-mile vehicles, refrigerated fleets, railcars, locomotives and passenger transportation.

Marc Bagley, Senior Marketing Manager, Graphics and Personal Auto at 3M, says: “Behind every well-run fleet and rail operation are people working to keep vehicles moving, cargo protected, passengers comfortable and systems operating efficiently. 3M™ Cooling Film brings 3M’s material science and transportation expertise together in a new way – helping customers manage heat without adding complexity to their operations.”

3M™ Cooling Film reflects over 85% of solar radiation and can help lower interior vehicle temperatures by up to 10°F / 5.5°C, depending on application and conditions. For refrigerated fleet applications, the film helps reduce heat transfer through the roof, supporting temperature-sensitive cargo and helping lower cooling demand. For rail applications, the film helps reduce heat buildup in railcars and locomotives, supporting passenger and operator comfort while helping reduce demand on HVAC systems.

The film is also designed to help fleets get vehicles back on the road quickly. It can be installed efficiently using familiar 3M technologies, including 3M™ Controltac™ and 3M™ Comply™ adhesive technologies, to help minimise installation time. It includes a durable hard coat that resists dirt, chemicals and wear while maintaining high reflectivity over time and is backed by a 5-year warranty, including reflectivity performance.

The launch gives graphic manufacturers a new way to expand beyond traditional fleet branding and visual identity. By adding functional heat-management solutions to their portfolio, graphic manufacturers can open new conversations with fleet and rail customers around comfort, cargo protection, operating efficiency and sustainability.

For fleets seeking a more complete heat-management approach, 3M™ Cooling Film can also be paired with 3M™ Automotive Window Film Crystalline BLK 80, formerly known as CR90, to help address heat from both the vehicle roof and cab glass.

Together, the products create a differentiated roof-to-cab heat-management solution. 3M™ Cooling Film helps reduce heat buildup through high-exposure roof surfaces, while 3M™ Automotive Window Film Crystalline BLK 80 helps reject solar heat through cab glass while maintaining high visible light transmission (VLT – up to 72% on auto glass). Crystalline BLK 80 also blocks up to 99.9% of UV rays, earning the Skin Cancer Foundation’s Seal of Recommendation, and rejects up to 90% of infrared light, helping provide added protection and comfort for drivers.

Bagley adds: “3M has a long history of bringing innovation to industries by starting with customer needs. This solution is no different. Through collaboration with the world’s leading fleet managers, 3M™ Cooling Film expands the role of film from visual impact to functional performance – helping transportation operators address one of the industry’s most pressing challenges: the sun. And for graphic manufacturers, this shift also creates a new avenue for profitable growth.”

3M™ Cooling Film is part of 3M’s broader portfolio of transportation and graphics film solutions, combining decades of film innovation, manufacturing experience, technical support and application expertise.

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