3M has supplied non-PVC Envision Print Wrap LX480mC for the first branded Transport for Wales trains now operating the Wales and Borders network. Operated by KeolisAmey, the trains are the first to use the sustainability-focused film.
“Sustainability is a guiding principle for us, so when looking at vinyl options, we took the opportunity to choose a film with better credentials to update the graphics of our fleet,” said Colin Lea, commercial and customer experience director for transport for Wales Rail Services. “The benign materials and processes used to produce Envision Print Wrap LX480mC from 3M, combined with the film’s outstanding performance and durability, keep our trains looking good for longer and allowed us to choose a less environmentally damaging material.”
3M supported Aura Graphics, a 3M select platinum partner, and the main contractor for the project, in presenting the environmental benefits of Envision Print Wrap LX480mC from 3M to Transport for Wales.
The project involved stripping existing signage, preparation of the underlying surfaces, corrosion treatment, and repainting, before applying the digitally-printed film wrap, and finally dual-language labelling to the cars’ exterior. 3M Scotchgard 8993 Glossy Overlaminate and 3M Anti-Graffiti Wrap Gloss Overlaminate 8588G provide extra protection for the printed film.
The Aura Graphics team applied the printed films to two-car and three-car Class-175 diesel trains along with two two-car class 143 Pacer train sets serving the Wales rail network, working on the main train depot at Alston depot in Chester without having to have the trains moved to a special facility. Removable train parts such as cab skirting were taken to Aura Graphics’ fully approved in-house paint shop for refinishing. The work was coordinated with the normal maintenance procedures for the trains, organised as continuous day and night-time shifts over a single weekend for each train set, to ensure zero disruption of passenger services.
