Question Help Identifying This Thick Multilayer 3M Film Construction

[siphon56]

We’ve been looking for a thicker material for device skins because the material we were testing felt too thin and lacked the solid, premium feel we wanted.

While comparing different skins, we came across one that was noticeably thicker, stiffer, and more substantial. At first, we assumed it was simply a thicker printable vinyl, but after carefully pulling the layers apart, we found something unexpected.

Underneath the printed top layer was what appears to be a separate black film.
The black piece appears to have a smooth, glossy surface on one side and adhesive with air-release channels on the other. However, I am not completely sure whether it is actually another vinyl film, a backing layer, or some other type of material.

We are hoping someone with experience in 3M materials or custom converting can help us understand the construction.

1. Could this be two separate films that were laminated or bonded together before printing?
2. Is this type of multilayer construction something 3M manufactures directly, or would it normally be produced by a 3M converter?
3. Could the bottom black layer be a standard 3M black Controltac film used as an adhesive carrier and opacity layer?

If this is something produced by a 3M converter or another specialized manufacturer, we would be very interested in building a long-term relationship with a company that could help us develop a similar custom material.

Any information or guidance would be greatly appreciated.

 

[JBurton]

The back of the printed layer looks similar to ij35. You could mic it to get an idea of thickness and reckon that against their advertised thicknesses, but if the printed layer is too thick, it'll derail any measurements. Same with the back, compare that to ij180 or 1080.
Have you looked into substance materials for this? For my money, I'd be trying to make any of their products work, as they are so much cheaper, and failure being so much less of an issue on such small products. They have both extra thick print medias and laminates. substance.com

 

[chrisphilipps]

Is this from DBrand? They did a collaboration with LTT from Youtube. You can see how they make some of this in the video.