ST. PAUL, Minn.--September 5, 2002--3M Commercial Graphics and Epson America Inc. are announcing an agreement that will enable customers to create outdoor/indoor durable and UV fade-resistant graphics covered by the industry's most comprehensive warranty. Beginning Oct. 14, finished graphics produced using 3M Scotchcal Opaque Imaging Media 8522 and 3M Scotchcal Luster Overlaminate 8519 or Matte Overlaminate 8520 on the EPSON Stylus Pro 9500 printer, the EPSON Stylus Pro 10000 printer, or the newly announced EPSON Stylus Pro 10600, using Epson Archival Ink, will be backed by the 3M MCS Warranty, the most complete warranty program in the large-format industry. Customers using the 3M and Epson solution and who have become 3M Registered Fabricators, can produce high-resolution graphics that are warranted against failure caused by UV light, moisture and other elements for two years outdoors and five years indoors. Should a graphic fail before the end of the warranted period, 3M will replace the materials used at no charge. The warranty applies in the United States. Detailed terms of the warranty will be available on 3M's Web site in the near future. "3M and Epson each offer complementary strengths and that creates a rich alliance," said Bill Parfitt, market development manager, 3M Commercial Graphics. "As a result of Epson's knowledge of the piezo printing process and 3M's experience and expertise in developing and manufacturing innovative graphic materials for outdoor and indoor applications, customers will get a total large-format piezo ink jet solution backed by the industry's most comprehensive warranty." "Epson delivers an unmatched combination of image quality and durability for the professional graphics market," said Greg McCoy, senior product manager, professional graphics media, Epson. "This warranty further demonstrates our commitment to our customers." The alliance agreement offers customers a warranted solution for creating durable outdoor graphics including transportation and wayfinding graphics, as well as high-resolution indoor graphics for retail, P-O-P displays and presentation graphics. 3M and Epson customers can contact their nearest sales representative to learn more about these warranted large-format piezo ink jet solutions.