Features

• Fair Gloss is displayed, but this is mainly derived from overprint varnish
• High Speed printing can be achieved
• Displays good scuff and retention for bottling in particular.
• Can react at varying temperatures dependant on requirements i.e. cold or hot reaction i.e. Standard activation temperatures are 15, 31 and 47°C (59, 88 and 117°F). Activation temperatures included within -10 and +69°C (14 and 149°F) are also available.

Properties

• Reversible colour change
• Full colour display at 3°C below activation temperature
• Colourless above activation temperature
• Cross section of activation temperatures are available.
• Good adhesion
• Fair gloss
• Low solvent retention
• No blocking in reel form
• Good heat resistance +- 160C
• Low odour
• Good flexibility
• Good rub resistance (if the printed product is going to be exposed to humid conditions then a suitable over varnish or laminate should be used).
• Light fastness only moderate and colour dependant as below: *
  Green 1
  Red, Orange & Magenta 1-2
  Yellow, Blue, Purple 2
  Turquoise 3
• Rating according to measurement on Blue Wool Scale
• Excellent overprintability
• Good slip properties
• Excellent printability and wetting
• Can accept both heat set and cold set laminations General
• For Washing up purposes the recommended reducer may be utilised.
• Can be overprinted with UV Offset, UV Flexo or UVScreen Varnishes as well as Standard Gravure and Flexo overprint varnishes (Solvent or Water based)
• For applications that use a Thermochromic ink that is activated at cold temperatures (less than 20°C/68°F) we would recommend the use of a matt laminate for optimum effect. For warm and hot temperature activation inks (20°C/68°F and above) we would recommend a gloss laminate.
• Additional Product Properties:
  AMB50 Moisture Content Analyzer
  Mixed ink measured on a LVT Brookfield Viscometer at 25°c
• Reversible Thermochromics show thermal Hysteresis. This means temperature against colour curves on the heating cycle do not match the cooling cycle curve. Thermochromic prints can experience far more than 1000 heating/cooling cycles above their activation temperature. Thermochromics consistently heated up at temperatures above 50°C (122°F)
  will slowly lose colour intensity below the activation temperature.

Recommended Printing Parameters:

Anilox/Cylinder Configuration

The optimum anilox/cylinder configuration depends on several factors, the most important of which is the desired opacity and colour of the finished product. The theoretical ink volume of the anilox/cylinder is crucial for the desired effect. Using a higher theoretical ink volume will increase the intensity of colour of the product when below its activation temperature.

The maximum press speed is dependent on press setting, substrate, and chosen anilox/cylinder. With sufficient heating power press speeds of over 180 m/min are realistically achievable.

The ink should be dried using hot air dryers or IR lamps set to a maximum temperature of 70°C (substrate related i.e. watch for shrinkage or fit issues.

Properties

• High scuff resistance
• Suitable for flexo printing of large solid areas or more intricate screen work
• Suitable for multiple overlays of solid printing
• High colour strength at low viscosity
• Rapid drying for high speed printing
• Good dry and wet rub resistance
• Good Cobb index for paper and board
• Very good press stability
• Easy clean up
• Neutral pH/no adjustments on machine
• Improved gloss and mileage
• Excellent resolubility
• High Gloss

Application

Ink viscosity should be adjusted to the press conditions dependant upon job design, substrates and print speed.

Wash up

Water is normally used just after stopping the press. However, if the inks has been allowed to dry on the anilox or stereo, an aqueous solution of solvent and amine may be necessary to fully remove the dried ink.

Light Fastness

The normal range has reasonable to good light fastness. However, for extended exposure to outdoor conditions there is a range of lightfast inks available. If the use of pigments with extended light fastness is required, please advise us before ordering.

Reduction

Water

Process Printing

Due to the wide range of applications for Labeltech inks, several versions can be tailor-made to fit with printing conditions
in order to meet customer requirements. Customers should discuss their specific conditions with our technical service personnel before ordering because substrates, anilox screens and stereos must be considered.

Overprint Varnish

To meet specific requirements such as rub resistance good gloss, water resistance and low slip, a water-based varnish can be supplied.

Caution

Labeltech Inks are independent of ph and therefore it is not recommended to blend with standard inks as this could cause stability related problems.

BCF

These inks have been formulated in accordance with the recommendation of the British Coatings Federation.

Waste disposal

Care should be exercised in the disposal of printing ink waste. This should be carried out in accordance with good industrial practice observing all the appropriate regulations including the relevant guideline notes to the Environment Conservation Act and Regulations (73/1989).

Health and Safety

Full details appear on the Material Safety Data Sheets

Properties

• High scuff resistance
• Suitable for flexo printing of large solid areas on corrugated boxes
• Suitable for multiple overlays of solid printing
• High colour strength at low viscosity
• Rapid drying for high speed printing
• Good dry and wet rub resistance
• Good Cobb index
• Very good press stability
• Easy clean up
• Neutral ph/No adjustments on machine
• Improved gloss and mileage
• Excellent resolubility
• Low odour
• Formulated heavy metal free

Application

Ink viscosity should be adjusted to the press conditions depending upon job design, substrates and print speed.

Reduction

Water

Wash up

Water is normally used just after stopping the press. However,
if the inks have been allowed to dry on the anilox or stereo, an aqueous solution of solvent + amine may be necessary to fully remove the dried on ink.

Light Fastness

The normal range has reasonable to good light fastness. However, for extended exposure to outdoor conditions there is a range of lightfast inks available. If the use of pigments with extended
light fastness is required, please advise us before ordering.

Overprint Varnish

To meet specific requirements such as rub resistance, good gloss, water resistance and low slip, a water-based varnish can be supplied. Aquasharp inks also have good UV receptability so for ultimate gloss results; a UV/OP varnish can be applied.

Process Printing

Due to the wide range of applications for Aquasharp inks, several versions can be tailor-made to fit with printing conditions in order to meet customer requirements.

Customers should discuss their specific conditions with our technical service personnel before ordering because substrates, anilox screens and stereos, densities, shade and print speeds must be considered.

Caution

Aquasharp Inks are independent of ph and therefore it is not recommended to blend with your regular inks as this could cause stability related problems.

BCF

These inks have been formulated in accordance with the recommendation of the British Coatings Federation.

Waste disposal

Care should be exercised in the disposal of printing ink waste. This should be carried out in accordance with good industrial practice observing all the appropriate regulations including the relevant guideline notes to the Environment Conservation Act and Regulations (73/1989).

Health and Safety

Full details appear on the Material Safety Data Sheets