WATER BASED FLEXO INKS
DESCRIPTION
Water based flexo inks designed primarily for narrow web presses printing self adhesive labels. Especially suited to printing onto thermal papers.
PROPERTIES
Low viscosity. Water reducible. Good heat smear and water resistance. High colour strength. Good press stability.Pulse Roll Label RT series inks have been formulated to comply with Food Packaging Legislation. Please see:-
Swiss List Eupia Information Note regarding the Swiss list.
EuPIA information note on inks for food packaging. The raw materials are selected in accordance with the 'Selection scheme for packaging ink raw materials' of the EuPIA Guideline.
EuPIA 2 To achieve compliance it will be necessary to carry out a suitable evaluation. Please contact Pulse Roll Label for advice on this evaluation process. It must also be remembered that the manufacturer of the packaging and the filler are responsible for the properties of the food packaging and its compliance with legal requirements. The packaging ink suppliers are not able to issue certificates or declarations of compliance which cover the legal responsibility of others in packaging chain.
APPLICATION
Mix well before use. Anilox 90 - 120 l/cm. Cell volume 7-10 cm3/m2. Minimum dryer temp 500C with good air flow. Print speeds up to 150 m/min. Clean equipment immediately after use
SUBSTRATES
Uncoated and coated papers and boards. Uncoated (eco) thermal papers. Semi and top coated thermal papers.
GUIDELINES FOR USE
Thermal Printing: RT series are designed for use on all types of thermal papers
Laser Printing: RT series inks may be suitable for laser overprinting, but we would advise leaving the laserable area free from ink and/or varnish. Suitable tests should be made first to ensure full compatibility, due the range of laser printers in the market.
Thermal Transfer/Hot Foil Printing: RT series can be used for overprinting with thermal transfer ribbons, although different ribbons will give different properties. Hot foiling over RT inks is normally possible but should be checked prior to production runs.
Varnishes: Varnishing of RT series is possible, but care should be taken to ensure the varnish is suitable for direct thermal applications. Our technical department can provide advice for the best varnish to meet your needs. An excessive build up of ink layers/varnish should be avoided as this can negatively affect the direct thermal image.
Cleaning: Anilox rollers and equipment should be cleaned immediately after use with waterbased ink cleaner such as RLA394 Flexwash Aqua III wash-up.
ADDITIVES
Under certain conditions, additives may be required to ensure optimum performance: -
Retarder: Up to 5% RLA330 can be added when the ink is observed to be drying too fast, for example in warm conditions or when press speeds are very low.
Defoamer: Up to 3% RLA322 should be well mixed into the ink to destroy any excess foaming. Do not exceed 3% addition.
Print Aid: Up to 5% RLA324 can be added to the ink when used on long print runs to ensure pH is maintained at an optimum level.
NB - Do not add RLA324 if running jobs where ‘Nestle-compliance’ is required.
Reducer/Accelerator: Upto 5% RLA325 can be added to the ink if it is too viscous. This will also help to speed up the drying of the ink.
Thickener: Upto 2% HAW00104 can be added to thicken up the ink to aid transfer and reduce mottle. Be careful as 2% addition of HAW00104 will take 10 minutes to take affect fully in the ink, and the drying speed can be reduced by over-additions of this additive.
STORAGE & HANDLING
Store at temperatures between 50C and 250C. Protect from frost. In unopened containers RT series inks have a shelf life of 12 months.
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