Arcol HD Flexographic Inks

Arcol HD is a range of high-strength, solvent-based flexographic inks formulated for surface printing across a broad range of flexible-packaging substrates. Built on a nitrocellulose binder system, it combines high gloss, good heat resistance and excellent scuff resistance with clean, consistent running at high press speeds.

On polyethylene film Arcol HD provides heat resistance up to 160 °C and maintains gloss, and it is suitable for both conventional and HD photopolymer plates. The high colour strength of the range allows higher line-count aniloxes to be used for improved print definition without loss of colour density.

Arcol HD is supplied as finished, ready-to-reduce inks or as a concentrate system of pigment bases, NC varnish and technology varnish for in-house dispensing. Arctic Materials also provides on-site analytical, colorimetric and process-optimisation support, advice on ink dosing systems, and solutions for the reuse of residual and return inks.

• NC binder system with high heat resistance, high gloss and excellent scuff resistance
• High colour strength, suited to higher line-count aniloxes
• Designed for higher press speeds without colour drop-off
• Excellent resolubility, reducing the need for frequent plate clean-ups
• Balanced drying profile suitable for fine, low-volume anilox rolls
• Compatible with all photopolymer plates, conventional and HD
• Good ice-water crinkle, scratch and block resistance
• Resistance to fats and oils in conjunction with a suitable overprint varnish
• Mono-pigmented grades for particularly clean, pure shades

Arcol HD is intended for surface printing of carry bags, hygiene packs, e-commerce and courier bags, and milk and edible-oil packaging. For oil packaging an approved overprint varnish is mandatory at a minimum dry coat weight of 0.5 g/m². Arcol HD must not be used for other end uses without confirmation from the Arctic Materials technical team.

Arcol HD is not suitable for:

• direct food-contact applications;
• high-temperature applications, including microwaveable, ovenable, pasteurised or retorted packs;
• reverse printing for adhesive lamination — use the Arlam Aqua lamination range instead.

Arcol HD is mainly recommended for corona-treated LDPE / LLDPE and treated BOPP films. As with all solvent-based systems, adhesion and printability depend heavily on the quality and uniformity of the surface treatment at the moment of printing.

Each substrate and structure must be evaluated for adhesion and end-use properties before commercial printing.

Available as a finished ink range or as a concentrate plus technology varnish system for in-house dispensing. Special shades, brand colours and Pantone® matches are supplied against a reference sample.

Light fastness on the Blue Wool Scale 1 – 8 (ISO 12040), 8 highest. Alkali resistance per ISO 2836: + resistant, – not resistant. Resistance to specific detergents, oils and lotions should always be confirmed by end-use testing. Standard pigments are not intended for prolonged exposure to direct sunlight; specify high-light-fastness pigments at the time of ordering.

Printing viscosity. Stir thoroughly until homogeneous before reducing. Good results are achieved at 19 – 22 seconds, Ford Cup B4 (4 mm) at 25 °C on wide-web CI flexo. Reduce in small steps and re-check after every addition. Dedicate one clean viscosity cup to each printing unit, and record viscosity at the start of the run and at regular intervals.

Solvent reducers.

Always select the fastest solvent combination consistent with clean printing and the drying capacity of the press; this gives the lowest retained solvent and the best non-blocking properties. Retained slow solvent is the most common cause of blocking, odour and poor bond development downstream.

Drying. Arcol HD dries by solvent evaporation. Set between-colour and tunnel dryer air temperature and volume to achieve a dry, non-tacky film at the rewind while avoiding heat that could distort thin films. Check the printed reel for retained solvent before release for conversion.

Wash-up. Alcohol / acetate blends clean plates, aniloxes and ink trains more effectively than alcohol alone. Keep aniloxes turning during short stoppages and wash plates promptly to avoid drying-in.

Overprint varnishing. For oil packaging, and wherever enhanced rub, scuff or product resistance is needed, an approved Arctic Materials overprint varnish must be applied at a minimum dry coat weight of 0.5 g/m². Confirm varnish compatibility with the ink film and the downstream sealing process in end-use tests.

Arcol HD inks are classified as highly flammable liquids. Observe suitable precautions to avoid ignition sources; warehouses must be approved and equipped accordingly. Store in tightly sealed original containers between 5 °C and 35 °C away from direct sunlight and heat; for optimum stability, 10 – 25 °C is recommended.

Shelf life. 12 months from the date of manufacture in unopened containers with intact seals, stored as above. Inks may still be fit for purpose beyond this period; condition and performance should be checked before use.

Waste disposal. Handle inks, coatings and printing residues in accordance with normal standards of industrial hygiene and good manufacturing practice, and dispose of them observing all applicable regulations. Refer to the Safety Data Sheet for specific handling advice.

Formulated in accordance with the current CEPE / EuPIA guidelines and the EuPIA Exclusion Policy for printing inks and related products. The formulations exclude:

• substances classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic for reproduction (CMR categories 1A and 1B) or as acutely toxic under Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 (CLP);
• pigments based on compounds of antimony, arsenic, cadmium, chromium VI, lead, mercury and selenium;
• dyes, solvents, plasticisers and other materials listed in the Exclusion Policy. A copy of the supporting declaration is available on request.

All Arctic Materials products are designed with end-use safety built in and must not be mixed with products from other manufacturers.

Indirect food-contact applications. It is the responsibility of the food packer to ensure the packed food is safe, and of the converter and packer/filler to ensure that migration does not exceed applicable legal or industry limits. Under a mutual non-disclosure agreement, Arctic Materials will provide a Statement of Composition detailing any potentially migratable components in its products.

The current Technical Data Sheet is available to download. Safety Data Sheets and regulatory declarations are issued by our technical department on request.

The Safety Data Sheet, Statement of Composition, EuPIA Exclusion Policy declaration and heavy-metal / regulatory declarations for this range are issued on request by our technical department, and the Statement of Composition is released under a mutual non-disclosure agreement.