Arcova MET Metallic and Effect Inks

Effect inks behave unlike coloured inks because the pigment is a platelet, not a particle. Brilliance depends on those platelets lying flat and parallel to the substrate, which makes cell geometry, viscosity and press speed far more influential than they are with organic pigments — and makes over-reduction the fastest way to lose the effect entirely.

Arcova MET is supplied at the leafing balance that gives maximum brilliance at the recommended engraving, so the effect is reached without chasing it on press.

• Silver, rich and pale gold, and pearlescent shades
• Supplied at the leafing balance for maximum brilliance
• Formulated to resist platelet settling in the duct
• Overprintable with compatible colours and varnishes
• Suitable for surface and, with the correct grade, reverse print
• Custom effect shades matched against a reference sample

Arcova MET is intended for decorative metallic and pearlescent effects on flexible packaging, wrappers and labels where shelf standout is the objective. Because effect brilliance is highly sensitive to engraving and press conditions, a press trial is strongly recommended before committing a design.

Arcova MET is not suitable for:

• direct food-contact applications
• use where high alkali or chemical resistance is required
• over-reduction — diluting beyond the recommended range destroys the effect

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

The figures below describe the typical operating window for this range. Confirmed values for a specific shade or batch are issued with the Technical Data Sheet and Certificate of Analysis by our laboratory.

Arcova MET is available as a finished ink range and as a concentrate system of pigment bases and technology varnishes for in-house dispensing. A full range of heavy-metal-free organic and inorganic colours is offered, together with opaque whites and a reducing medium.

Special shades, brand colours and Pantone® matches are formulated against a reference sample. Please contact us for the current Arcova MET shade card and product codes.

Standard pigments are not intended for prolonged exposure to direct sunlight. For outdoor or high-exposure applications, specify high-light-fastness pigments at the time of ordering.

Cylinder and engraving. Cell depth and screen ruling set the transferred ink film weight and therefore colour density. Confirm the engraving specification with our laboratory for each new job: a deeper cell increases density and opacity, while fine process and vignette work needs a shallower, finer engraving.

Doctor blade. Set blade angle and pressure to the lightest setting that wipes the land area cleanly. Excess pressure scores the cylinder and accelerates blade wear without improving print.

Viscosity and solvent. Stir thoroughly until homogeneous before reducing, and reduce in small steps, re-checking after each addition. Dedicate one clean viscosity cup to each printing unit and record viscosity at the start of the run and at intervals. Always select the fastest solvent blend consistent with clean printing and the drying capacity of the press — retained slow solvent is the most common cause of blocking, odour and poor bond development downstream.

Drying. The ink dries by solvent evaporation. Set dryer air temperature and volume to give a dry, non-tacky film at the rewind without distorting thin films, and check the printed reel for retained solvent before release for conversion.

Classified as a highly flammable liquid. 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.

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.

Technical Data Sheets, Safety Data Sheets, Statements of Composition and regulatory declarations for this range 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.