Arcoflex LM Lamination Flexo Inks

Wide-web CI flexo has taken a growing share of laminated flexible packaging from gravure, because plate costs and changeover times are lower on short and medium runs. What the process needs is a lamination ink built for anilox metering rather than for cell transfer.

Arcoflex LM fills the gap that Arcol HD explicitly excludes. It is a reverse-print lamination ink formulated for high colour strength at the low film weights a fine anilox delivers, and for bond development through both two-component and solvent-free adhesive systems.

• High colour strength at the low film weights of fine aniloxes
• Compatible with 2K solvent-based and 100 % solids solvent-free adhesives
• Formulated to resist ink smear with solvent-free adhesives
• Excellent resolubility — reduced drying-in on plate and anilox
• Clean process reproduction and low dot gain
• Available as finished ink or concentrate system

Arcoflex LM is intended for reverse-printed laminated pouches, sachets and wrappers produced on wide-web CI flexo presses and finished with two-component polyurethane or solvent-free adhesive lamination.

Arcoflex LM is not suitable for:

• direct food-contact applications
• surface printing — use Arcol HD
• retort or pasteurisation processing

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.

Arcoflex LM 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 Arcoflex LM 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.

Anilox and plates. The anilox cell volume is the primary control on ink film weight and colour strength — not impression pressure. Set a kiss impression, and open highlight dots with a plate-side bump curve rather than by increasing anilox volume. Confirm the anilox specification with our laboratory for each new job.

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.