Arcol HD Flexographic Inks
Solvent-based nitrocellulose flexographic inks for surface printing on corona-treated LDPE, LLDPE and BOPP films on CI and stack presses. Supplied as finished inks for reduction on press, or as a concentrate system of pigment bases, NC varnish and technology varnish for in-house dispensing.
Grade Arcol HD | Range Printing Inks for Flexible Packaging | Technology Solvent-based nitrocellulose (NC), reduced with n-propanol and n-propyl acetate
Technical Data Sheet
Arcol HD
Issue 2026.09
1. Product description
Solvent-based nitrocellulose flexographic inks for surface printing on corona-treated LDPE, LLDPE and BOPP films on CI and stack presses. Supplied as finished inks for reduction on press, or as a concentrate system of pigment bases, NC varnish and technology varnish for in-house dispensing.
2. Features
- Nitrocellulose binder modified for gloss and scuff resistance, with heat resistance up to 160 °C on polyethylene film
- High colour strength, allowing higher line-count aniloxes without loss of colour density
- Balanced drying profile and good resolubility on fine, low-volume anilox rolls
- Compatible with conventional and HD photopolymer plates and with rubber plates
- Ice-water crinkle, scratch and block resistance; fat and oil resistance in conjunction with a suitable overprint varnish
3. Recommended uses
Surface printing of carry bags, hygiene packs, e-commerce and courier bags, and milk and edible-oil packaging. Not intended for direct food contact, for microwaveable, ovenable, pasteurised or retorted packs, or for reverse printing for adhesive lamination, where the Arlam Aqua range is used instead.
4. Typical properties
| Property | Typical value | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | Solvent-based nitrocellulose (NC), reduced with n-propanol and n-propyl acetate | Formulation |
| Physical form | Liquid; finished inks, or concentrate plus technology varnish | Visual |
| Binder system | Nitrocellulose based, modified for gloss and scuff resistance | Supplier formulation data |
| Solids content | 21 to 60 per cent depending on product, with colours at 27 to 32 per cent (each grade ±2) | Non-volatile content, supplier protocol |
| Printing viscosity | 19 to 22 s, Ford Cup B4 (4 mm) at 25 °C, wide-web CI flexo | Ford Cup B4 (4 mm) at 25 °C; supplier protocol |
| Heat resistance | Up to 160 °C, resistance of the printed ink film to heated sealing jaws on polyethylene film | Heat-seal jaw contact test, supplier protocol; indicates ink resistance to sealing jaws, not a service temperature for the film |
| Light fastness | 3 to 8 on the Blue Wool Scale (1 to 8, 8 highest), depending on shade | ISO 12040 |
| Alkali resistance | Resistant for most shades; Process Magenta and Warm Red (non AR / SR) not resistant | ISO 2836 |
| Film resistance | Ice-water crinkle, scratch and block resistance; fat and oil resistance with a suitable overprint varnish | Customer or supplier protocol; confirm by end-use testing |
Typical values, not a specification. Values for each batch are given on its Certificate of Analysis.
5. Application
| Parameter | Guidance |
|---|---|
| Method | CI and stack flexography, surface print; conventional and HD photopolymer plates or rubber plates |
| Surface preparation | Corona-treated LDPE, LLDPE and BOPP at 38 dynes/cm or above at the moment of printing, in-line corona strongly recommended; acrylic-coated PP, primed metallised PP and primed aluminium foil printed on the coated or primed side after adhesion pre-tests |
| Reduction | Stir until homogeneous and reduce in small steps. Normal: n-propanol / n-propyl acetate 80 / 20 by weight. Retarder for hot or dry pressrooms and fine screens: n-propanol 80 per cent, ethoxypropanol or propoxypropanol 10 per cent, n-propyl acetate 10 per cent, by weight. Accelerator for higher speeds or limited dryer capacity: ethanol / ethyl acetate 80 / 20 by weight. Use the fastest blend consistent with clean printing and dryer capacity, as retained slow solvent causes blocking, odour and poor downstream bond development |
| Press viscosity | 19 to 22 s, Ford Cup B4 (4 mm) at 25 °C on wide-web CI flexo; confirm the working window for stack presses on trial; one clean cup per printing unit, checked at the start of the run and at regular intervals |
| Drying | Solvent evaporation; set between-colour and tunnel dryer air temperature and volume for a dry, non-tacky film at the rewind without distorting thin films, and check the reel for retained solvent before release for conversion |
| Overprint varnish | Approved Arctic Materials overprint varnish at a minimum dry coat weight of 0.5 g/m², mandatory for oil packaging and used wherever enhanced rub, scuff or product resistance is needed |
| Wash-up | Alcohol and acetate blends; keep aniloxes turning during short stoppages and wash plates promptly |
6. Storage and handling
Store in tightly sealed original containers between 5 °C and 35 °C, away from direct sunlight and heat, with 10 °C to 25 °C recommended for optimum stability. Shelf life is stated on the label and Certificate of Analysis, and the Safety Data Sheet is issued on request. Handle and use the product in line with its Safety Data Sheet.
7. Safety and regulatory information
Read the Safety Data Sheet before use. Safety Data Sheets and regulatory declarations are issued by our technical centre against the product and batch supplied, so they are sent on request rather than published. Request a Safety Data Sheet or declaration.
This Technical Data Sheet is published for on-screen reference. The information is given in good faith from laboratory and application experience and describes typical values; it is not a specification and does not replace a trial on your own substrate and line. Arctic Materials may revise this sheet without notice. Issue 2026.09.
Technical Data Sheets on this site are for on-screen viewing. For a controlled copy, write to tech@arcticmaterials.com.
Other ink ranges
Need a Safety Data Sheet, a regulatory declaration or a grade specified to your line? Contact our technical centre.