Arcova SP Surface Gravure Inks
Solvent-based nitrocellulose gravure inks for surface printing on corona-treated LDPE, LLDPE and BOPP film, and on paper and board. The range is highly pigmented, so target density is reached from a moderate cell depth, which keeps solvent load and dryer demand down at commercial cylinder speeds.
Grade Arcova SP | Range Printing Inks for Flexible Packaging | Technology Solvent-based nitrocellulose ink; nitrocellulose binder in an organic solvent carrier
Technical Data Sheet
Arcova SP
Issue 2026.09
1. Product description
Solvent-based nitrocellulose gravure inks for surface printing on corona-treated LDPE, LLDPE and BOPP film, and on paper and board. The range is highly pigmented, so target density is reached from a moderate cell depth, which keeps solvent load and dryer demand down at commercial cylinder speeds.
2. Features
- High gloss and good scuff resistance on treated polyolefin
- Fast solvent release for clean running at speed
- High pigment strength: target density from a moderate cell depth
- Good ice-water crinkle and block resistance, with good resolubility on the cylinder
- Supplied as finished ink or as a concentrate system for in-house dispensing
3. Recommended uses
Surface printing of carry bags, woven-sack laminates, wrappers and general-purpose flexible packaging where the print is on the outside of the pack. Not for direct food contact, reverse printing for adhesive lamination (use Arcova LM), or retort, pasteurisation and other high-temperature processing.
4. Typical properties
| Property | Typical value | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | Solvent-based nitrocellulose ink; nitrocellulose binder in an organic solvent carrier | Formulation |
| Appearance | Pigmented liquid ink in the shade ordered; the range comprises heavy-metal-free organic and inorganic colours, opaque whites and a reducing medium | Visual (appearance); heavy-metal-free pigment selection by formulation |
| Binder system | Nitrocellulose based | Formulation |
| Carrier | Organic solvent; standard reducer is an ethyl acetate and n-propanol blend, specified per press | Formulation |
| Non-volatile content, as supplied | Colours typically 25 to 45 per cent by weight; opaque whites higher. Value for the shade on the Certificate of Analysis | ISO 3251 |
| Printing viscosity, after reduction | Typically 16 to 20 s, Ford Cup B4 (4 mm) at 25 °C. Supplied above press viscosity for reduction on press | Flow cup, Ford Cup B4 (4 mm orifice), at 25 °C; customer or supplier protocol |
| Gloss | High, on treated polyolefin film | ASTM D2457, 60 degree geometry |
| Adhesion | Good on corona-treated LDPE, LLDPE and BOPP at 38 dynes/cm or above, and on paper and board; each substrate evaluated before commercial printing | ASTM F2252, tape test |
| Scuff resistance | Good on treated polyolefin; an approved overprint varnish is applied where enhanced rub or product resistance is required | ASTM D5264, Sutherland rub tester |
| Ice-water crinkle and block resistance | Good | Customer or supplier protocol |
Typical values, not a specification. Values for each batch are given on its Certificate of Analysis.
5. Application
| Parameter | Guidance |
|---|---|
| Method | Rotogravure, surface print; finished ink, or dispensed in-house from pigment bases and technology varnishes |
| Surface preparation | Corona-treated LDPE, LLDPE and BOPP at 38 dynes/cm or above, measured to ISO 8296; in-line corona strongly recommended on PE. Check slip-additive migration on aged BOPP film and hold-out on absorbent paper and board grades |
| Reduction | Stir until homogeneous, then reduce in small steps with the ethyl acetate and n-propanol reducer specified for the press to 16 to 20 s, Ford Cup B4 (4 mm) at 25 °C, re-checking after each addition. Use the fastest solvent blend consistent with clean printing and the drying capacity of the press, and keep one clean viscosity cup per printing unit |
| Engraving and ink film weight | Confirm the engraving specification with our laboratory for each new job: a deeper cell raises density and opacity, fine process and vignette work needs a shallower, finer engraving. Dry ink film in solid areas typically 1.0 to 3.0 g/m² per colour, lower in tonal and vignette areas, with opaque whites towards the upper end. Set doctor blade angle and pressure to the lightest setting that wipes the land area cleanly |
| Drying | Solvent evaporation in the hot-air tunnel. Set air temperature and volume for a dry, non-tacky film at the rewind without distorting thin film, and check the printed reel for retained solvent by static headspace gas chromatography (EN 13628-2 for routine release, EN 13628-1 as the reference method) before release for conversion |
| Next step | Apply an approved overprint varnish over the printed area where enhanced rub or product resistance is required |
6. Storage and handling
Store in tightly closed original containers between 5 and 35 °C, preferably 10 to 25 °C, away from direct sunlight and heat. Shelf life is stated on the label and Certificate of Analysis, and handling information is given in the Safety Data Sheet, 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.