Technical Data Sheet

Arcova LM Lamination Gravure Inks

Solvent-based nitrocellulose-polyurethane gravure inks for reverse printing on treated PET, BOPP and PE ahead of adhesive lamination. The binder is balanced so the ink keys to the film and still lets the adhesive bond through it to the sealant web.

Grade Arcova LM | Range Printing Inks for Flexible Packaging | Technology Solvent-based nitrocellulose-polyurethane ink; organic solvent carrier

Technical Data Sheet
Arcova LM
Issue 2026.09

1. Product description

2. Features

Balanced for film adhesion and lamination bond strength
Compatible with two-component solvent-based polyurethane and 100 per cent solids solvent-free adhesives
Formulated to resist ink smear on contact with solvent-free adhesives
High colour strength for thin ink films and clean process work
Good resolubility and stable viscosity on long runs

3. Recommended uses

Reverse-print lamination of snack, confectionery, bakery, dry-food and general-purpose pouches and sachets laminated with two-component polyurethane or solvent-free adhesive. Not for direct food contact, surface printing unless overcoated with an approved surface varnish, or retort and pasteurisation (use Arcova RT or Arcova BB).

4. Typical properties

Property	Typical value	Method
Technology	Solvent-based nitrocellulose-polyurethane ink; 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-polyurethane	Formulation
Carrier	Organic solvent blend; reducer specified by our laboratory for the range and the 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
Density at 20 °C	Colours typically 0.90 to 1.15 g/cm³; opaque whites higher	ISO 2811-1
Printing viscosity, after reduction	Typically 15 to 19 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
Adhesive compatibility	Two-component solvent-based polyurethane and 100 per cent solids solvent-free adhesives	Lamination trial, customer or supplier protocol
Ageing before lamination	Minimum 24 hours recommended	Not applicable
Lamination bond strength	Validated per structure after at least 48 hours post-lamination cure, or longer where the adhesive supplier requires. On BOPP, bond values fall sharply below 40 dynes/cm treatment at printing	ASTM F904

Typical values, not a specification. Values for each batch are given on its Certificate of Analysis.

5. Application

Parameter	Guidance
Method	Rotogravure, reverse print on the treated side, followed by adhesive lamination
Surface preparation	BOPP and PE corona treated to 40 to 42 dynes/cm at printing, measured to ISO 8296; check slip-additive migration on aged PE film. Chemically coated or treated PET printed on the treated side, with the coating type confirmed by the film supplier
Reduction	Stir until homogeneous, then reduce in small steps with the reducer specified for the range and press to 15 to 19 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; retained slow solvent is a common cause of blocking, odour and poor bond development
Lamination	Age the printed reel for a minimum of 24 hours before lamination, then allow at least 48 hours after lamination, or longer where the adhesive supplier's curing schedule requires, for full adhesive cross-linking before bond strength is tested

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.