Arcova PET Polyester Gravure Inks
Solvent-based polyurethane gravure inks for reverse printing on polyester film. The binder is selected for anchorage to PET, giving a wider tolerance to variation in film treatment and good bond values on premium laminates.
Grade Arcova PET | Range Printing Inks for Flexible Packaging | Technology Solvent-based polyurethane gravure ink
Technical Data Sheet
Arcova PET
Issue 2026.09
1. Product description
Solvent-based polyurethane gravure inks for reverse printing on polyester film. The binder is selected for anchorage to PET, giving a wider tolerance to variation in film treatment and good bond values on premium laminates.
2. Features
- Polyurethane binder selected for anchorage to polyester film
- Wider tolerance to film treatment variation than general-purpose lamination inks
- Good optical clarity and gloss when viewed through the film
- Compatible with 2K solvent-based polyurethane and solvent-free adhesives
- Supplied as finished inks or as a concentrate system of pigment bases and technology varnishes
3. Recommended uses
Reverse-printed premium PET laminates where bond strength and print clarity matter, such as confectionery, personal care, pharmaceutical secondary packaging and high-definition brand work. Not for direct food contact, surface printing or retort processing, for which Arcova RT is the range to consider.
4. Typical properties
| Property | Typical value | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | Solvent-based polyurethane gravure ink | Formulation |
| Appearance | Pigmented liquid ink; finished shades, concentrate bases, opaque whites and reducing medium | Visual |
| Binder system | Polyurethane, selected for polyester anchorage | Formulation |
| Carrier | Organic solvent blend; the ink dries by solvent evaporation | Formulation |
| Printing viscosity | 15 to 18 s, Ford cup B4 (4 mm) at 25 °C | Ford cup B4, 4 mm orifice, at 25 °C; customer or supplier protocol |
| Colour | Heavy-metal-free organic and inorganic pigments; special shades and brand colours matched to a reference sample | Spectrophotometric measurement to ISO 13655 against the agreed reference sample |
| Non-volatile content and density | Shade dependent; confirmed values for the shade supplied are issued with the Certificate of Analysis | ISO 3251 and ISO 2811-1 |
| Lamination bond | Structure and adhesive dependent; measured on the finished laminate after full adhesive cure | ASTM F904 |
| Adhesive compatibility | 2K solvent-based polyurethane and 100 per cent solids solvent-free adhesives | Customer or supplier protocol, laminating trial on the production structure |
| Light fastness | Standard pigments are not intended for prolonged direct sunlight; high-light-fastness pigments are specified at the time of ordering | ISO 12040, filtered xenon arc |
Typical values, not a specification. Values for each batch are given on its Certificate of Analysis.
5. Application
| Parameter | Guidance |
|---|---|
| Printing method | Rotogravure, reverse print for subsequent lamination |
| Substrate and surface preparation | Chemically coated PET is preferred: print on the chemically modified side and confirm the coating type with the film supplier. Uncoated PET needs in-line corona treatment above 50 dynes/cm, checked to ISO 8296, because treatment decays with storage. Primed metallised PET is printed on the primed side; this is a print on the metal face rather than a reverse print through clear film, so validate bond and crinkle resistance on the laminated structure before the run |
| Cylinder engraving | Cell depth and screen ruling set the transferred film weight and colour density; confirm the engraving specification with our laboratory for each new job |
| Dilution | Stir until homogeneous before reducing. Reduce viscosity in small steps with the solvent blend advised for the range to the printing window of 15 to 18 s, Ford Cup B4 (4 mm) at 25 °C, re-checking after each addition with one clean cup per printing unit. Use the reducing medium to adjust colour strength, not viscosity. Use the fastest solvent blend consistent with clean printing and the dryer capacity |
| Doctor blade | Lightest angle and pressure that wipes the land area cleanly; extra pressure scores the cylinder and wears the blade without improving print |
| Drying | Solvent evaporation. Set dryer 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 before release for conversion |
| Next step | Age the printed reel for at least 24 hours before lamination with a 2K solvent-based polyurethane or solvent-free adhesive, then confirm bond on the finished structure |
6. Storage and handling
Store in tightly sealed original containers at 5 to 35 °C, preferably 10 to 25 °C, away from direct sunlight and heat, and stir until homogeneous before use. Shelf life is stated on the label and Certificate of Analysis. 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.