Arcova FOIL Foil and Metallised Inks
Solvent-based, polyurethane-modified gravure inks for printing primed aluminium foil and metallised film. They are formulated for anchorage to non-absorbent metallic surfaces while keeping the metallic appearance of the substrate.
Grade Arcova FOIL | Range Printing Inks for Flexible Packaging | Technology Solvent-based polyurethane-modified gravure ink
Technical Data Sheet
Arcova FOIL
Issue 2026.09
1. Product description
Solvent-based, polyurethane-modified gravure inks for printing primed aluminium foil and metallised film. They are formulated for anchorage to non-absorbent metallic surfaces while keeping the metallic appearance of the substrate.
2. Features
- Formulated for anchorage to primed foil and metallised layers
- Keeps the metallic brilliance of the substrate
- Good density from shallow cells, which reduces solvent load
- Resists pick-off during slitting and conversion
- Heat resistance suited to lidding seal-jaw contact, confirmed per structure
3. Recommended uses
Aluminium foil laminates, blister and yoghurt lidding, and metallised PET and BOPP packs where the metallic effect is part of the design, in surface or reverse-print constructions. Not for direct food contact, unprimed aluminium foil or retort processing, for which Arcova RT is the range to consider.
4. Typical properties
| Property | Typical value | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | Solvent-based polyurethane-modified gravure ink | Formulation |
| Appearance | Pigmented liquid ink; finished shades, concentrate bases, opaque whites and reducing medium | Visual |
| Binder system | Polyurethane-modified | Formulation |
| Carrier | Organic solvent blend; the ink dries by solvent evaporation | Formulation |
| Printing viscosity | 15 to 19 s, Ford cup B4 (4 mm) at 25 °C | Ford cup B4, 4 mm orifice, at 25 °C; customer or supplier protocol |
| Anchorage to primed foil and metallised film | Dependent on the primer or metallising quality; checked on each lot before commercial printing | ASTM F2252 |
| Pick-off and crinkle resistance | Formulated to resist pick-off during slitting and conversion; confirmed on the customer's structure | Customer or supplier protocol |
| Heat resistance | Suitable for lidding seal-jaw contact; confirmed per structure | Customer or supplier protocol, seal-jaw contact on the printed structure |
| Colour | Heavy-metal-free organic and inorganic pigments; special shades and brand colours matched to a reference sample | Visual comparison against the agreed reference on the production substrate under ISO 3664 viewing conditions; instrumental geometry by customer or supplier protocol, as 45/0 readings to ISO 13655 are not representative on specular metallic substrates |
| 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 |
Typical values, not a specification. Values for each batch are given on its Certificate of Analysis.
5. Application
| Parameter | Guidance |
|---|---|
| Printing method | Rotogravure. Surface print on primed foil and metallised film; in reverse-print foil constructions the print sits on the clear film laminated over the foil or metallised ply, so confirm bond on that structure |
| Substrate and surface preparation | Primed aluminium foil: print on the primed side, confirm the primer type and check anchorage on each lot. Metallised PET: print on the metallised or primed side after validating metal adhesion. Metallised BOPP: print on the primed side after pre-testing crinkle and pick-off resistance. Unprimed foil is not suitable |
| Cylinder engraving | Shallow cells can reach target 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 19 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 | Slitting, lamination or lidding conversion; confirm pick-off resistance and seal-jaw heat resistance 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.