Arcoflex MB Metallised and Barrier Film Inks
Arcoflex MB is a solvent-based polyurethane-modified flexo ink range for metallised BOPP and PET, AlOx and barrier-coated films. It is formulated to anchor to these low-energy engineered surfaces without disturbing the barrier layer beneath.
Grade Arcoflex MB | Range Printing Inks for Flexible Packaging | Technology Solvent-based polyurethane-modified flexo ink in an alcohol and ester solvent carrier
Technical Data Sheet
Arcoflex MB
Issue 2026.09
1. Product description
Arcoflex MB is a solvent-based polyurethane-modified flexo ink range for metallised BOPP and PET, AlOx and barrier-coated films. It is formulated to anchor to these low-energy engineered surfaces without disturbing the barrier layer beneath.
2. Features
- Formulated for anchorage to metallised and barrier-coated surfaces
- Does not attack the metallised or barrier layer beneath the print
- Formulated to retain measured barrier performance through printing and conversion
- Resists pick-off during slitting and conversion
- Suitable for surface-print and reverse-print barrier constructions
3. Recommended uses
Metallised BOPP and PET packaging, AlOx and barrier-coated films, and high-barrier structures for snacks, coffee, dry foods and moisture-sensitive products printed on CI flexo presses. Not intended for direct food contact, retort processing, or unprimed or poorly metallised film.
4. Typical properties
| Property | Typical value | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | Solvent-based polyurethane-modified flexo ink in an alcohol and ester solvent carrier | Formulation |
| Physical form | Liquid flexo ink, supplied as finished ink or as a concentrate system | Visual |
| Colour range | Heavy-metal-free organic and inorganic colours, opaque whites and a reducing medium; special shades matched to a supplied reference sample | Against the approved reference sample; customer or supplier protocol |
| Binder system | Polyurethane-modified | Formulation data |
| Carrier and standard reducer | Alcohol and ester solvents; standard reducer 80/20 n-propanol / n-propyl acetate | Formulation data |
| Printing viscosity | Typically 18 to 22 s | Ford Cup B4 (4 mm) at 25 °C; customer or supplier protocol |
| Anchorage and metal pick-off | Dependent on metallising or barrier-coating quality; check per film lot | ASTM F2252 tape test |
| Barrier retention | Compare oxygen and water vapour transmission rates before and after printing, measured under the same temperature and relative humidity | ASTM D3985 (OTR) and ASTM F1249 (WVTR), or customer or supplier protocol |
| Plate compatibility | All photopolymer plates, conventional and HD | Customer or supplier protocol |
Typical values, not a specification. Values for each batch are given on its Certificate of Analysis.
5. Application
| Parameter | Guidance |
|---|---|
| Printing method | CI flexography on conventional or HD photopolymer plates: surface print on metallised BOPP and PET; surface or reverse print on transparent AlOx and barrier-coated film |
| Surface preparation | Metallised BOPP: print on the primed or metallised side. Metallised PET: print on the primed side and confirm primer type with the film supplier. AlOx and barrier-coated film: print on the coated side |
| Reduction | Stir until homogeneous, then reduce in small steps with 80/20 n-propanol / n-propyl acetate to 18 to 22 s Ford Cup B4 at 25 °C, re-checking after each addition |
| Anilox and film weight | Anilox cell volume controls ink film weight and colour strength; run a kiss impression. Anilox specification confirmed with the Arctic laboratory for each new job |
| Drying | Solvent evaporation; use the fastest solvent blend consistent with clean printing, set dryer air temperature and volume for a dry, non-tacky film at rewind without distorting the film, and check the printed reel for retained solvent by headspace gas chromatography against the converter's limit before release |
| Next step | Verify anchorage, metal pick-off and barrier values on the printed reel before slitting and conversion; not for retort processing |
6. Storage and handling
Store in tightly sealed original containers between 5 and 35 °C, away from direct sunlight and heat, with 10 to 25 °C recommended for stability. 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.