Arcoflex LM Lamination Flexo Inks
Arcoflex LM is a solvent-based nitrocellulose-polyurethane flexo ink range for reverse printing on treated PET, BOPP and PE film ahead of adhesive lamination. It is formulated for colour strength at the low film weights that fine aniloxes deliver on wide-web CI presses.
Grade Arcoflex LM | Range Printing Inks for Flexible Packaging | Technology Solvent-based nitrocellulose-polyurethane flexo ink in an alcohol and ester solvent carrier
Technical Data Sheet
Arcoflex LM
Issue 2026.09
1. Product description
Arcoflex LM is a solvent-based nitrocellulose-polyurethane flexo ink range for reverse printing on treated PET, BOPP and PE film ahead of adhesive lamination. It is formulated for colour strength at the low film weights that fine aniloxes deliver on wide-web CI presses.
2. Features
- Colour strength at the low film weights delivered by fine aniloxes
- Compatible with two-component solvent-based PU and 100 per cent solids solvent-free adhesives
- Formulated to resist ink smear under solvent-free adhesives
- Resolubility on press, limiting drying-in on plate and anilox
- Clean process reproduction and low dot gain
3. Recommended uses
Reverse-printed laminated pouches, sachets and wrappers produced on wide-web CI flexo presses and laminated with two-component polyurethane or solvent-free adhesives. Not intended for direct food contact, surface printing (Arcol HD covers surface work) or retort and pasteurisation processing.
4. Typical properties
| Property | Typical value | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | Solvent-based nitrocellulose-polyurethane 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 | Nitrocellulose-polyurethane | 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 |
| Substrate wetting tension at printing (BOPP and PE) | 40 to 42 dynes/cm; bond values fall sharply below 40 dynes/cm on BOPP | ISO 8296 or ASTM D2578 test inks |
| Print adhesion | To be confirmed on each substrate before commercial printing | ASTM F2252 tape test |
| Laminate bond development | Develops through two-component solvent-based PU and solvent-free adhesives; to be confirmed on the final structure after full adhesive cure | ASTM F904 |
| 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 | Wide-web CI flexography, reverse print, on conventional or HD photopolymer plates |
| Surface preparation | Print on the treated side. BOPP and PE corona treated to 40 to 42 dynes/cm at printing; PET chemically coated or treated, with the coating type confirmed with the film supplier; check slip-additive migration on aged PE film |
| 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 with one dedicated cup per unit |
| Anilox and film weight | Anilox cell volume controls ink film weight and colour strength; run a kiss impression and open highlights with a plate bump curve. 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 | Adhesive lamination with two-component solvent-based PU or solvent-free adhesive; a minimum of 24 hours between printing and lamination is recommended. Assess laminate bond only after the adhesive has fully cured to the adhesive supplier's schedule |
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.