Arcoflex MB Metallised and Barrier Film Inks

Barrier films are engineered surfaces. A metallised layer, an aluminium-oxide coating or a PVdC barrier is applied to do a specific job, and every one of them presents the ink with a surface that was optimised for barrier performance rather than for printability. Standard inks either fail to anchor or damage the barrier layer they sit on.

Arcoflex MB is formulated to key to these surfaces without disturbing them, so barrier values measured before printing survive the print and conversion process.

• Formulated for anchorage to metallised and barrier-coated surfaces
• Does not attack the metallised or barrier layer beneath
• Preserves measured barrier performance through printing and conversion
• Resistance to pick-off during slitting and conversion
• High density and metallic brilliance on metallised stock
• Suitable for surface and reverse-print barrier constructions

Arcoflex MB is intended for metallised BOPP and PET packaging, aluminium-oxide and barrier-coated films, and high-barrier structures for snacks, coffee, dry foods and moisture-sensitive products printed on CI flexo presses.

Arcoflex MB is not suitable for:

• direct food-contact applications
• retort processing
• unprimed or poorly metallised film — anchorage depends on the layer beneath

Each substrate and structure must be evaluated for adhesion and end-use properties before commercial printing.

The figures below describe the typical operating window for this range. Confirmed values for a specific shade or batch are issued with the Technical Data Sheet and Certificate of Analysis by our laboratory.

Arcoflex MB is available as a finished ink range and as a concentrate system of pigment bases and technology varnishes for in-house dispensing. A full range of heavy-metal-free organic and inorganic colours is offered, together with opaque whites and a reducing medium.

Special shades, brand colours and Pantone® matches are formulated against a reference sample. Please contact us for the current Arcoflex MB shade card and product codes.

Standard pigments are not intended for prolonged exposure to direct sunlight. For outdoor or high-exposure applications, specify high-light-fastness pigments at the time of ordering.

Anilox and plates. The anilox cell volume is the primary control on ink film weight and colour strength — not impression pressure. Set a kiss impression, and open highlight dots with a plate-side bump curve rather than by increasing anilox volume. Confirm the anilox specification with our laboratory for each new job.

Viscosity and solvent. Stir thoroughly until homogeneous before reducing, and reduce in small steps, re-checking after each addition. Dedicate one clean viscosity cup to each printing unit and record viscosity at the start of the run and at intervals. Always select the fastest solvent blend consistent with clean printing and the drying capacity of the press — retained slow solvent is the most common cause of blocking, odour and poor bond development downstream.

Drying. The ink dries by solvent evaporation. Set dryer air temperature and volume to give a dry, non-tacky film at the rewind without distorting thin films, and check the printed reel for retained solvent before release for conversion.

Classified as a highly flammable liquid. Observe suitable precautions to avoid ignition sources; warehouses must be approved and equipped accordingly. Store in tightly sealed original containers between 5 °C and 35 °C away from direct sunlight and heat; for optimum stability, 10 – 25 °C is recommended.

Waste disposal. Handle inks, coatings and printing residues in accordance with normal standards of industrial hygiene and good manufacturing practice, and dispose of them observing all applicable regulations. Refer to the Safety Data Sheet for specific handling advice.

Formulated in accordance with the current CEPE / EuPIA guidelines and the EuPIA Exclusion Policy for printing inks and related products. The formulations exclude:

• substances classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic for reproduction (CMR categories 1A and 1B) or as acutely toxic under Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 (CLP);
• pigments based on compounds of antimony, arsenic, cadmium, chromium VI, lead, mercury and selenium;
• dyes, solvents, plasticisers and other materials listed in the Exclusion Policy. A copy of the supporting declaration is available on request.

All Arctic Materials products are designed with end-use safety built in and must not be mixed with products from other manufacturers.

Indirect food-contact applications. It is the responsibility of the food packer to ensure the packed food is safe, and of the converter and packer/filler to ensure that migration does not exceed applicable legal or industry limits. Under a mutual non-disclosure agreement, Arctic Materials will provide a Statement of Composition detailing any potentially migratable components in its products.

Technical Data Sheets, Safety Data Sheets, Statements of Composition and regulatory declarations for this range are issued by our technical department on request.

The Safety Data Sheet, Statement of Composition, EuPIA Exclusion Policy declaration and heavy-metal / regulatory declarations for this range are issued on request by our technical department, and the Statement of Composition is released under a mutual non-disclosure agreement.