Arcova EX Extrusion Lamination Inks
Solvent-based polyurethane gravure inks for reverse printing on primed PET and treated BOPP, and for printing on paper, ahead of polyethylene extrusion lamination. The binder is selected for thermal stability at extrudate temperature and for anchorage to molten polyethylene.
Grade Arcova EX | Range Printing Inks for Flexible Packaging | Technology Solvent-based polyurethane ink; organic solvent carrier
Technical Data Sheet
Arcova EX
Issue 2026.09
1. Product description
Solvent-based polyurethane gravure inks for reverse printing on primed PET and treated BOPP, and for printing on paper, ahead of polyethylene extrusion lamination. The binder is selected for thermal stability at extrudate temperature and for anchorage to molten polyethylene.
2. Features
- Polyurethane binder selected for thermal stability at extrudate temperature
- Anchorage to molten polyethylene for consistent bond values
- No cure window: the laminate is ready for slitting without ageing
- Low odour retention in the finished laminate
- High colour strength at thin film weights
3. Recommended uses
Reverse-printed paper-poly and film-poly laminates finished by polyethylene extrusion lamination, for dry foods, detergent packs and industrial sachets; a primer layer is recommended for extrusion lamination on PET. Not for direct food contact, surface printing, or retort and pasteurisation processing.
4. Typical properties
| Property | Typical value | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | Solvent-based polyurethane ink; organic solvent carrier | Formulation |
| Appearance | Pigmented liquid ink in the shade ordered; the range comprises heavy-metal-free organic and inorganic colours, opaque whites and a reducing medium | Visual (appearance); heavy-metal-free pigment selection by formulation |
| Binder system | Polyurethane | Formulation |
| Carrier | Organic solvent blend; reducer specified by our laboratory for the range and the press | Formulation |
| Non-volatile content, as supplied | Colours typically 25 to 45 per cent by weight; opaque whites higher. Value for the shade on the Certificate of Analysis | ISO 3251 |
| Density at 20 °C | Colours typically 0.90 to 1.15 g/cm³; opaque whites higher | ISO 2811-1 |
| Printing viscosity, after reduction | Typically 15 to 19 s, Ford Cup B4 (4 mm) at 25 °C. Supplied above press viscosity for reduction on press | Flow cup, Ford Cup B4 (4 mm orifice), at 25 °C; customer or supplier protocol |
| Process | Polyethylene extrusion lamination; primer recommended on PET | Not applicable |
| Ageing before lamination | Not required | Not applicable |
| Extrusion lamination bond strength | Validated per structure. Confirm heat stability of BOPP at line temperature and anchorage on absorbent paper grades | ASTM F904 |
Typical values, not a specification. Values for each batch are given on its Certificate of Analysis.
5. Application
| Parameter | Guidance |
|---|---|
| Method | Rotogravure, reverse print on PET or BOPP film, or print on paper, followed by polyethylene extrusion lamination over the printed face |
| Surface preparation | PET printed on the primed side, with the primer type confirmed. BOPP corona treated to 40 to 42 dynes/cm at printing, measured to ISO 8296. Check hold-out on paper and board and validate anchorage on absorbent grades |
| Reduction | Stir until homogeneous, then reduce in small steps with the reducer specified for the range and press to 15 to 19 s, Ford Cup B4 (4 mm) at 25 °C, re-checking after each addition. Use the fastest solvent blend consistent with clean printing and the drying capacity of the press, and keep one clean viscosity cup per printing unit |
| Engraving and ink film weight | Confirm the engraving specification with our laboratory for each new job: a deeper cell raises density and opacity, fine process and vignette work needs a shallower, finer engraving. Dry ink film in solid areas typically 1.0 to 3.0 g/m² per colour, lower in tonal and vignette areas, with opaque whites towards the upper end. Set doctor blade angle and pressure to the lightest setting that wipes the land area cleanly |
| Drying | Solvent evaporation in the hot-air tunnel. Set 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 by static headspace gas chromatography (EN 13628-2 for routine release, EN 13628-1 as the reference method) before release for conversion; retained solvent in the reel leads to odour and delamination after extrusion |
| Next step | Extrusion lamination with no ageing interval. Validate bond strength on each structure before commercial production |
6. Storage and handling
Store in tightly closed original containers between 5 and 35 °C, preferably 10 to 25 °C, away from direct sunlight and heat. Shelf life is stated on the label and Certificate of Analysis, and handling information is given in the Safety Data Sheet, issued on request. 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.