Arcova PB Paper and Board Gravure Inks
Solvent-based nitrocellulose gravure inks for paper, board and paper-based laminates. Rheology and binder are balanced to hold pigment at the surface of absorbent stock, so target density is reached without flooding the sheet.
Grade Arcova PB | Range Printing Inks for Flexible Packaging | Technology Solvent-based nitrocellulose gravure ink
Technical Data Sheet
Arcova PB
Issue 2026.09
1. Product description
Solvent-based nitrocellulose gravure inks for paper, board and paper-based laminates. Rheology and binder are balanced to hold pigment at the surface of absorbent stock, so target density is reached without flooding the sheet.
2. Features
- Rheology tuned for hold-out on absorbent stock
- Good density on uncoated and recycled grades
- Rub resistance for wrappers handled in distribution
- Fast setting for high-speed sheeting and conversion
- Suitable for paper-poly laminate constructions
3. Recommended uses
Gravure printing of paper wrappers, sugar and spice sachets, glassine interleaves and paper-based structures that are later extrusion or adhesive laminated. Not for direct food contact, plastic film (use Arcova SP or Arcova LM) or wet and high-humidity end uses without a protective varnish.
4. Typical properties
| Property | Typical value | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | Solvent-based nitrocellulose gravure ink | Formulation |
| Appearance | Pigmented liquid ink; finished shades, concentrate bases, opaque whites and reducing medium | Visual |
| Binder system | Nitrocellulose based | Formulation |
| Carrier | Organic solvent blend; the ink dries by solvent evaporation | Formulation |
| Printing viscosity | 16 to 20 s, Ford cup B4 (4 mm) at 25 °C | Ford cup B4, 4 mm orifice, at 25 °C; customer or supplier protocol |
| Hold-out and print density | Formulated for absorbent stock; density target set for each paper grade | Reflection densitometry to ISO 5-3 and ISO 5-4 |
| Rub resistance | Suited to wrappers handled in distribution; pass level agreed per specification | ASTM D5264 |
| Water and humidity resistance | Limited; a protective varnish is needed for wet or high-humidity end uses | Customer or supplier protocol |
| Colour | Heavy-metal-free organic and inorganic pigments; special shades and brand colours matched to a reference sample | Spectrophotometric measurement to ISO 13655 against the agreed reference sample |
| 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 on paper, board and glassine |
| Substrate | Coated paper and board are the reference substrate for density and gloss. Uncoated and recycled paper have a higher ink demand, so validate the density target before the run. Glassine and greaseproof need an anchorage check, as low-porosity grades behave like film |
| Cylinder engraving | Cell depth and screen ruling set the transferred film weight and colour 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 16 to 20 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 |
| Drying | Solvent evaporation in a hot-air tunnel. Set air temperature and volume for a dry, non-tacky print at the rewind without over-drying the web, which removes moisture from the paper and causes curl and register drift, and check the printed reel for retained solvent before release for conversion |
| Next step | Sheeting, conversion, or extrusion or adhesive lamination for paper-poly structures; apply a protective varnish where the pack will meet water or high humidity |
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.