Arcray PR 220 Four-Colour Process Set
Cyan, magenta, yellow and black UV flexo process colours on a common vehicle, so that each colour traps and overprints predictably onto the cured layer laid by the preceding station. Pigment selection and transparency are set for four-colour and expanded-gamut work on fine anilox, with transparency held at a usable density rather than maximum strength.
Grade Arcray PR 220 | Range Narrow-Web UV and LED-UV Flexo Inks | Technology Dual-cure UV and LED-UV reactive resin, monomer and photoinitiator system with dispersed process pigments; no solvent or water
Technical Data Sheet
Arcray PR 220
Issue 2026.09
1. Product description
Cyan, magenta, yellow and black on a common vehicle, so the four colours trap and overprint predictably onto the cured underlayer laid by the preceding station. Pigment selection and transparency are set for four-colour and expanded-gamut work on fine anilox, with colour measured to ISO 13655 and process control run against ISO 12647-6 aim data. Within the PR subfamily this is the pigmented set: its distinguishing property is transparency held at a usable density, rather than maximum strength.
2. Features
- Four process colours on one vehicle for predictable dry trapping onto a cured underlayer
- Transparency held at a usable density for four-colour and expanded-gamut work
- Set for fine anilox of 3.0 to 5.0 cm³/m²
- Colour measured to ISO 13655, with process control against ISO 12647-6 aim data
- Dual cure under mercury-arc or LED at 395 nm
3. Recommended uses
Four-colour and expanded-gamut process printing of self-adhesive labels on paper and board facestock, filmic PP, PE and PET, thermal top-coated paper and vinyl. Typical work is prime labels carrying images and vignettes reproduced in process.
Substrates. Self-adhesive paper and board facestock, corona-treated or top-coated PP, PE and PET, thermal top-coated paper, cast and calendered vinyl.
4. Typical properties
| Property | Typical value | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | Dual-cure UV and LED-UV reactive resin, monomer and photoinitiator system with dispersed process pigments; no solvent or water | Formulation |
| Colour | Process cyan, magenta and yellow set for transparency at a usable density, with process black | Spectrophotometric measurement to ISO 13655 |
| Carrier | None. A reactive system with no solvent or water, converted to film by photopolymerisation; nothing evaporates in print | Formulation |
| Viscosity at 25 °C, cone and plate | 0.6 to 1.8 Pa.s | ISO 2884-1 |
| Fineness of grind | 5 to 10 micrometres | ISO 1524 |
| Density at 20 °C | 1.02 to 1.20 g/cm³, colour dependent | ISO 2811-1 |
| Cure energy at the web, UV-A | 60 to 140 mJ/cm² under mercury-arc; 40 to 120 mJ/cm² under LED at 395 nm and 8 to 16 W/cm², rising with colour density | In-house, band-calibrated radiometer read at the web |
| Applied film weight, cured | 1.0 to 2.0 g/m² from 3.0 to 5.0 cm³/m² anilox | In-house, gravimetric |
| Rub resistance, cured film | 100 to 200 cycles at 1.8 kg without transfer, colour and film build dependent | ASTM D5264 |
| Light fastness, blue wool reference scale | Blue wool 4 to 7 depending on colour, with magenta normally the limiting colour | ISO 12040, filtered xenon arc against the blue wool reference scale |
Typical values, not a specification. Values for each batch are given on its Certificate of Analysis.
5. Application
| Parameter | Guidance |
|---|---|
| Application method | Narrow-web UV flexo, inline or central impression, with interstation cure after each colour station |
| Anilox | 3.0 to 5.0 cm³/m². Anilox volume and cure dose are set together, since more volume needs more energy to cure |
| Surface preparation | Filmic facestock at 38 mN/m or above at the point of printing, not at the point of manufacture (ISO 8296 on PE and PP; equivalent wetting tension test on PET and vinyl). In-line corona on PP and PE; PET normally top-coated or primed |
| Dilution | Supplied at press viscosity. No solvent or water. Any viscosity adjustment only with a reactive thinner approved by Arctic for the grade, within the limit on the confirmed Technical Data Sheet. Strength is reduced with Arcray PR 110 extender |
| Cure | Mercury-arc or LED at 395 nm at each station, dose measured with a radiometer at the web. On thermal top-coated paper LED is normally the safer specification, as arc infrared can darken the thermal coating |
| Colour control | Measure to ISO 13655 and control against ISO 12647-6 aim data |
| Next step | Overprint varnish, laminate, foil or die cutting after cure; check tape adhesion and rub resistance at 24 hours and confirm at a press trial on the production stock |
Process. Narrow-web UV flexo, inline stations with interstation cure, 3.0 to 5.0 cm3/m2 anilox, dual cure under mercury-arc or LED at 395 nm.
6. Storage and handling
Store in the closed, opaque original container in a cool, dry place away from daylight, UV sources and heat, and return press ink to a covered, light-proof container after the run. 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 grades in this range
Need a Safety Data Sheet, a regulatory declaration or a grade specified to your line? Contact our technical centre.