FLEXIGRIP SERIES D48
 

DESCRIPTION:  D48 Flexigrip is a flexible, NVP-free, single-package U.V. ink system formulated for printing corona-treated polyethylene banners and other plastic substrates. Colors are based on long-life, exterior-durable pigments and will withstand outdoor weathering for 1-2 years.

SUBSTRATES AND APPLICATIONS:  Polyethylene banner substrate, corona-treated to 45 dyne/cm. or greater; pressure-sensitive and most rigid vinyls; styrene; ABS; most coated paper and board substrates; most print-treated polyester; most self-cling vinyl. Can also be printed onto pre-treated, fluted polypropylene, such as CoroplastÔ , after the addition of Adhesion Promoter (see Modification section below.)

Occasionally, the application of ink to some rigid plastic substrates may produce an ink/substrate laminate which will not meet brittleness or flexibility requirements, resulting in cracking of the ink/substrate during subsequent print handling. This effect can be avoided by using a less susceptible, higher gauge, more flexible substrate and minimizing overall ink deposit.

NOTE: Pretest all substrates prior to use in production.

MODIFICATION:  D48 Flexigrip is normally a single-package ink which does not require any addition of catalyst or initiator. However, for adhesion to pre-treated, fluted polypropylene sheet, such as CoroplastÔ , the addition of 3% by weight of ST-373 Adhesion Promoter is required. The effectiveness of ST-373 Adhesion Promoter diminishes after 16 hours. To maintain adhesion, a further addition of 3% ST-373 may be made.

If viscosity reduction is required, ST-319 Viscosity Modifier may be added to a recommended maximum of 10% by weight.

COLOR MATCHING:  The D48 series includes the C-MIX 2000 monopigmented Blending Colors which, with mixing black, white and clear, can be blended together to match almost any color.

Blend formulas are available to allow simulation of 1000 PantoneÒ* colors and are supported by a formula prediction database on Datacolor International computer systems, together with a fax "Hotline" for same day predictions.

*Pantone, Inc.'s check-standard trademark for color.

PROCESS COLORS:  All process colors match the SWOP standards. Color density may be adjusted by adding D48-TPS Transparent Base.

COVERAGE:  When printed through 390/in. (150/cm.) mesh, one gallon of D48 Flexigrip will cover approximately 2,600-3,200 square feet, depending on printing variables.

SCREEN MESH:  355-420/in.(140-165/cm.) monofilament polyester mesh

SQUEEGEE:  Sharp urethane squeegee of approximately 75-85 durometer.

CURING:  Generally, a typical 10-12m deposit of D48 Flexigrip obtained with 390/in. mesh will require a U.V. exposure of approximately 250-350 MJoules, as measured by an IL390 International Light Radiometer.

Actual cure speeds will vary depending on color and opacity of the ink, screen mesh, and other printing parameters that affect ink deposit, as well as the U.V. curing unit used. Belt speeds as high as 140 fpm, with two medium-pressure mercury vapor lamps at 200 watts/in. (80 watts/cm.), can be achieved, dependent on these variables.

WASH-UP:  Screens may be cleaned with ET-5 Retarder, VL Wash, or many commercial screen washes.

STORAGE:  All U.V. inks should be stored in closed, black polyethylene containers at temperatures below 90° F (32° C).

HEALTH AND SAFETY:  D48 Flexigrip is formulated to be NVP-free. As with all inks, gloves and safety goggles should be used when handling this product. For more complete information, refer to the relevant Material Safety Data Sheet before use.
 

C-MIX 2000 Blending Colors:

D48-Y30 Primrose

D48-Y50 Golden Yellow

D48-O50 Orange

D48-R20 Scarlet

D48-R50 Red

D48-M50 Magenta

D48-V50 Violet

D48-B50 Blue

D48-G50 Green

D48-N50 Mixing Black

D48-W50 Mixing White

D48-E50 Mixing Clear
 

Process Colors:

See prior section on Process Colors.

D48-S131 SWOP Process Yellow

D48-S135 SWOP Process Cyan

D48-S140 SWOP Process Magenta

D48-S171 SWOP Process Black

D48-TPS Short-flow Transparent Base
 

Modifiers:

ST-319 Viscosity Modifier

ST-373 Adhesion Promoter
 

HEALTH AND SAFETY:  D48 Flexigrip is formulated to be NVP-free. As with all inks, gloves and safety goggles should be used when handling this product. For more complete information, refer to the relevant Material Safety Data Sheet before use.

In accordance with information received from suppliers, the full D48 Flexigrip series is formulated without heavy metals and complies with 16 CFR, Part 1303, ANSI Z66.1-1964, ASTM F 963 and CONEG packaging regulations.