Lustreflex

Lustreflex is a range of flexographic and gravure inks especially formulated for printing of vacuummetallised films. Lustreflex is an alcohol/ester-based system giving good clean print and frequently does away with the need for priming of the film surface.

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Properties

  • Heat resistance
  • Good flexibility
  • High gloss/transparency
  • Good grease/fat resistance
  • Low odour/solvent retention
  • Good adhesion to fresh metalised films

Substrates

The level of adhesion obtained is very dependent on the age of the film used. This is due to the strong tendency for the
surface of metallised films to oxidize. To obtain a good level of adhesion, it is necessary to use fresh, or at worst only partially oxidized film. Very old or exposed films may require priming. Due to the variable nature and surface of aluminium vacuum metallised materials, please conduct laboratory trials before commencement of a production run. Differences in aluminium
oxidation levels, age of the material and films can greatly influence the adhesion of metallising primers, printing inks and varnishes.

Substrates on which good adhesion is obtained are: Metallised PVC, Metallised Cellophane,Metallised Polyproplylene, Metallised Polyester, Metallised Paper, Metallised Polyethylene.

Reducer

Gravure

FAST:1:1 Meths:Ethyl Acetate
NORMAL:3:1 Meths: Ethyl Acetate
SLOW:Meths

Flexographic

FAST:4:1 Meths: Ethyl Acetate
NORMAL:Meths
SLOW4:1 Meths: Dowanol PM

Viscosity

Supply Viscosity

40-45Sec Zahn #2 @ 25ºC

Gravure

Print Viscosity
18-25 Sec Zahn #2 @ 25ºC

Flexo

Print Viscosity
25-35 Sec Zahn #2 @ 25ºC

Wash up

Meths: Ester Blends are usually sufficient

Colour Range

A full range of pigments are available in the Lustreflex Range, which may be limited by selection for specific applications. They are of reasonable light fastness but may not be suitable for extended exposure to direct sunlight. If requirements for more resistant pigments are required, these should be specified at the time of ordering.

BCF

These inks have been formulated in accordance with the recommendation of the British Coatings Federation.

Waste disposal

Care should be exercised in the disposal of printing ink waste. This should be carried out in accordance with good industrial practice observing all the appropriate regulations including the relevant guideline notes to the Environment Conservation Act and Regulations (73/1989).

Health and Safety

Full details appear on the Material Safety Data Sheets

Lustreflex – Datasheet

The information outlined here is given in good faith but does not constitute a guarantee. Since conditions of handling and application are beyond our control, the converter should assure himself of the suitability of the product for the particular end use. It is recommended that advice be taken from Hi-Tech Inks’ Technical Department for all new applications and it is preferable for trials to be carried out before full production runs are commenced.