Basic Ink Preparation

Play Video How to mix ink using a scale and correct proportions for adding hardener and thinner.

 

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About Our Inks

Our special inks are designed for challenging substrates to print, intended to dry quickly. Among their many applications are medical sensors, transistors, antennas and electrodes. The durability of our ink products is well known: they're weatherproof, waterproof, dishwasher proof, so your message will never fade. Class VI medical inks are available per request. Our textile inks certified for 50 washes, and feature color matching and adhesion testing.

 

Material Safety Data Sheets

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Inks > PLT4

PLT4 Epoxy-based two-component Ink

 

Characteristics

PLT4 ink is a two-component series ink that is dust dry in about 20 seconds. This ink has a high gloss with very good opacity, it is trouble free and easy to work with. The ink has excellent mechanical and chemical resistance. PLT4 inks contain certain aggressive solvents and care should be taken during preparation. PLT4 inks are not suitable for constant outdoor applications. 
Applications Particularly suited for printing on cellulose acetate and thermosetting materials. Especially glass reinforced polyesters, epoxide-reinforced parts, pheno- and amoniplasts, polycarbonates, acetic resins (post-treated) and polypropylene and polyethylene (pre-treated). Good results on glass, metal and painted surfaces (both epoxy and powder coated).
Resistance PLT4 has an excellent resistance to many organic solvents, chemical products and diluted acids.
Flash Point Above 48° C.
Preparation As a two-component ink series, PLT4 should be mixed with PLH hardener and PLTA thinner before use. Mix in a ratio of 4 parts ink to 1 part hardener. It is recommended that the mixed ink be allowed to rest for 10 minutes before printing. Thin to appropriate viscosity after adding hardener. In warm climates and in the presence of fine details or screened images the use of PLTD Retarder in a small percentage is recommended.

Pot Life

 

The life of the mixed ink is 8-10 hours after which the mechanical-chemical resistance and adhesion decrease. This is also dependent on room temperature and ratio of solvent.

An excessive dilution causes a loss of coverage, smudges and incomplete ink transfer from the pad.

Drying and Hardening  

Generally the following drying times are applicable:
Air drying at 68° F: Approx. 20 minutes
Heat drying at 175° F: Approx. 2 -4 minutes
Full curing at 175° F: 24 hours

Items can be packed right after drying, however, curing may take up to 12 hours at room temperature. Chemical resistance tests should not be made for at least 72 hours. At that point PLT4 inks are alkai-proof and solvent-resistant. The final hardening of the ink is obtained after 5-6 days.
Range of Colors PLT4 is available in 22 standard colors as well as 7 fluorescent & metallic shades. Mixing colors are available. PLT4 has a high light fastness equivalent to 7- 8 rating on the DIN 16525. PLT4 TP matte paste can be added to adjust standard colors to semi-gloss shades.
Process Color Printing

PLT4 inks are available in process colors PLT4 #180 Yellow, PLT4 #181 Magenta, and #182 Cyan.
Clean-up      PLTEBD Cleaner is recommended. 
Storage     

PLT4 has a shelf life of about 2 years. Storage containers should be sealed and placed in a cool and dry place. PLH Hardener should not be stored for long periods. The cans should be closed immediately after use, otherwise the hardener will take on moisture and become thick and ineffective.
Additives                   

PLH Hardener
PLTA Thinner
PLTD Retarder 
Notes

Polyethylene and polypropylene needs to be pre-treated either by flaming or corona treating.