Flexotec: High-Anchorage Water-Based Ink for Nonwoven Fabrics
Flexotec is a high-performance industrial water-based ink specifically engineered for flexographic printing on nonwoven fabrics. Its advanced formulation ensures optimal wetting on fibrous surfaces, delivering stable and uniform anchorage for demanding applications such as hygiene products, tablecloths, decoration, and technical packaging. Developed for high-speed production lines, this ink provides excellent practical resistance to mechanical manipulation, continuous rubbing, and subsequent conversion processes like heat-sealing or folding.
Machine Operational Advantages
- Excellent fiber wetting: Optimized formulation that prevents set-off and halo effects on highly porous substrates, ensuring flawless graphic uniformity.
- Robust and stable anchorage: High adhesion on nonwoven materials (verifiable via cross-hatch testing), performing consistently even on lightweight or mixed-composition substrates.
- Fast and efficient drying: Fully compatible with high-speed printing lines (air, heat, or IR drying systems), preventing cracking issues without requiring thermal overload.
- High practical resistance: Outstanding mechanical rub resistance, maintaining strict chromatic stability (ΔE*00) throughout the conversion stages and final product use.
- Sustainable profile: Water-based composition with very low Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) emissions, promoting cleaner, safer, and more environmentally friendly working conditions.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Base System | Water (Acrylic resins, wetting agents, leveling agents, and defoamers) |
| Pigmentation | BC PLUS Palette (PR2, PR57:1, PB15:3, PG7, PR122, PV27, White TiO₂, Carbon Black) |
| Recommended Substrates | Nonwoven fabrics (polypropylene, cellulosic fibers, and blends) |
| Viscosity (Zahn #3) | 25 – 40 s |
| pH | 8.0 – 9.0 |
| Surface Tension | ~34 – 38 mN/m (Adjusted for controlled fiber penetration) |
| Transfer Method | Flexography (requires anilox adapted to substrate porosity) |
Logistics & Handling
- Packaging formats: Supplied in standard industrial drums and IBC totes to accommodate high-volume printing operations.
- Storage conditions: Store in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area. Protect from direct sunlight and avoid freezing or extreme heat (optimal temperature range between 5°C and 30°C).
- Shelf life: 12 months from the date of manufacture, provided the original container remains tightly sealed and properly stored.
- Safety & Handling: Water-based, non-flammable product with low environmental impact. Standard Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as safety goggles and gloves is recommended. Always consult the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for detailed guidelines.