‘EPFLX- ‘ LETTERFLEX/FLEXO INK (GARMENT LABEL INK)

 

Description:

Non Hazardous solvent based Thermoset ink paste.

Highly wash resistant ink for Printed Fabric Labels (PFL)

Single pack Ink (2-pack Upgrade available)

Conforms to garment manufacturer requirements

Suitable Substrates:

Polyester Satin Coated Nylon Polyurethane	Polyester Taffeta Taffeta (PU & Acrylic) Organza	Polyester Taffeta 100% Cotton Tyvek	Acetate Satin Polycotton
Substrates to be printed must be tested for suitability with the EPIC FLEXO (EPFLX-) ink prior to production.

Suitable Machinery:

Letterflex machinery also known as Flexo, Rotary Flexo. We will ask for brand name and model to ensure suitability prior to sampling or supplying EPFLX-Inks.

Benefits

EPFLX- inks have been formulated to produce durable and wash resistant Printed Fabric Labels (PFL)

SGS Wash Resistance up to 90°C (colour dependant)	AATCC 8 Wet / Dry Rub properties
Dry Cleanable (colour dependant)	V.O.C. Free
OEKOTEX 100 Class 1 certified (printed onto Polyester Satin)	ENZYME washable as single pack ink
Excellent Cut & Fold properties	C15 (M&S) standard wash (two pack)
Will meet AATCC61 wash standards	Conforms to most Restricted Substance Lists
Supported documents, reports and certificates can be provided for above on request.

Usage Single Pack Ink

• EPFLX- ink is supplied single-pack and ready to use, but should be thoroughly mixed prior to use
  
• Place the ink into the ink duct on the machine, adjust machine settings and commence printing.
• If ink is too thick add up-to 20% EPFLX-REDUCER
• If ink is drying too quickly add up-to 5% EPFLX-RETARDER
• If ink is drying too slowly add up-to 5% EPFLX-ACCELERATOR
• Heat cure printed fabric/substrate roll for 125 Celsius for 3-4 hours. Taffeta’s can be heat cured at 90 Celsius for 3-4 hours due to fabric stability. Heat cure in a thermostatically controlled oven with adequate ventilation & extraction.

 

Usage Two Pack Ink (Increased resistances)

• Add 10% EPFLX-HARDENER to desired ink to be used for production and mix well
  
• Place the ink into the ink duct on the machine, adjust machine settings and commence printing.
• If ink is too thick add up-to 20% EPFLX-REDUCER
• If ink is drying too quickly add up-to 5% EPFLX-RETARDER
• If ink is drying too slowly add up-to 5% EPFLX-ACCELERATOR
• Heat cure printed fabric/substrate roll for 125 Celsius for 3-4 Hours. Taffeta’s can be heat cured at 90 Celsius for 3-4 hours due to fabric stability. Heat cure in a thermostatically controlled oven with adequate ventilation & extraction.
• Where no heat curing is possibly/available, Printed Fabric Label can be stored at room temperature for 14 days to achieve 75% resistance of the ‘cured’ Printed Fabric Labels.
• The pot-life of the ink will be 2 - 6 hours dependant on temperature and humidity levels. It is of upmost importance that the machine parts e.g. Anilox Roller, Polymer plates etc as thoroughly cleaned after use with EPFLX-CLEANER as the two-pack ink will irreversibly harden.

General Advice

Anilox Roller Guidance:
Fine text and process work	180 -200 lines per inch (72 - 80 lines per cm)
Large text, metallics and optimum opacity	100 -165 lines per inch (40 - 66 lines per cm)
Metallic Silver:.
To obtain optimum durability, the Metallic Silver (EPFLX-SILVER-877C) must be used as a two pack ink system e.g. EPFLX-SILVER-877C + 10% EPFLX-HARDENER
Shelf Life:
Minimum of 24 months when product is stored between 5 – 25 Celsius and out of direct sunlight. In reality the only issue after or prior to 24 months will be solvent loss so EPFLX-REDUCER can be added at your desired amount. EPFLX-HARDENER has a 12 month shelf life, this product is reactive to moisture, we recommend sealing the bottle/container immediately after use to prevent excessive airborne moisture from contacting the product.