PX2 POLYETHYLENE UV Screen Printing Ink
 

PX2 POLY-XTREME (Cat. #179)
TECHNICAL DATA SHEET

Fluted Polyethylene and Polyethylene Banner UV Ink

PRODUCT  DESCRIPTION
PX2-POLYXTREME Series is a UV curable ink system specially formulated for the Point of Purchase market requiring an extremely versatile ink for all substrates, at a low cost. This series has been formulated with a high performance resin system which provides unmatched adhesion properties while maintaining flexibility and hardness. With this versatility in properties, the PX2 will allow you to use one product in place of three thus reducing inventory and cost per gallon. PX2 is manufactured using high-grade pigments that produce excellent opacity and a light-fast ink film. The PX2 Series does not contain N—Vinyl—2—Pyrrolidone (NVP).

PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS
  • Excellent adhesion properties
  • Excellent opacity and high gloss film
  • Fast cure speed for in-line printing
  • Low cost
  • Block resistant ink film
APPLICATION INFORMATION
MESH
355 or higher mesh counts are recommended for opaque colors where a single (1) lamp system is used. 305 or higher mesh counts are recommended for opaque colors, where two (2) lamp systems are used.

Mesh counts should be selected based upon the end user’s ability to cure the ink deposit.

STENCIL
Direct or capillary emulsions that are UV compatible, with a dry micron thicknesses between 7-10µ is recommended. Thicker stencils can be used based upon the ability to cure the increased ink deposit.

SQUEEGEE
Sharp 70-90 durometer polyurethane blade or multi-durometer blades can be used. For optimal ink lay down, a sharp 80 durometer blade is recommended.

COVERAGE
2,400-3,000 square feet per gallon, based on a ink film deposit of .40 to .60 mil.

THINNER
The PX2 Series is supplied in a print ready condition for most applications. For reduction of ink viscosity, the use of the UVO Thinner is recommended up to 10%.

CLEAN UP
Use NSW-824 Screen Wash, or other UV compatible screen washes.
PACKAGING Available in one (1) gallon and five (5) gallon containers. Smaller or larger quantities are available upon request.

STORAGE/
SHELF LIFE
Store all inks in a black polyethylene, tightly closed container at temperatures between 50° - 77° F. Avoid direct sunlight and indirect white light. Excess ink from print runs should be stored in separate containers to avoid contamination. When stored under these conditions, the PX2 Series will have a shelf life of one (1) year from the date of manufacture. Contact Technical Service for information regarding the date of manufacture.

INK HANDLING
Gloves and / or barrier cream is recommended when handling UV inks. Safety glasses are suggested, particularly for areas where ink may be splashed. If skin contact occurs, wash affected area with soap and water (do not use solvent or thinners).

PROCESSING GUIDELINES
CURE & ADHESION PX2 series will cure with one 200 watt per inch lamp at belt speeds between 60 - 90 feet per minute using 355-380 monofilament polyester mesh. A minimum of 100 mj is required for complete cure. Adhesion should be a minimum of 95% from curing unit with final adhesion occurring within one hour of initial polymerization. Coarser fabrics can be utilized; however, cure parameters may need to be adjusted for the increased ink film. If a loss of adhesion due to insufficient cure is noticed, the use of 5-10% PX2 Series Mixing Clear will increase light penetration and improve cure.

OUTDOOR USE Extensive QUV accelerated weathering tests have been conducted on vinyl films printed with the PX2 Series. The PX2 Series withstood 1,000 hours of exposure in a QUV chamber, with 4 hour cycle times of UV light and condensation, with minimal color changes and no shrinkage. Accelerated machine weathering are reference standards and can not precisely reproduce actual outdoor performance.

RECOMMENDED
SUBSTRATES
Fluted polyethylene, HDPE flat sheet, some PSA vinyl stocks, both coated and uncoated card stocks and print treated polyester materials used in the decal market. The PX2 is not recommended for vinyl materials that contain a high degree of plasticizers. See the UVB Technical Data Sheet for more information regarding flexible vinyl materials). Full testing by the end user is recommended to determine suitability of product for a specific substrate and application.

METALLICS The PX2 011 Metallic Mixing Clear is supplied to use for mixing metallic powders and pastes, such as silver and gold. The increased viscosity of the Metallic Mixing Clear helps to ensure a good powder suspension. Recommended mixing ratios are: 8% by weight of Silver, 20% by weight of Gold.
   

COLOR AVAILABILITY PX2 series is available in fourteen standard opaque colors and nine Color Matching shades. Ink Source's Color Matching Guide reproduces over 1,000 colors utilizing these nine CMG shades (Color Matching Guide). Custom matches, fluorescent, metallic and transparent colors are available upon request.
 
STANDARD OPAQUE COLORS PX2 026 Barrier White
PX2 305 Jet Black
COLOR MATCHING GUIDE

PROCESS COLORS PX2 series four-color process colors exceed "SWOP" standards. Variation in densities may be achieved with the use of PX2 series Halftone Base. For best results, a plain weave mesh and smooth, thin stencil coating should be utilized with four-color process printing.
Products Density Products Density
PX2 410 HT Yellow 1.10 PX2 510 HD HT Yellow 1.20
PX2 420 HT Magenta 1.75 PX2 520 HD HT Magenta 2.20
PX2 430 HT Cyan 1.80 PX2 530 HD HT Cyan 2.10
PX2 440 HT Black 2.00 PX2 540 HD HT Black 2.10
PX2 450 HT Base N/A    


FLUORESCENT COLORS Fluorescent pigments are not lightfast, and are not recommended for use outdoors or in direct sunlight. Fluorescent colors are available upon request. Fluorescent pigments are not lightfast beyond 60-90 days even with the use of an overprint clear. For maximum brightness and color stability, 230-260 mesh count is recommended.
 

METALLICS Introducing metallic materials into an ink will reduce the shelf life of the ink. Actual shelf life is dependent upon individual users conditions. As a general rule, it is recommended that only enough metallic ink is mixed for one days use approximately 8 hours). Paste should be stored between 65º F-95º F to avoid solidification. If this occurs, reliquify the product by placing in an area with temperatures of 25º C-35º C.

  040 Gold Paste
042 Silver Paste
044 Red Gold Paste
046 Copper Paste
240 Rich Gold Ink
242 Silver Ink

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Lawson Screen & Digital Products, Inc.
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