XL 6000 Pressure Sensitive UV Vinyl Banner Screen Printing Ink
 
 
XL6000 SERIES
TECHNICAL DATA SHEET

UV Curable Pressure Sensitive Decal Ink
(speciality order, on request)

PRODUCT  DESCRIPTION
The XL6 Series is a UV curable ink system specifically formulated for pressure sensitive decal applications requiring exterior exposure up to five years. XL6 Series inks have been formulated with a high performance acrylated urethane which provides excellent flexibility and will not edge curl due to ink film shrinkage. This system also has been formulated with excellent adhesion properties for superior performance on pressure sensitive vinyl's and print- treated polyesters. The XL6 Series has been formulated with the use of automotive grade pigments producing excellent opacity and a light fast ink film. (This product contains no NVP).

PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS
  • Recommended for 3-5 years exterior exposure
  • Excellent opacity and high gloss
  • Low shrinkage properties
  • Excellent solvent and abrasion resistance
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
3,200-3,600 square feet per gallon based on film deposit of .40-to .60-mil.

THINNER
The XL6 Series is supplied in a print ready condition. For reduction of ink viscosity, the use of the UVO Universal Thinner , up to 10%, is recommended. 

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 XL6 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 XL6 Series will cure with one 200 watt per inch lamp at belt speeds between 40-50 feet per minute using 355-420 monofilament polyester mesh. A minimum of 125 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 gloss or adhesion due to insufficient cure is noticed, the use of 5-10% of XL6 Series Mixing Clear will increase light penetration and improve cure.

OUTDOOR USE Extensive accelerated weathering tests have been completed on decals printed with the XL6 Series. XL6 Series withstood 2500 hours of exposure with 4 hour cycle times of UV light and condensation at elevated temperatures with minimal color change and no shrinkage. Accelerated machine weathering are reference standards and can't precisely reproduce actual outdoor performance. Based on prior correlations of accelerated testing versus real time Florida exposure, 500 hours is equal to approximately one year, 45 degrees south Florida. The use of premium grade, long-term vinyl films is recommended for all applications intended to weather more
than two years. Refer to Product Warranty Guide for complete warranty specifications.

RECOMMENDED
SUBSTRATES
Pressure sensitive vinyl and print treated polyester materials used in the decal market. Five year durability is contingent on substrate with compatible exposure duration. To determine suitability of the product for the intended use, a pretest prior to production is advised.

PRE MASKING The XL6 Series is suitable for pre-masking. The use of a medium to high tack adhesive is recommended for good adhesion to the ink film.

METALLICS The XL6 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. For optimum coverage and opacity, 260-305 meshes are recommended. Use XL6 Series Overprint Clear for extended weatherability and non-tarnishing properties.

COLOR AVAILABILITY 6000 SERIES is available in fourteen standard opaque colors and nine Color Matching shades.  Ink Source's Color Formulating 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. 

XL6000 Glitter PS Decal
 
STANDARD COLORS XL6 026 Barrier White
XL6305 Jet Black



COLOR MATCHING GUIDE

PROCESS
COLORS
XL6 four color process colors exceed “SWOP” standards. Variation densities may be achieved with the use of the XL6 Series 450 Halftone Base. For best results, a plain weave mesh and smooth, thin stencil coating is recommended
for four color process printing.

Products Density Products Density
XL6 410 HT Yellow 1.10 XL6 510 HD HT Yellow 1.20
XL6 420 HT Magenta 1.75 XL6 520 HD HT Magenta 2.20
XL6 430 HT Cyan 1.80 XL6 530 HD HT Cyan 2.10
XL6 440 HT Black 2.00 XL6 540 HD HT Black 2.10
XL6 450 HT Base N/A    

FLUORESCENT COLORS Eight shades of fluorescent colors are available upon request. Fluorescent pigments are not light fast beyond 60-90 days even with the use of an overprint clear. For maximum brightness and color stability, 260-305 mesh count is recommended. Fluorescent colors are not recommended for outdoor use or in direct sunlight.
 

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


XL6 GLITTER INKS
XL6 Glitter Series is a UV curable ink system specially formulated for pressure sensitive decal applications requiring exterior exposure up to five years. XL6 Glitters have been formulated with a high performance acrylated urethane that provides excellent flexibility and will not edge curl due to ink film shrinkage. This system also has been formulated with excellent adhesion properties for superior performance on pressure sensitive vinyl’s, print-treated polyesters as well as excellent intercoat adhesion characteristics. The XL6 Glitter Series has been formulated with the use
of automotive grade pigments, producing excellent opacity and a light fast ink film.

PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS
  • High gloss film
  • Excellent brilliance
  • Superior cure speed
  • NVP free
  • Excellent solvent and abrasion resistance

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 60-90 durometer polyurethane blade are recommended.

COVERAGE
500-700 square feet per gallon based on film deposit of 1.20-to 1.50 mil. thickness.

THINNER
Mix well prior to use. The XL6 Series is supplied in a print ready condition. For reduction of ink viscosity, the use of the XL Series Thinner , up to 10%, is recommended.

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 XL 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).

CURE & ADHESION A minimum of 125 mJ/cm² and .300 watts per inch is required for complete cure. Adhesion should be at a minimum of 95% from curing unit, with full adhesion within four (4) hours of initial cure. When using coarser screen meshes, cure conditions may need to be adjusted for the increased ink deposit. If a loss of adhesion due to insufficient cure is noticed, the use of 5-10% UV9 Series Mixing Clear will increase light penetration and improve cure.

OUTDOOR USE Extensive accelerated weathering tests have been completed on decals printed with XL6 GLITTER Series. XL6 GLITTER series withstood 1000 hours (2 years out doors) of exposure with 4-hour cycle times of UV light and condensation at elevated temperatures with minimal color change and no shrinkage.

Accelerated machine weathering are reference standards and can not precisely reproduce actual outdoor performance.

RECOMMENDED
SUBSTRATES
XL6 GLITTER Series adheres well to pressure sensitive vinyl’s, static cling, Card Stocks and print treated polyester films. 1 - 2 year durability is contingent on matching substrate with comparable exposure duration. To determine suitability of the product for the intended use, a pretest prior to production is advised.
PRE MASKING The XL6 GLITTER Series product line is suitable for pre-masking. The use of a medium to high tack adhesive is recommended for good adhesion.


STANDARD COLORS Colors are available in .008 x .004 micron particle sizes. Additional colors available upon request.
  C682 Blue
C685 Orange
C688 Yellow
C691 Cerise
C683 Purple
C687 Red
C689 Green
C725 Silver
Copyrights 1995-2007 All Rights Reserved
Lawson Screen & Digital Products, Inc.
CALL TODAY: 1-800-325-8317
Price and Design Subject to Change Without Notice