Flint Group is launching EkoCure XS – a UV LED ink series with good adhesion and post shrink performance on shrink substrates. It is dual-cure, and provides consistent cure at the highest printing speeds. The series is specifically designed for the demands of shrink sleeve applications.
“We knew from interviews with clients specializing in the short run shrink sleeve market that they want a UV dual-curable ink with better adhesion and increased curing speed to boost productivity and reduce yield losses” says Kelly Kolliopoulos, global marketing director for Flint Group Narrow Web. “Our experience in LED and conventional mercury curable ink system technology, combined with our understanding of the shrink market, enabled our R&D team to develop this best-in-class system. EkoCure XS combines the latest ink chemistry, including novel binders that provide perfect cure and sufficient flexibility of the cured ink allowing the adhesion to remain fool-proof – especially after post shrink processing is completed. The full range of pantone shades and opaque white are available.”
Adds Dr. Paulo Vieira, director of R&D, Flint Group Narrow Web NA: “EkoCure XS is the first shrink sleeve system that is dual-cure. Our scientists have developed a unique combination of photo-initiators and binders allowing the ink to cross link from top to bottom and therefore cure fully when exposed to the UV wavelengths from either Mercury or LED lamps. In-depth tests comparing EkoCure XS with existing UV curable inks on the market show that (it) exhibits the best adhesion performance at the highest printing speeds when run using standard 355 W/inch mercury lamps. This is in addition to having the best performance when compared to other LED curable products”
EkoCure XS inks enable converter productivity, yield and finished product quality. It is designed to be easy for any converter to adopt for the full range of shrink sleeve applications.
Flint Group
