TC - Reflective Transparent Screen Printing Ink
1. Overview & Applications
The TC Series is a next-generation highly transparent screen printing ink specifically formulated for acrylic reflective films and PVC reflective lattices. It boasts exceptional optical clarity, rugged outdoor weather resistance, and an extremely high coefficient of retroreflection.
Primary Applications: Reflective signage, vehicle license plates, hazard and prohibition signs, and safety equipment utilizing acrylic or PVC reflective sheeting.
Environmental Compliance: Fully compliant with EU RoHS, EN-71, and Japan ST heavy metal standards.
2. General Printing Specifications
| Ink Appearance | Thick Paste (High Viscosity) |
|---|---|
| Gloss Finish | High Gloss |
| Coverage / Mileage | Approx. 30 square meters per kilogram (Tested with 250 mesh PET screen and 65° sharp squeegee). |
| Air Drying (25°C) | Touch Dry: 10-20 minutes. Hard Dry: 24-48 hours. |
| Forced Drying (Baking) | 70°C - 90°C for 30-60 minutes. |
3. Physical & Chemical Performance Tests
Testing Conditions: Printed on License Plate Grade Reflective Film using T-098 (License Plate Blue) through a 250-mesh screen. Cured at room temperature for 7 days.
| Adhesion (Cross-Hatch) | 3M Tape Peel Test (1mm spacing): 100% Retention |
|---|---|
| Pencil Hardness | 45° angle, 200g load: ≥ 1H |
| Alcohol Resistance | Cotton swab with alcohol, 500g load, 300 rubs: No abnormalities |
| Water Resistance | Submersed in tap water for 7 days (room temp): No abnormalities |
| Sandstorm Resistance | Wind-blown sand test at 15 m/s (Repeated 10 times): No abnormalities |
| Solvent Resistance | Soaked in SAE40 Motor Oil, -20 Diesel, and 70+ Gasoline for 30 mins each: No abnormalities |
| Flexibility (Mandrel Bend) | Bent 90° over a 20mm diameter cylinder: No cracking or abnormalities |
| Thermal Cycling | -40°C to +60°C (10 cycles): No abnormalities |
| Weatherability (QUV) | Accelerated UV weathering tester for 1,200 hours: No significant fading |
4. Color Series
The TC series features highly transparent colors designed to allow maximum retroreflection from the underlying substrate without diminishing the light return.
- Red Tints: T-10 Bright Red, T-11 Standard Red, T-12 Deep Red, T-13 Purple-Red.
- Yellow/Orange Tints: T-20 Light Yellow, T-21 Deep Yellow, T-22 Orange.
- Blue Tints: T-30 Blue (Red Shade), T-31 Blue (Green Shade), T-098 License Plate Blue (Industry Standard).
- Other Tints: T-40 Green, T-50 Purple, T-60 Black.
- Transparent Base/Varnish: TC-70 Clear Varnish (Used for extending or lightening standard tints).
5. Processing Guidelines & Precautions
- Thinner Selection: 515 (Fast-Dry), 616 (Standard), 717 (Slow-Dry). Add 10% - 20% by weight and mix thoroughly before printing.
- Screen Mesh: Use solvent-resistant screens with 200 - 300 mesh/inch.
- Substrate Cleaning: For PVC materials with high plasticizers or mold-release agents, wipe the surface with SS-958 Cleaning Solvent before printing. We recommend letting printed samples sit for over 10 days to ensure proper ink-substrate compatibility.
- Storage & Shelf Life: Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from open flames. Shelf life is 2 years.
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