TM - Transparent Screen Printing Ink
1. Overview & Applications
The TM Series is an advanced transparent screen printing ink formulated with cutting-edge German resin technology. It is highly valued for its exceptional optical clarity, robust outdoor weatherability, and superior color migration resistance.
Applicable Substrates: Reflective films, reflective leather, PC, PVC, Acrylic, PET films, and Gold/Silver cardboard.
Primary Applications: Traffic reflective signs, hazard warning signs, transparent windows on nameplates, and premium packaging (e.g., high-end tobacco and liquor boxes).
2. General Printing Specifications
| Gloss Finish | High Gloss |
|---|---|
| Ink Appearance | Thick Paste (High Viscosity) |
| Coverage / Mileage | Approx. 60 square meters per kilogram (Tested with 350 mesh PET screen and 65° sharp squeegee). |
| Air Drying (25°C) | Touch Dry: 10-20 minutes. Hard Dry: 24-48 hours. |
| Forced Drying (Baking) | 90°C for 1 hour. |
| Environmental Compliance | Fully complies with EU RoHS, EN-71, and Japan ST heavy metal standards. |
3. Physical & Chemical Performance Tests
Testing Conditions: Printed on License Plate Grade Reflective Film using a 250-mesh screen and 65° squeegee. 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 |
| Acid & Alkali Resistance | Soaked in 3% H₂SO₄ and 3% NaOH respectively (room temp) for 8 hours: No abnormalities |
| Water & Washing Resistance | Soaked in tap water (7 days) and 3% neutral detergent (8 hours): No abnormalities |
| Grease & Gasoline Resistance | Soaked in salad oil (8 hrs); 90# Gasoline swab (500g load, 100 rubs): No abnormalities |
| Boiling Water Resistance | Submersed in boiling water for 1 hour: No abnormalities |
| Anti-Blocking Resistance | Printed face-to-face at 70°C under 500g/cm² for 24 hours: No abnormalities |
| Thermal Cycling | -30°C to +50°C for 30 cycles: No abnormalities |
| Weatherability (QUV) | Accelerated UV weathering tester for 1,000 hours: No obvious fading |
4. Color Series
The TM series features highly transparent tints designed to allow maximum light transmission and retroreflection.
- Red/Purple Tints: T-011 Bright Red, T-012 Standard Red, T-019 Purple-Red, T-016 Purple.
- Yellow/Orange Tints: T-013 Light Yellow, T-014 Deep Yellow, T-020 Orange.
- Blue Tints: T-015 Blue (Red Shade), T-010 Blue (Green Shade).
- Other Tints: T-017 Green, T-018 Black.
5. Processing Guidelines & Precautions
- Thinner Selection: TM-68 (Standard), TM-98 (Slow-Dry). Add 15% - 25% by weight and mix thoroughly.
- Screen Mesh: Use solvent-resistant screens with 250 - 350 mesh/inch.
- Substrate Cleaning: For substrates with high levels of 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 verify long-term ink compatibility.
- Storage & Shelf Life: Store in a cool, dry place away from open flames. Shelf life is 2 years.
Performance Enhancements
| Chemical & Abrasion Upgrade | To further improve chemical resistance, adhesion, and abrasion resistance, add 5% - 10% B-5 Hardener. Maximum performance is reached after 7-10 days at 25°C. *Pot life after adding hardener is 10 hours. |
|---|---|
| Untreated PET Adhesion | When printing on untreated PET materials, add 0.5% - 1% P-5 Adhesion Promoter to the ink. Print, then bake at 90°C - 130°C for 2 to 10 minutes. |
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