VIC - Screen Printing Ink (2021 Edition)
1. Overview & Applications
The VIC Ink Series provides exceptional adhesion across a wide range of substrates, combined with excellent moisture and solvent resistance. It bonds exceptionally well to ABS, PC, PVC, pre-coated metals, treated hard nylon, and PET materials. The "High Weather Resistance" color line is formulated with premium pigments, ensuring outdoor durability with no significant fading for over 3 years.
VIC Ink exhibits excellent compatibility with various clear coats and varnishes, making it highly suitable for decals on motorcycles, automobiles, bicycles, and e-bikes. Formulated with reactive functional resins, its adhesion, solvent resistance, and chemical resistance can be further enhanced by adding specific hardeners.
Primary Applications: Body decals for vehicles; outdoor signage, billboards, and light boxes; pre-coated metal products; membrane switches (PC, PVC, treated PET); ABS plastic components; hard nylon products; eyeglass frames, and premium paper printing.
Process Compatibility: Suitable for both screen printing and pad printing.
2. Printing Properties
- Ink Type: 1-Component (can be converted into a high-performance 2-component reactive ink by adding hardener).
- Applicable Substrates: ABS, PC, PVC, Treated Hard Nylon, Pre-coated Metals, Treated PET, and Paper.
- Finish: Semi-gloss (varies slightly depending on the specific color).
- Recommended Mesh Count: 100 - 400 mesh/inch.
- Drying Method: Air dry at room temperature or bake to cure.
- Touch Dry: 30 minutes at room temperature (25°C); 5 minutes at 60°C.
- Full Cure (Hard Dry): 3-4 days at room temp; 60 minutes at 80°C; 20 minutes at 100°C.
3. Physical & Chemical Performance
| Gloss Finish | Smooth Semi-Gloss |
|---|---|
| Pencil Hardness | 1H (200g load / 45° angle) |
| Alcohol Resistance | Cotton swab with alcohol, 500g load: ≥300 wipes (No abnormalities) |
| Water Resistance | Soaked in tap water (room temp) for 10 days: No abnormalities |
| Humidity Resistance | 60°C at 90% RH for 200 hours: No abnormalities |
| Grease Resistance | Soaked in engine oil (room temp) for 8 hours: No abnormalities |
| Thermal Shock Resistance | 80°C to -20°C (2-hour intervals for 3 cycles), followed by Cross-Hatch test: No abnormalities |
| Weather Resistance (QUV) | Artificial weathering tester for 600 hours: Pass |
| Environmental Compliance | RoHS (10 items): Pass EU RoHS Halogen (Chlorine limits): Does not comply |
| Adhesion Tests (Cross-Hatch Tape Peel + Scratch) | |
| PVC, PC, Treated PET, ABS | 100% Retention (No peeling) |
| Pre-coated Metal & Urethane Coating | 100% Retention (No peeling) |
| Treated Hard Nylon | 100% Retention (No peeling) |
4. Color Series
(1) Standard High-Weather Resistance Series (Pigment rating 7-8): Recommended for strict outdoor use. Includes Extra White (120), Blue (440), Red (530), Clear/Varnish (800), Lemon Yellow (230), Black (710), CMYK Process Colors, etc.
(2) Non-High-Weather Resistance Series (Pigment rating 6-7): Not recommended for strict outdoor requirements. Includes Light Yellow (200), Orange (265), Ultra Blue (400), Fire Red (500), etc.
(3) Specialty Colors: Complete range of Metallic (Fine/Coarse Silver, Bright Silver), Pearl (Silver White, Chameleon Red/Blue/Purple/Gold, Bronze), and Transparent Colors.
* Pantone color matching data formulas are available upon request.
5. Mixing & Processing Instructions
- Thinner Selection: 817 (Fast-Dry), 818 (Medium-Dry), 783 (Slow-Dry). For Pad Printing, use KT-100. For screen washing, use 757.
- Defoaming: If bubbles occur during printing, add 2-4% E-304 Defoamer and stir thoroughly.
Mixing Ratios
| Standard Printing (1-Component) | 100 parts VIC Ink + 15-30 parts Thinner. Mix thoroughly. |
|---|---|
| Metals & High Resistance (2-Component) | 100 parts VIC Ink + 10-15 parts B-5 (or B-11) Hardener + 15-30 parts Thinner. Pot Life: 8-10 hours after mixing. |
| Abrasion Resistance Upgrade | Add 5-10% VIC Wear-Resistant Paste to the mix. |
Processing Precautions
- Hardener Sensitivity: Hardener B-5 and B-11 are extremely sensitive to moisture and will gel easily. Seal tightly immediately after use. B-11 is the reinforced version of B-5.
- Baking Temperature Limit: When baking over 150°C, strictly control the baking time to prevent white inks from yellowing. Generally, baking yields superior physical properties compared to natural air drying.
- Outdoor Protection: For extreme outdoor signage, it is recommended to apply a topcoat of SZ-80L Isolation Varnish (mixed with 10% B-5 hardener) over the printed ink, or use inner-surface printing techniques.
- Storage & Shelf Life: Store in a cool, dry place away from open flames. Shelf life is 2 years from the date of manufacture.
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