Printing Tips
Use 86-230t (34-90t/cm) mesh screens for best performance and opacity
For best results, use a print-flash-print technique to ensure sufficient ink deposit on dark fabrics.
For challenging polyester fabrics, use Union Ink™ UPLC1550 Low Cure Barrier Grey or UPLC8550 Barrier Black as a base layer to achieve maximum bleed resistance.
Adjust flash cure temperature and dwell time so ink is just dry to touch. Avoid excessive flash temperatures to protect fabric and migration of dyes. Depending on flash unit, a 3 - 5 second flash is adequate.
A behavior for high-opacity low cure inks is to "body-up" or gain viscosity when at rest. Be sure to "Pre-shear" or agitate this ink before use to achieve optimal flow before printing. Be careful to not use high-speed drills or similar equipment that will create friction-heat that can cause the ink to begin to cure. Store ink buckets up off of cold floors to reduce pre-shear time.
Adjust your print parameters to allow this ink to clear fully on the second stroke using medium to low pressure for best dye blocking and opacity. As this ink shears down, less pressure will be required. Adjust accordingly.
Curing is a time and temperature process. Using a lower temperature, at a lower belt speed will provide the best result without damaging the fabric.
Recommended Parameters
Fabric Types - Polyblends, 100% polyester
Flash Temperature - 150°F (66°C)
Cure Temperature - 270°-320°F (132&Deg;-160°C)
Squeegee Durometer - Medium: 60/90/60, or 60-70
Squeegee Profile - Sharp, Square
Squeegee Stroke - 2 stroke, medium speed
Squeegee Angle - 10°-20°
Mesh Count - 86-230 t/in (34-90 t/cm)
Mesh Tension - 18-35 n/cm2
Stencil - Standard Emulsion, off contact: 1/16" (2mm), Emulsion over mesh: 15-20%
Additives - K2912 VISCOSITY BUSTER LC, K2940 HUGGER CATALYST
Storage - 65°-90° (18°-32°) Avoid direct sunlight, Use within one year of receipt, keep container well sealed.
Cleanup - Non-phthalate press wash
ALWAYS TEST PRINT BEFORE PRODUCTION!
