Flint Group has launched EkoCure XS, a UV LED dual cure ink series specifically designed for the demands of shrink sleeve applications.
Kelly Kolliopoulos, global marketing director for Flint Group Narrow Web, says, “We knew from interviews with clients specialising 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.”
“Our experience in LED and conventional mercury curable ink system technology, combined with our understanding of the shrink market, enabled our research and development 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.”
Flint Group says converters can adopt EkoCure XS easy for the full range of shrink sleeve applications. Paulo Vieira, director of Research and Development at Narrow Web NA, says, “EkoCure XS is the first Shrink Sleeve System that is dual-cure. Our scientists have developed a 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 EkoCure XS 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.”
Canadian company Groupe Lelys, an early adopter of the EkoCure XS ink series, provides high quality shrink sleeves and labels. Aureo Azevedo, Groupe Lelys procurement leader, says, “We needed a shrink sleeve ink series that would improve our production rates and meet our high quality standards. Overall adhesion and capacity release have been our biggest concerns. EkoCure XS by Flint Group Narrow Web eliminated our adhesion issues, and significantly increased the satisfaction of our customers.
“Additionally, we are able to run at 15-20 per cent faster press speeds now that we print with EkoCure XS. Our colours are brighter and our products are more appealing. We anticipate the expansion of our business via the high quality shrink sleeves our customers expect from Groupe Lelys.”
