Tampa^® Tex TPX.

The ink should be stirred homogeneously before printing and if necessary during production.
Tampa Tex TPX is a 2-component ink system. Prior to printing, it is essential to add hardener in the correct quantity and to stir homogeneously. When using hardener, the processing and curing temperature must not be lower than 15°C as irreversible damage can occur. Please also avoid high humidity for several hours after printing as the hardener is sensitive to humidity.

Pot life
The ink/hardener mixture is chemically reactive and must be processed within 8 h (referred to 20-25 °C and 45-60 % RH). Higher temperatures reduce the pot life. If the mentioned times are exceeded, the ink's adhesion and resistance may be reduced even if the ink still seems processable.

Parallel to physical drying (i. e. the evaporation of the solvents used), the actual hardening of the ink film is caused by the chemical cross-linking reaction between ink and hardener.

The following values concerning progressive cross-linking (hardening) of the ink film can be assumed:



Hardener HX:

stackable	20°C	20 sec
washable	20°C	2 days
final hardness	20°C	7 days

Hardener H 2:

rub-resistant	20°C	1 min
stackable	60°C	30 min
final hardness	20°C	4 - 6 days

Chemical cross-linking can be accelerated by higher temperatures, for example by using a continuous dryer.
The times mentioned vary according to substrate, depth of cliché, drying conditions, and the auxiliaries used. For quick printing sequences, we recommend forced air drying (max. 200°C for 2-3 sec) of the surface after each colour (depending on the substrate!).

For multiple colour printing we point out that the previously printed ink film should not be entirely cured before the consecutive ink film is printed on top of it.
If drying takes place at room temperature, the consecutive print should be carried out within 48 h (HX) / 12 h (H 2).

Clichés
All commercially available clichés made of photopolymer (35-55 µm), ceramic, thin steel, and hardened steel (thickness 10 mm) can be used. The recommended cliché depth for ceramic, thin steel, or hardened steel clichés is approx. 30 µm (full area), or 55 µm (half tone). Laser engraved clichés have particularly proved themselves because the cliché depth can be controlled precisely. Therefore, it is easy to produce several clichés with highest accuracy for exact reproductions.

Printing pads
As per our experience, all common printing pads consisting of materials cross-linked by condensation or addition can be used. Depending on the substrate, we recommend a hardness of 3 - 12 Shore. 

Printing machines
Tampa Tex TPX is suitable for closed ink cup systems, as well as for open ink wells. Depending on type and usage of the machine, it is to accordingly adjust type and amount of the thinner used.