Ultra Form UVFM.

All Ultra Form UVFM basic shades (including Opaque White 170) are glossy, the 4-colour process shades are transparent with satin gloss. The printed ink film is very elastic, flexible and can be formed very well. UVFM is also best suited for post-processing steps such as stamping, cutting, embossing, and grooving. The performance of UVFM will be limited if double or single-faced printed sheets with a high ink deposit are directly running into the stack. Preliminary tests are necessary in order to avoid blocking of the ink.

When printing behind acrylics followed by a thermoforming process, the item must not be completely over-varnished because the transparent varnish could stick to the mold due to the emerging temperatures (e.g. 170°C). If over-varnishing is necessary we recommend to use the solvent-based varnish Libra Speed LIS 910. Preliminary tests are necessary.

A UV curing unit with 2 medium-pressure mercury lamps (80 to 120 W/cm) is curing UVFM at a belt speed of 15-25 m/min.

The curing speed of the ink is generally dependant upon the kind of UV-curing unit (reflectors), number, age, and power of the UV-lamps, the printed ink film thickness, colour shade, substrate in use, as well as the printing speed.

Ultra Form UVFM is a post-curing UV ink which will achieve its final adhesion and resistances after 24 hours. The ink film should pass a cross hatch tape test after having cooled down to room temperature.

Selection of the fabric depends on the printing conditions, the required curing speed and yield as well as opacity. Generally, fabrics from 140-31  to 165-27 can be used. Essential for 4-colour process printing with UV curable inks are the control and reduction of the printed ink. We recommend a mesh count between 150-27 and 165-31 threads (1:1 plain weave). A uniform screen tension (>16 N) of all fabrics used is further important.
UVFM can be processed with all commercially available stencil techniques such as capillary films (15-20µ) or solvent-resisting photo emulsions.