A close view of Markem Inks

This is a UV cure ink for application of the series 4465 by Markem530 & 534 printers. This can also be used for similar pad printing systems and mainly used for printing on materials or surfaces such as used in the manufacture of electronic components which includes conventional as well as low stress molding compounds. The materials or chemicals used in this product include. UV care which imparts curing property to the product, thinner used is ZO cleaner 320 and remover 500. The thinner used is mainly to maintain a proper viscosity range for printing of the ink. This is due to the fact that printing of this ink requires proper solvents, plate etches depth, machine speed, temperature, plate etches line width, substrate, and humidity and last but not the last, the transfer pad. The cleaners are mainly used for cleaning the inks from the printing equipments.Working procedure:Drying/Curing-This is a process of drying the ink and this is done by exposing the ink to a radiating lamp of minimum 1200 watts for 3 seconds. This is a very essential step as without curing ink will remain “wet” until and unless it is cured by exposing the ink to a high intensity UV light. The thickness of the ink film is carefully regulated and controlled to be sure of the UV radiation penetrating the entire film and in the process curing the film fully. It should also be kept in mind that the prints should travel parallel to the UV lamp so that it is at the lamp’s focal point.Technicality:-For Markem inks, it should be kept in mind that the printing surface should be absolutely free of dusts before the marking procedure takes place. Another thing that is very much recommended while using this inks are that it should be application specific which must include Ultra 1 and quick-glass gravure plates, 20-60 cycles/min, 50 durometer pads. It is also suggested that flame treatment should be done for low stress parts before marking for optimum adhesion.It is good to be mentioned here that the shelf life for these inks are 6 months from the date of shipment or 12 months from the manufacturing date, whichever is lesser. The shelf life can be maximized if stored at an optimum storage condition of 5-10 degree centigrade in the unopened container. From this we may consider the feasibility of the product according to the customer’s requirement. It is also true that the precautions are necessary to get the full out of this product series.