TW 5520 Flat Ultra Blue Water-Based Poster Ink

The 5500 Ink Series is a flexible, one component, flat, water-based ink system which adheres to a wide variety of substrates. The 5500 Ink Series can be used to print fine art serigraphs, polystyrene, Tyvek®, Tedlar®, polycarbonate, treated polyesters, pressure sensitive vinyl, and aircraft interiors.

Screen Mesh- 200 to 380 (80 to 150 cm) monofilament polyester is recommended.

Stencils- Solvent and water-proof emulsion only. Dual cure emulsions are recommended for added durability. Emulsion stencil must be thoroughly dried before image exposure. Use a water-proof block-out or emulsion for small touch-up areas.

Squeegee Type- A sharp 70 to 85 single or multi-durometer polyurethane blade.

Ink Additives and Thinning- Stir the ink well before every use. The 5500 Ink Series is supplied in a press ready condition for most applications and printing equipment. Use water for normal viscosity adjustments by no more than 5 to 10% by weight. Two thinners are available to reduce the inks viscosity; TW-1820 can be used for normal press viscosity reduction. TW-1821 is a slower evaporating thinner which can be used for slower print cycles. In addition, two retarders are available for use with the 5500 Series. Retarders should be used sparingly to reduce the inks drying time within the screen.  TW 1822 for normal reduction in the inks drying speed, retard with TW-1823 slow retarder for fine detail printing, slow print cycles or high temperature conditions.  Use no more than 5 to 10% of thinner or retarder by weight. 5100 Defoamer can be used by 1 to 2% by weight to eliminate the “bubbling” or foaming effect of the ink when printing at high press speeds. An over reduction with retarders, and thinners can result in blocking and a significant reduction in drying speed.  Never exceed recommended levels of reduction. Use 5 to 10% of WB-1824 Activator by weight to improve chemical resistance. Please note however, that the WB-1824 Activator will only stay active within the ink for only a 24 hour period under most conditions.  The ink can be reactivated only one additional time after the first 24 hour is complete by re-adding the Activator. We strongly recommend mixing only enough ink with the WB-1824 Activator estimated for a 24 hour period.  TW 4108 Flattening Powder can be used to change the gloss level of the ink to a satin or flat finish. Only 1 to 8% of Flattening Powder needs to be added by weight to change the ink’s gloss level. Please be aware that the addition of the 4105 Flattening Powder increases the viscosity of the ink. Reduce with the appropriate amount of water or thinner as necessary. TW 5008 Liquid Thickener can be used to increase the inks viscosity. This is normally added when printing fine detail or halftone areas. Only 1/2 to 1% of Thickener needs to be added by weight to increase the inks viscosity. After adding the Thickener to the ink, mix very well and allow the viscosity to fully develop for 10 minutes before use within production. The end-user must always determine the suitability of this product for the intended use prior to production. Please allow at least 24 hours after printing to evaluate the suitability of the ink and its adhesion to the surface.  Ink Yield and Coverage Colors should achieve a yield of 1,400 to 2,000 square feet per gallon (33 to 47 square meters per liter) depending upon on fabric selection, squeegee hardness, substrate absorption and press mechanics.

Drying Parameters- The 5500 Series will air dry in 20 to 30 minutes at normal room temperature. Force drying in seconds at 90° to 150° F (32° to 66° C). To prevent the blocking of material after printing, it is paramount to ensure that the temperature of the drying is not excessive and the air flow surrounding the material is good. Material blocking may occur if sheets are stacked when still warm.

Adhesion Testing- It is imperative that all substrates are tested prior to use within production. Even similar materials can vary between different batches, manufacturers or the age and storage time of the particular substrate. Certain types of fabrics may be manufactured with surface treatments which can impair ink adhesion and print performance. Once the ink has been fully dried and allowed to cool down, the adhesion should be tested by: Cross Hatch Test—Using a sharp blade or cross hatch knife, cut through the film of the ink only, then Apply 3M #600 tape firmly on the cut area. Rub the tape down firmly then rip off. Ink should only come off in the straight cut areas.

Ink Wash Up- Wash up on press with a press wash and reclaim with degradents specifically developed for waterbased inks.

Storage- Store at room temperature, below 100° F (38° C). Always avoid open flames and excessive heat exposure. Protect from freezing.

Packaging- Available in quarts, gallons and five-gallon pails. 30 and 50 gallon drums can be ordered.

Safety and Handling- Refer to the Material Safety Data Sheet for this product prior to use.

Estimated Durability and Light-fastness- Although outdoor durability cannot be specified exactly, accelerated weathering tests indicate that the 5500 Series Ink Line has an exterior life up to three years on most substrates, with exception to Reflex and Ultra Blue. Reflex and Ultra Blue has an exterior life up to two years. Variables within production and the end products use within the field will greatly affect a printed substrates durability.  A slight change in color and gloss level should be expected.

TW 5000 & 5500 Series Safety Data Sheet