Flint Group has globally launched EkoCure® XS – a UV LED ink series with the best adhesion and post shrink performance on shrink substrates, that is also dual-cure, and provides consistent cure at the highest printing speeds.
EkoCure® XS is specifically designed for the demands of shrink sleeve applications. “We knew from interviews with clients specializing 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” states Kelly Kolliopoulos, Global Marketing Director for Flint Group Narrow Web. “Our experience in LED and conventional mercury curable ink system technology, combined with our understanding of the shrink market, enabled our R&D team to develop this best-in-class system.” She concludes, “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.”
“EkoCure® XS is the first Shrink Sleeve System that is dual-cure. “Our scientists have developed a unique 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” explains Dr. Paulo Vieira, Director of Research and Development, Narrow Web NA. “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”
EkoCure™ XS inks enable converter productivity, yield and finished product quality: Recognized as a pioneer in the Canadian market, Groupe Lelys is an early adopter of the EkoCure® XS ink series. “We provide our customers with high quality sleeves and labels, and impeccable service, and we needed a shrink sleeve ink series that would improve our production rates and meet our high quality standards,” said Mr. Aureo Azevedo, Groupe Lelys Procurement Leader. “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% faster press speeds now that we print with EkoCure® XS. Our colors 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.”
EkoCure® XS is designed to be easy for any converter to adopt for the full range of shrink sleeve applications.
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