The rise in popularity of synthetic, polyester and performance fabrics has challenged printers in a couple of ways. Many synthetic fabrics contain temperature-reactive dyes that gas off and migrate well below the typical cure temperature of plastisol inks (320°F (160°C)). Many synthetic fabrics also shrink or melt when cured at standard curing temperatures. Lower curing temperatures mitigate these dye migration and heat-sensitivity issues.
Rather than create a separate line of low-cure inks, International Coatings expanded the curing range of many of its existing inks. This gives printers the option to select the cure temperatures that work best for them. A flexible cure range eliminates the need to stock separate lines of ink for low-cure and standard-cure production runs — a bonus to the bottom line.
Printers can use FlexCure™ inks to cure at temperatures as low as 275°F (135°C) when needed, and for other jobs calling for regular cure temperatures. FlexCure™ inks are compatible with International Coatings' existing plastisol inks, including special effects inks.
International Coatings' FlexCure™ inks are tested and verified.