Flint Group has announced the global launch EkoCure XS, a UV LED ink series with excellent adhesion properties and post shrink performance on shrink substrates. It is also dual-cure and provides consistent cure at high printing speeds.  

“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.

“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.”

“Our scientists have developed a unique combination of photoinitiators and binders, allowing the ink to cross link from top to bottom and therefore cure fully when exposed to the UV wave lengths from either mercury or LED lamps,” 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 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,” says 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.”