FLYRON · Water-Based Pigment Concentrates for Flexo and Gravure Inks

FLYRON SD

Slow dry, TEA

Slow dry, TEA. Triethanolamine-stabilised acrylic concentrates. The low-volatility amine keeps the ink open on fine anilox rolls and gravure cylinders, reducing drying-in and dot loss in fine screens and long runs. Water and block resistance develop more slowly; test blocking before rewinding or stacking.

FLYRON SD

At a glance

Code
SD
Line
Slow dry, TEA
Description
Triethanolamine-stabilised acrylic concentrates. The low-volatility amine keeps the ink open on fine anilox rolls and gravure cylinders, reducing drying-in and dot loss in fine screens and long runs. Water and block resistance develop more slowly; test blocking before rewinding or stacking.

Available colours

CodeColourC.I.Pigment %Note
Y14Yellow, processPY 1435–40Standard process yellow
Y13Yellow, midPY 1335–40Diarylide; stronger and slightly redder than PY 14
Y74Yellow, greenishPY 7435–40Monoazo; clean greenish yellow
Y83Yellow, reddish transparentPY 8333–38Transparent; good fastness
O13OrangePO 1335–40Disazopyrazolone; bright yellowish orange
O34Orange, reddishPO 3435–40Disazopyrazolone; redder orange than PO 13
R57Rubine, process magentaPR 57:130–35Calcium lake; process magenta; limited alkali and soap resistance
R48Red, bluishPR 48:230–35Calcium lake; bright bluish red for spot colours
R146Red, carminePR 14630–35Naphthol red; good alkali resistance
R170Red, midPR 17030–35Naphthol red; good light fastness
R122Magenta, quinacridonePR 12225–30High-fastness magenta
R184Rubine, bluishPR 18430–35Naphthol AS rubine; alkali-resistant, for pinks and cool reds
V23VioletPV 2320–25Strong dioxazine (carbazole) violet; also for shading
B153Blue, process cyanPB 15:335–40Standard process cyan
B154Blue, flocculation-resistantPB 15:435–40Cyan for high gloss and let-down stability
B151Blue, reddishPB 15:135–40Reddish phthalocyanine blue
G7Green, bluishPG 735–40Phthalocyanine green
G36Green, yellowishPG 3630–35Brominated phthalocyanine green
K7BlackPBk 735–40Furnace carbon black, ink grade; neutral tone
W6WhitePW 665–70Rutile titanium dioxide, opaque white

About FLYRON

FLYRON concentrates carry a high load of finely dispersed pigment in a styrene-acrylic resin solution. Ink makers let them down with water-based varnishes, emulsions and additives to make flexo and gravure inks for paper, board, corrugated, film and foil.

The three lines differ in the amine that neutralises the resin. The amine sets how fast the ink dries on press, its odour and its re-solubility, so the ink maker can choose the line that suits the press speed, the anilox or cylinder and the substrate.

Typical properties of the range

PropertyTypical valueMethod
Pigment contentOrganic colours 20–40 %; black 35–40 %; white 65–70 % (per shade)Formulation
BinderStyrene-acrylic solution resin; APEO-free; no formaldehyde donors—
Other componentsPolymeric dispersant; propylene glycol as humectant (about 3 %); defoamer; BIT preservativeFormulation
Non-volatile contentColours 35–60 % (by shade and line; highest in SD); white 74–80 %ISO 3251, 1 g, 1 h at 125 °C
pH at 25 °CFD and MD 8.5–9.5; SD 8.0–9.0pH meter
Viscosity at 25 °C500–3,000 mPa·s (shade dependent)Brookfield
DensityColours 1.10–1.35 g/cm³; white 2.0–2.2 g/cm³ISO 2811-1
Fineness of grind≤ 5 µmGrindometer, ISO 1524
Colour strengthColours 100 ± 5 % (tinting strength); white 100 ± 5 % (scattering power), against standardDrawdown at fixed let-down; K/S evaluation
ShadeΔE00 ≤ 1.0 against standardCIEDE2000 on the strength drawdown, D50/2°
Storage stabilityNo hard settling; viscosity within ± 20 % of initial after 4 weeks at 40 °COven ageing; Brookfield

Resistance guidance by pigment class. Ratings are qualitative and typical of the pigment in water-based packaging prints; the finished print depends on the let-down vehicle, film weight and substrate. Test light fastness by ISO 12040 and resistance to alkali, soap, fats and water by ISO 2836 on the final print.

Pigment classShadesLight fastnessAlkali and soapNotes
Diarylide yellows and orangesY13, Y14, Y83, O13, O34Moderate; Y83 goodGoodNot for packaging heated above 200 °C (section 7)
Monoazo yellowY74Good in full shade, lower in tintsGoodLower heat and solvent resistance than diarylides
Lake redsR48, R57ModeratePoorAvoid for soap, detergent and alkaline products
Naphthol redsR146, R170, R184Moderate to good; R170 goodGood—
Quinacridone and carbazole violetR122, V23Very goodVery goodHigh-fastness shades and shading
PhthalocyaninesB151, B153, B154, G7, G36ExcellentExcellent—
Carbon black and titanium dioxideK7, W6ExcellentExcellent—

Values for the FLYRON range; the certificate of analysis for SD gives the release values.

How to use

Let-down
Typically 30–50 % concentrate (white 50–70 %) in the finished ink with water-based varnish or acrylic emulsion, plus wax, defoamer and water as needed. Add the concentrate to the stirred varnish at matching pH to avoid pigment shock
Choosing the line
FD for fast presses, corrugated and absorbent papers and where early water resistance is needed; MD for lower odour and longer open time; SD for fine anilox, gravure, long runs and hot pressrooms
Compatibility
Use with acrylic and styrene-acrylic emulsions and solution varnishes; test each new let-down vehicle for shock, seeding and viscosity rise. Avoid acids, cationic additives and salts; do not mix with solvent-based or UV inks. Build each ink from one line and adjust pH with the same amine
Adjusting drying
To slow an FD or MD ink in hot, dry pressrooms, blend in the SD ink of the same shade in small steps; an ink containing SD is outside the food-packaging declaration
On press
Check pH and viscosity regularly and correct pH before adding water. Ammonia (FD) is lost from open ducts and needs topping up; a falling pH raises viscosity and causes drying-in on the anilox. Ammonia solution and neat MEA are corrosive: wear goggles and gloves when adjusting pH
Food packaging
Use FD or MD for inks printed on the non-food-contact surface of food packaging; formulate the finished ink with raw materials suitable for food packaging, manufacture it under good manufacturing practice (EuPIA) and confirm compliance of the final ink and package, including odour, taint and migration
Cleaning
Clean presses with water and a mild alkaline cleaner before the ink dries; collect wash water for treatment and do not discharge it to drains

Storage, packing and supply

Storage
Closed original containers, 5–35 °C; avoid heat above 40 °C; protect from frost, which destroys the dispersion. Stir gently before use; keep FD containers closed, as ammonia loss thickens the concentrate
Shelf life
12 months from date of manufacture in unopened original containers
Packing
25 kg HDPE pails, 200 kg drums, 1,000 L IBC

Values are typical and do not form a specification. Test the product under your own conditions before commercial use.