Flint Group Introduces Ultraking Shrink U

Flint Group has announced the release of the Ultraking Shrink U family of UV and EB curable offset inks. The introduction of these shrinkable ink systems designed for offset printing reinforces Flint Group’s commitment to provide innovative products to the label and food packaging industry.

Shrink sleeve labels are becoming increasingly popular among brand owners with a 7% growth rate globally. “The HD or high definition, 360º, colorful, eye catching graphics have proven highly attractive to consumers as indicated by the successful share trend of adopting brand owners,” said Tyler Newsom, Flint Group product manager, sheetfed inks North America. “The ability to now print shrink sleeve labels via lithographic offset with Ultraking Shrink U expands the market to converters without flexographic capabilities.”

The shrinkability of the film can be described using the degree of shrink of the film. Oftentimes, the film before shrinking has a total free shrink from about 70 to 110%. The shrinkability of the films used in the packages provides a tight fit around a container. The sleeve has to shrink by up to 70% to fit the bottles and/or tubes.

“Ultraking Shrink U gives the latitude to have the highest shrink values without cracking and powdering,” says Rodney Balmer, Flint Group director of global research and product development, sheetfed inks.

According to the company, the “U” stands for universal. Ultraking Shrink U is suitable for a wide range of shrink films including PETg, PVC, PLA and OPS. The EB versions allows for printing on heat sensitive films such as microfoam. “Ultraking Shrink U is also ideal for paper and board applications allowing for a true one system solution for the label converter,” added Balmer.

The Ultraking Shrink U 2500 UV and 2300 EB systems are commercially available now.