INX International to Focus on Ink Technology Advancements at METPACK Conference

INX International Ink Co. (Hall 3.0, Stand A40) has a long history of developing successful solutions for the metal decorating industry. Visitors to the METPACK Conference from May 6-10 will witness the next chapter in this tradition when INX showcases four advanced inks for two- and three-piece metal decorating. The CP100 cylindrical printer will provide yet another option for printers at the event in Essen, Germany.
 
On display will be the AP Retort II and AP LoVoc inks for two-piece printing, as well as the TP Plus and TP UV Plus Process Colors for three-piece flat sheet metal decorating. The CP100 cylindrical printer, powered by JetINX™, produces outstanding quality and represents the EVOLVE Advanced Digital Solutions brand line INX developed to help traditional printers and converters transition to digital printing with industrial inkjet systems.
 
“Since the last METPACK Conference in 2011, we have further strengthened our commitment to the metal decorating industry in a number of ways,” said Rick Clendenning, president and CEO. “Our R&D division continues to be ahead of the curve in developing highly effective products that meet the demands of customers and benefit printers who serve the industry.
 
“We have also made a substantial investment by constructing and opening a new 40,000 square-foot manufacturing facility in Heywood, England. We tripled our previous space and designed the new complex with state-of-the-art ink producing equipment for two-piece metal decorating technologies. Our future plans include manufacturing three-piece inks at this plant for the metal packaging markets overseas.”
 
The CP100 digital cylindrical printer will be demonstrated at METPACK and is known for delivering outstanding results that can’t be matched by traditional 4-color screen-print, heat transfer or sublimation bottle printing methods. Designed for short-run printing and packaging work, it produces striking, vivid color reproduction on aluminum bottles and cans with resolutions up to 1440 dpi and the ability to add a unique textural quality if so desired. Extremely cost-effective for short-run jobs, the CP100 uses specially formulated UV LED inks.
 
AP Retort II two-piece inks offer a rich variety of benefits. User-friendly, they have improved misting, runability and better handling capability from the previous retort system. These inks produce superior press performance and keep tight screens open for better results with higher resolution graphics. Printers will also find they have excellent retort resistance with no color migration, fade or bleeding.
 
AP LoVoc inks are formulated for two-piece aluminum and coated steel. Approved for environmental issues with low VOC and low HAPs, high speed decorators will find plenty to like with its high strength, excellent transfer, abrasion resistance and low misting capabilities.
 
The TP Plus and TP UV Plus Process Colors are three-piece inks designed to be used on multiple applications. This includes crowns, screw caps, closures, two-piece DRD cans, welded aerosols and decorative tins.
 
TP Plus is formulated for low temperature bake and fast make-ready, with a wider water balance window to achieve outstanding printability, adhesion and fabrication. These bright ink colors also sport good gloss and produce a clean, sharp image. TP UV Plus has superior transfer capabilities, in addition to excellent fabrication and flexibility, a fast cure response and improved scratch resistance. They also exhibit excellent adhesion to most clear, white base and color coatings, and run with a variety of fountain solutions.