APPLICATIONS
Auto-Match plastisol inks are Pantone-licensed color matching inks based on Union Ink's state-of-the-art Autoline formulations. They are unsurpassed for fast, easy, accurate simulations of PANTONE Colors. The Auto-Match system is extremely simple to use, requiring only 12 Auto-Match colors and one base to simulate all the standard PANTONE "C" (coated) colors.
Like the AutoLine inks they were developed from, Auto-Match inks are outstanding for high-speed printing on automatic presses. They penetrate well and do not build up on the back of succeeding screens when printed wet-on-wet. Their easy flow characteristics also make them an excellent choice for manual press printing. On dark-colored garments Auto-Match inks print very well over a flash-cured white underbase. Auto-Match inks can also be used in the production of both hot-split and cold-peel transfers.
Auto-Match inks are semi-opaque.
Auto-Match inks will print well through mesh counts from 86T to 305T (34-120 metric). Mesh counts over 180T (71 metric) will increase the ink mileage and produce very soft hand prints.
Direct Emulsion stencils such as Union Ink's Inmarcol-R, Inmarcol-W, or Unicol-2000 are recommended.
Auto-Match inks are supplied ready to print. Since plastisol inks "body up" as they sit in the container you should always stir them well to determine the actual viscosity before adding any reducer. Reducing the ink usually reduces the opacity. Never add mineral spirits to any plastisol ink. If you wish to reduce the ink viscosity use Viscosity Reducer. If you wish to extend the ink or make it more transparent, use Soft Hand Base (PADS-9095) or Extender Base (AUTO-9090).
The formulas for simulating the standard PANTONE "C" (coated) colors are available free from Union Ink both in booklet form (the Auto-Match Formulation Guide) and in a Windows-based computer program. All that is required is weighing the component colors according to the formulas provided and mixing them together. The formulas are expressed as the percentage by weight of the finished mixture. Using an electronic digital scale and measuring the ink accurately in accordance with the correct formula will hel
Auto-Match inks can be easily stirred by hand or with an automated mixing machine. Their unique chemical structure gives a short, firm body when at rest which breaks down and flows easily when mixed by hand or with a squeegee. This helps simplify ink mixing.
To mix a particular quantity by weight of ink, you simply multiply the total weight desired by the percentage indicated for each component in the formula.
For example, in order to print PANTONE 186 C you would look up the corresponding formula in the Auto-Match Formulation Guide. The formula is:
Mixing White (AUTO-1000)<10.0%
Red Y/S (AUTO-3002)<52.5%
Neon Cerise (AUTO-F313)<30.0%
Extender Base (AUTO-9090)<7.5%
To prepare a 100 gram sample you would mix:
Mixing White (AUTO-1000)<10.0 grams
Red Y/S (AUTO-3002)<52.5 grams
Neon Cerise (AUTO-F313)<30.0 grams
Extender Base (AUTO-9090)<7.5 grams
To prepare roughly one quart (1250 grams) you would mix:
Mixing White<10.0% x 1250 g =<125.00 g.
Red Y/S<52.5% x 1250 g =<656.25 g.
Neon Cerise<30.0% x 1250 g =<375.00 g.
Extender Base<7.5% x 1250 g =<93.75 g.
Because Auto-Match inks will print well through a wide variety of mesh counts, the screen printer has a great deal of versatility available in regards to ink film thickness and fineness of detail printed. Lower mesh counts in the 86 to 125 thread per inch range (34 - 49 metric) will provide a relatively thick ink film but less fine detail. Mesh counts in the 150 to 230 range (59 - 90 metric) will print a soft hand design with a thinner ink film and more detail as the mesh count increases. For best res
When printing on dark 100% cotton you should use a white underbase. Union Ink's Flash Cure White (PAFC-1020) is an excellent selection in this situation, as is Plasticharge White (if the fabric is dischargable), and Auto-Match Mixing White (AUTO-1000). Other inks that will work include Mix-Opake Super White (MIXO-1000). The mesh count for the underbase screen should be in the 86 - 125 range (4 - 49 metric).
Because of the always present possibility of dye migration when printing on cotton/polyester blend fabrics only low-bleed white underbases should be used on these fabrics. Your best selections in this situation are Fast-Flash Low-Bleed White (PAFC-1050) and Mix-Opake Low-Bleed White (MIXO-1055).
Plastisol inks will not air dry. They must be heat cured. These inks will fully cure and withstand repeated washings when the entire ink deposit reaches 300°F (149°C). Curing can be accomplished with the use of a conveyer dryer, flash curing unit, or simple infrared heater. Proper curing is extremely important. Poor washability of the print can generally be traced back to under-curing!
Clean the screens and squeegees with mineral spirits or any screen wash designed for plastisol inks.
Excellent. Do not dry clean. Do not iron printed areas.
Store plastisols at room temperature. Prolonged exposure to high temperature can make the ink start to gel.
Caution: Always test this product for curing, adhesion, crocking, opacity, washability and other specific
requirements before using in production.
* Nothing is perfect, but for all practical purposes, the problem of build-up on the back of the screen has been eliminated.
Union Ink's high-opacity Pantone-licensed Mix-Opake inks are an excellent choice when you need a high-opacity ink for simulating PANTONE Colors on dark fabrics. Mix-Opake inks are available in low-bleed formulations for printing on cotton/polyester blends.
While Union Ink Company believes that the data contained herein are factual and the opinions expressed are those of qualified experts regarding the results of the tests conducted, the data are not to be taken as a warranty or representation for which Union Ink Company assumes legal responsibility. They are offered solely for your consideration, investigation, and verification. Pretest inks on surfaces to be printed.
Standard Colors
AUTO-1000 Mixing White
AUTO-2002 Yellow G/S
AUTO-2042 Yellow R/S
AUTO-3002 Red Y/S
AUTO-3007 Red B/S
AUTO-4001 Magenta
AUTO-4002 Violet
AUTO-5001 Blue G/S
AUTO-5003 Blue R/S
AUTO-8001 Mixing Black
AUTO-F313 Neon Cerise
AUTO-F611 Neon Traffic Grn.
Additives
AUTO-9090 Extender Base