Autoline Plastisol

General Information

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. Auto-Match inks can also be used in the production of both hot-split and cold-peel transfers.

Opacity

Auto-Match inks are semi-opaque.

Mesh

Auto-Match inks will print well through 86 to 305 (34-120 metric) monofiliment polyester mesh. Mesh counts over 180 (71 metric) will increase the ink mileage and produce very soft hand prints.

Inks mixed according to AutoMatch System formulas are designed to reproduce specific colors when printed through a 110 (43 metric) monofilament mesh on to white fabric.

Stencils

Use any direct emulsion or capillary film.

Additives

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).

Color Mixing Instructions

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 help ensure consistent, reproducible colors.

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 that 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.

Printing Instructions

White or Light Colored Fabrics

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 results when printing wet-on-wet, add a small amount (2-5%) of Viscosity Reducer and print through a mesh count in the 180 - 230 range (71 - 90 metric). Flash curing is not normally required with Auto-Match Inks.

Dark 100% Cotton Fabrics

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 (34 - 49 metric).

Dark Cotton/Polyester Blend Fabrics

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). Mesh count recommendations for the underbase are the same as for dark 100% cotton garments.

Curing Instructions

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!

Wash-Up

Clean the screens and squeegees with mineral spirits or any screen wash designed for plastisol inks.

Washability

Excellent. Do not dry clean. Do not iron printed areas.

Storage

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.

Related Products from Union Ink

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.

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