Technical Data Sheet
UNIFOIL
LITHOTRANS Inks are a set of specially formulated four color process offset litho inks: Process Yellow, Process Red, Process Blue (Cyan) and Process Black. These inks are used in combination with one of Union Ink's Back-up Plastisols (either White, Glitter or Clear) to produce a litho/screen plastisol transfer. The litho ink bonds to the plastisol which in turn bonds to the fabric upon application of heat and pressure at time of transfer.
The combination of offset litho ink, heat transfer release paper and back-up plastisol is highly critical. Union Ink's products are carefully designed to meet these special requirements, i.e. heat resistance, fade resistance, alkali (soap) resistance, etc. (Bleaches are not recommended.)
LITHOTRANS Inks with the specifically designed Trans-French Release Papers and Lo-Cure Plastisol Back-up White (PLUS-Series). For printing glitter transfers use the Trans Print O Gloss Release Paper followed by the Lo-Cure Super Silver Glitter Plastisol (PAGL-Series).
These inks must adhere to the transfer paper and not release prematurely, yet later on at transfer time they must release cleanly and easily. Therefore, the degree of adhesion to the transfer release paper is very critical and must be carefully balanced.
There are no dryers in the inks. The earlier versions were designed for use on large four-color presses where the inks trap wet. The current inks have been improved so that they can run successfully on two-color and single color presses.
However, care must be taken on successive passes through the two-color and single color presses. Since by their very nature, the inks are designed not to bind tightly on the paper, there is a tendency for the earlier colors to be pulled off the sheet onto the back cylinder of the press as the sheet runs through the press two, three or four times.
The following suggestions may help to overcome the ink picking off as the sheets go through the press for succeeding colors. If all the colors stay on the paper without pulling the dots off, then there is rarely any other problem with the production of this type of transfer.
While jobs are run successfully every day on Multiliths, it is the hardest type press to use for this type of work.
Watch the placement of the feed rollers when running the sheets through the screen printing press after litho printing. Although screen printing can follow immediately, many printers allow the sheets to set in small lifts for 24-48 hours.
Do not load ink on heavily. Excessive ink laydown can cause a seperation of the ink film when transferred, thus leaving a deposit on the release paper.
The inks are all constructed with the same amount of tack. The Yellow, Red, Blue and Black may be printed in any sequence desired.
DO NOT OVER-CURE THE PLASTISOL BACKUP. While direct prints cannot be overcured, transfers can, and this results in difficulty later on at time of transfer.
Since Litho heat transfers require three different components (special papers, litho ink, and plastisols) and production consist of various states (litho printing, screen printing, curing and heat transfer), thorough testing for transferability, wash resistance and other requirements is strongly recommended.
ALWAYS TEST BEFORE USING IN PRODUCTION
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.