SCREEN PRINTING ROOM and INKS
SunChemical Screen is one of the most advanced and wide ranging companies in the supply of screen printing commodities. Steve Wood Services are proud to represent them in this area. Nearly all the products in this section supplied by ourselves to this industry come from this organisation. Our screen customers have not only our support, but also that of the not inconsiderable resources of their tech support team. Listed below is an idea of the sort of products available from Steve Wood Services.
STEVE WOOD SERVICES
COLOUR MATCHING SERVICE
Getting the colour right can be a pain, especially with today’s demand for precision colour matchings. If you’ve had to blend a batch of ink, you’ll know that it’s not just a messy, time consuming and costly operation, but can involve making far more than is needed, proofing and correction involve downtime and material wastage, and if the job repeats, can you be sure to make exactly the same mix again?
We offer as a service
- Matched colour delivered rapidly, usually 24-36 hours
- Any quantity from 1kg upwards
- Colour matches to most recognised colour reference (BS381/4800, PMS, RAL, etc.), or printed / wet samples
- All new matchings test printed and sample print provided
The benefits to the printer
- Minimum 1 kg. Little or no wasted ink, order what you need for the job.
- Delivered to your door in 24-36 hours or faster. We specialise in extracting people from the s***!
- Each matching carries a unique reference number, referring to a recorded formula and retained wet sample. Quote that number to get an accurate continuation of supply.
- No need to carry a large stock of basic colours.
Steve Wood Services is your friendly colour matching centre, Next time you need a colour matching, save yourself production time, material wastage, hassle, and stress, use our approved colour matching service.
In order for us to provide an accurate colour matching, we require a sample of the substrate upon which it is to be printed, notification of the mesh count of the screen, and any other details relevant to the printing circumstances. It is important that the customer also gives us details of the application and required properties of the finished job, e.g.; inside or outside usage, chemical resistance, lightfastness etc.
Colour matching can be produced from prints, wet samples of ink, Pantone® / British Standards (BS381, BS4800)/ RAL references, etc. Customers are recommended to contact us to discuss their requirements.
Steve Wood Services can match colours in a number of different ink systems, thus enabling the customer to produce work on a wide variety of substrates, however it should be noted that due to variations of pigmentation / finish etc. between these ink ranges, the result may exhibit slight colour variations between ink systems and substrates.
All matching are viewed under artificial or natural daylight unless otherwise requested, however it should be noted that whilst metamerism is reduced wherever possible, the differences in pigmentation between different colour representation systems and the inks may render the matching unavoidably metameric.
Steve Wood Services will be pleased to advise on the applications for any ink system but it should be noted that this information, whilst given in good faith, is given without any liability whatsoever either expressed or implied
All customers are strongly advised to read the relevant Technical Information Sheet and Health & Safety Information Sheet before using any product for the first time. Copies of this documentation are readily available on request.
This information will enable the operative to use the relevant product in safety and to obtain the optimum performance from the product.
The test prints supplied with each new matching are produced under laboratory conditions which may not represent those under which the product is to perform. It is the responsibility of the customer to check the suitability of each batch of the product and that it meets their requirements in all respects before commencing production. Since we cannot anticipate or control the conditions under which our products are used it is not possible to guarantee their performance
SCREEN INKS
There are a vast range of screen printing inks to cover virtually all applications. To list each product would be overkill! Listed below are the more popular ones handled by Steve Wood Services. Most ranges are available in a mixing range of 12 colours, and 18 standard colours. Process sets available for most applications
PAPER & BOARD INKS
SOLVENT BASED
Stargloss MT
A highly versatile range of gloss finish inks, combining a wide adhesion range with excellent screen stability and rapid jet drying. Suitable for all machines from fast automatic to manual machines. For paper and board, many foil boards, some coated metals, hardboard, some melamine type surfaces. but sticks to some other unlikely substrates including glass (with additive) and anodised aluminium.
Quattro Plus HQ
The Ultimate range of process inks. Unsurpassed press stability, dot reproduction, fast drying, and perfectly controlled density and colour balance. Suitable for most commonly used paper and board materials
Screenglo Fluorescents MFT
A range of high performance, high strength, brilliant fluorescent inks. Suitable for most commonly used paper and board materials. Fluorescent inks aren’t very lightfast – think before using!
UV CURED
There are many U cured screen inks, the range is being developed all the time! Here are a few examples
Solarscan
A range of gloss finish paper and board inks featuring high colour strength and opacity together with fast cure speeds, particularly suited for printing corrugated POS displays. Also suitable for some plastics.
Synergy SLK
Ideal for high speed printing on paper and boards, and a variety of plastic materials. Does not contain NVP. Exhibits excellent adhesion, flexibility and an attractive satin non-reflective finish. As well as paper and board, also can be used on a variety of rigid and self adhesive PVC’s, and some treated polyesters.. Not for polystyrenes!
WATER BASED
See dedicated Water Based Inks section
New products available!
FLAT PLASTICS INKS
SOLVENT BASED
With the exception of the fluorescent inks, the pigments from which they are made exhibit high lightfastness properties. Don’t forget that lifespan [especially outdoors] is affected by colour intensity [beware of pastel shades!] and installation situation.
Aztec Process Inks
A press ready, thin film, low odour, four colour process set which offers excellent press stability and faithful reproduction of all process work on self adhesive, rigid and flexible PVC, coated polyesters and polycarbonate.
Corribond CR
A range of inks formulated for printing on a wide range of polyolefin materials including fluted and sheeted grades. The ink for estate agent boards! Also can be used on treated polypropylene and some other treated plastics. Testing is advisory!
Marlerstyrene
A high gloss ink system with a mild solvent system for printing plastics such as polystyrene, acrylics, CAB, polycarbonate, ABS
Vynamatt PM
A highly versatile range of low odour matt inks for self adhesive, flexible, and rigid PVC. Also for some top coated polyester, polycarbonate, and polystyrenes.
Polyvin Gloss
Now obselete!
Flexijet VP is the recommended alternative, and Vynaglaze 4700 will also fit most Polyvin applications
Vynaglaze 47-00
The ultimate range of gloss inks for flat plastics, combining excellent press stability, non blocking, and unsurpassed outdoor durability with excellent adhesion and alcohol and petrol resistance. Suitable for self adhesive, flexible, and rigid PVC. Also for some top coated polyester, polycarbonate, etc.
Flexijet VP
A range of gloss inks for flat plastics, which combine ultrafast low temperature drying and non blocking with reliable adhesion to self adhesive, flexible, and rigid PVC and polystyrenes. Also for some top coated polyester, polycarbonate,
Screenglo PVC Fluorescents
A range of low odour, matt, high strength, brilliant fluorescent inks. Suitable for most commonly used flexible, and rigid PVC. some top coated polyester, and ABS . Fluorescent inks aren’t very lightfast – think before using!
UV CURED
There are many U cured screen inks, the range is being developed all the time! Here are a few examples
Musketeer MTR
An extremely versatile UV ink system, with good adhesion to a wide variety of hard plastic materials, often succeeding when all other UV curing inks fail. Musketeer MTR ink films are thermo-plastic, making prints vacuum drape formable and heat bendable on suitable materials. Prints are also suitable for limited outdoor exposure. Available as C mix blend scheme and Process set. Substrates include flexible, self adhesive and rigid PVC, polystyrene, ABS, acrylic sheet, polycarbonate, coated polyesters, PET, pre-treated fluted polypropylene sheet.
Synergy SLK
Ideal for high speed printing on, a variety of plastic materials and paper and boards. Does not contain NVP. Exhibits excellent adhesion, flexibility and an attractive satin non-reflective finish. As well as paper and board, also can be used on a variety of rigid and self adhesive PCS’s, and some treated polyesters.. Not for polystyrenes!
OPUS XL
A range of specialist, highly flexible, low edge curl UV inks for the printing of graphics on premium grade self adhesive vinyl materials where 5-7 years outdoor life is required. Suitable for printing self adhesive vehicle graphics. Available as a C Mix blend scheme and process set. Suitable for premium grade s/a vinyls, some semi rigid PVC’s, polycarbonate and some top coated polyesters.
UVPO
A UV curing ink system specifically designed for printing pre-treated Polyolefins in both fluted and solid sheet form. UVPO series offer reliable off-line adhesion without addiction of catalysts or adhesion promoters, as well as rapid curing and suitability for outdoor signs and displays. Sbstrates include fluted and solid sheet pre-treated polypropylenes, some grades of polystyrene and ABS sheet.
UPX
The Latest Thing!! A truly Universal UV ink range, UPX inks can be used on all commonly screen printed plastic and board materials and are suitable for limited outdoor exposure on suitable substrates. Available as a C mix blend scheme and high definition process set.
UV CURED OVERPRINT VARNISHES
Uviscreen UV Series
A range of cost effective print finishing varnishes, including a flexible ‘cut and crease’ varnish, matt varnish, spot varnish for OPP laminate materials and a foil blockable varnish. Uviscreen varnishes are suitable for overprinting many litho inks as well as screen printed work. To assist selection, please enquire!
Opus XL Overprint Varnish
This gloss UV varnish finds its main application in the overprinting of Opus XL ink films to give the full 5-7 year outdoor life expectancy. C501 varnish has, however, also proved successful in extending the expected outdoor life of some digital jet prints as well as prints of other UV screen inks such as Vioflex 40 series.
Vioflex Overprint Varnish 40-901
A gloss varnish based on Vioflex ink technology and possessing the same flexibility and impact resistance on PVC. This varnish has been successfully used as a UV curing glitter medium, thanks to its ability to through cure in relatively thick films, maintaining a degree of flexibility.
GENERAL PURPOSE UV CURED INKS
Harmony MN Series
A ‘state of the art’ UV curing process set designed for optimum quality reproduction of four colour process images on a variety of commonly printed sheet substrates including paper and boards and PVC’s.
Harmony is water based UV ink system combining excellent dot reproduction and reduced film thickness with superb colour consistency on press and excellent colour reproduction of photographic images. Suitable for paper & board, self adhesive vinyls & semi rigid PVC’s.
Screenglo UV Fluorescents UFT Series
A range of very high strength, brilliant UV curing Fluorescent inks based on Synergy SLK technology and offering the same versatility and ease of use. On paper and board, self adhesive vinyls, flexible and semi rigid PVC’s and top coated polyesters. Fluorescent inks aren’t very lightfast – think before using!
Synergy SLK Series
A versatile and easy to use range of Satin finish UV inks, ideal for high speed printing of a variety of Papers, Boards and flat plastics. Excellent printability and flash curing capability make these inks a popular choice for use on multi-station in-line flat bed presses. Available in a Sunmatch blend scheme and process set. Use on paper & board, self adhesive, flexible and semi-rigid PVC, top coated polyester.
UV Metallic UMT Series
High lustre metallic effect inks designed to give maximum mixed pot life and available as ready-mix or two pack. These inks exhibit similiar film properties and adhesion range to Synergy SLK series.
Paper and board, self adhesive vinyls, flexible and semi rigid PVC’s and top coated polyesters.
INDUSTRIAL INKS
A Series
A range of high gloss oxidation drying inks for printing on a wide range of hard surfaces including metals, wood, etc. Used in the production of display panels, nameplates, signs etc. can be stoved, makes it damned hard!
Toucan 67-00
Two pack epoxy curing inks with excellent adhesion to a wide range of materials, often when all else fails!
We have available many other specialty inks for all sorts of substrates. I’m not listing them here as I don’t want to spend even more hours typing them in. For oddball applications please ask, advice is free, mistakes cost!
UVGS Series
UV curing ink system specifically designed for printing on sheet glass for internal applications such as the production back-lit gaming machine displays and mirror decoration. UVGS prints on glass have superior water and humidity resistance compared to competitive products. Available as a C Mix blend scheme and process set.
Z/GL Series
Z/GL Series is a range of two pack catalytic curing inks specifically formulated for use on glass or ceramics.
TEXTILE INKS
Steve Wood Services Plastisol Range
Autoline
Best medium opacity ink for fast printing
High opacity inks
Athletic gloss for durable prints on athletic uniforms and stretch fabrics
Maxopake the most opaque ink, in fluorescent and low bleed colours
Also available, Process Colours, Transfer inks, and special effect inks
TZ Series
One / two-pack ink for direct printing onto nylon, such as sports bags, other polyester and synthetic fabrics.and cotton. Excellent adhesion, opacity, flexibility, and fastness properties.
WATER BASED
See dedicated Water Based Inks section
New products available!
SPECIALITY INKS
Rub removable inks
For printing scratch cards for anything from parking permits to lottery tickets,
Blackboard Black
Self explanatory! For PVC based substrates
Magnetic Attracting
Inks for either paper & board or plastics, which makes it attracted to magnets. Often used for quick install / demount display work
Phosphorescent
Inks that glow green in the dark after illumination, for paper and board, plastics, and textiles [plastisol]
Paper and board and plastics versions available in our own new “Dusk-to-Dawn “ long glow formulations. UV cured versions available as well!
Chrome Effect
Fascinating inks that produce a mirror effect when reverse printed on suitable plastics or glass. Stunning effects possible!
Water Based Screen Inks
We are pleased to announce the introduction of a range of Graphic and Textile Water Based screen inks from Colormaker Industries of Australia.
These are time proven products which will be a great asset to your operation.
Permaset Aqua Textile Inks
Permaset Aqua is a ready to use, 100% solvent free water-based textile ink, designed for direct wet-on-wet printing on a wide range of natural and synthetic fabrics. The environmentally friendly formula provides intense pigment colour that is rich in coverage and produces exceptional colour yield. The resilient base holds fast during rub, wash or dry-clean while having virtually no handle on the printed fabric.
As a water-based product, Permaset Aqua is low odour and equipment is easily cleaned with water. After heat curing, prints exhibit excellent wash, rub and dry-clean resistance. Permaset Aqua performs at a higher standard, with enhanced screen stability allowing exceptional screen open time, to allow cleaner results, longer. Ideal for use on Cotton, Polyester, blends, Silk and most synthetic fibres.
The Super-Cover range , unlike other waterbased textile inks can print directly onto dark fabrics with outstanding results.
A first rate innovation, Permaset Aqua is the perfect textile printing ink for the broadest range of textile applications.
Colour Range;
18 Standard Colours plus 2 Whites, Black and Print Paste.
13 Super-Cover Colours plus 2 Whites, Black and Print Paste.
4 Metallic’s,
8 Standard Glow,8 Supercover Glow,
Process set (CMY+K),
Phosphorescent and Puff Bases.
Permaprint Premium
Permaprint Premium is a waterbased screen printing ink that is formulated to provide excellent adhesion on a wide range of substrates. It exhibits exceptional water resistance once dried. This makes it a highly versatile multipurpose screen printing ink that is safe for the printer and friendly to the environment.
Permaprint Premium inks are 100% solvent free, so equipment can be easily cleaned with water and solvent fumes are eliminated.
Suitable Substrates
Permaprint Premium inks are suited to printing on sealed paper, cardboard, tyvek, polyesters (mylar), polycarbonates (lexan), some coated metals and poly-styrene. Care should be taken with some vinyls as plasticizer migration may soften the ink over time. Care should also be taken with some uncoated papers as cockling may occur
Colour Range
9 Standard Colours plus Standard + Opaque Whites, Black Extender, Clear, and Matting Agent.
Also,
Process set (CMY+K),
8 Glow
4 Pearl Colours
MACHINE ROOM SCREENWASHES
925 Economy Screenwash
General purpose economically priced screenwash
11-00 Universal Screenwash
General Purpose “standard” screenwash with excellent solvent power
26-039
Low odour screenwash with no cyclohexanone content. Useful in smaller screen rooms and in inplant situations where the girls in the office next door complain of the smells
26-067
“Clean” screen wash with “Hazard Label Free” status. Works well and is of very low odour. A blend of low odour, low volatility solvents selected for their safety in use and effectiveness in removing screen printing ink residues from screens, squeegee blades and flood coaters. It should be noted that, unlike other more volatile / hazardous washes, this product does not readily evaporate.
OTHER MACHINE ROOM PRODUCTS
Imasol
Good quick drying general purpose spirit cleaner, less aggressive than ketonic solvents. Use to clean acrylic sheets and plastisised p.v.c. prior to printing. Sold in 5lts
Isopropanol
Slower drying alcohol solvent, similar uses to Imasol. Is the ingredient in de-icer which probably explains its level of winter sales
Ink Knives
Precision ground spring steel knives in both palette and push formats. Variety of sizes. Some plastic 3” push knives available, which are more friendly to screen mesh”
Pantone Colour Guide Book
Latest “two book” version containing over 1000 different colours is the most popular reference. A new version printed in 3 books, coated, uncoated and also matt coated, also contains some new colours. Universally used for colour communication and specification, books should be replaced annually to maintain accuracy. Rather hostile to the screenprinting industry as it was developed for the litho industry and uses litho inks to print it. The pigmentation bears no relation to those used in virtually any screenprinting inks! Forced upon the screenprinting industry by the designers…..…
Paper Masking Tape
Crepe paper self adhesive tape sold in 24 & 48 mm and 72mm widths. Use for edges of screens, it’s much better than packing tape.
Plastic Ink Tubs
1.1, 3.0, 5.2 litre plastic tubs that store inside each other before use. Useful when you need to do that odd small mix. Also available are 1.0, 2.0kg tins, and 6.0, 12.0, 15.0, and 20.0 kg metal pails with lids
Screenprinting Machinery
Steve Wood Services are pleased to be able to supply new equipment from top UK. manufacturers. The full range of Kippax and Natgraph products are available, and their catalogues are available on request. We are occasionally also able to offer pre-owned second-hand and re-furbished equipment dependant on what is available at the time of enquiry, however we would be happy to try and locate equipment to suit your needs
Screen Washout Booths
Made with galvanised steel or other chemical resistant materials, available in a wide range of sizes. Can be supplied as booth alone, or as a complete screen washing facility. with or without vapour extraction facility. Can be used in connection with…..…
Screenwash Recirculation Units
Don’t let solvents run down the drain or someone from officialdom will shoot you!. We supply screenwash recirculating units which not only keep you out of trouble but saves a mint on screenwash and can soon pay for themselves .
Squeegee blade
Polyurethane blades in various popular sections and harnesses, made by top quality manufacturers.
Special laminated Hi-Tech blade also available, which has the “working edges” laminated to a firm centre section giving excellent squeegee stability, may be subject to special order, please ask.
Squeegee Handles.
Available in wood or extruded aluminium. Wooden ones are cheaper but can split and warp, and be a swine to fit new blade into! Aluminium handles feel real good to use, last for ages, and are easy to fit new blade into. Cut to order in any length you want, within reason!
Snap-off Blade Knives
Useful pocket knife with replaceable blade, end of blade can be detached to give fresh cutting edge.
Spray Textile Adhesive
Renders the platens on T-shirt presses tacky to prevent the fabric creeping when printed. Used properly it won’t adhere the shirt to the wearer later! Special versions for use with flash curers available.
Supersolve Screen Reactivator
A strong but low toxicity ink solvent packaged in aerosol form, for cleaning out dried ink from the mesh. Particularly useful after the lunchbreaks of mid summer! [That assumes that we get a good summer!]
White Spirit
Used as thinner and screenwash for certain types of screen ink.