SIIT GX 3M Ink Series

Transcription

1 Product & Instruction Bulletin GX SIIT GX 3M Ink Series Uses GX 3M inks are vibrant, flexible, colored inks for use in the Seiko I Infotech ColorPainter H Series Printers Designed for printing on many 3M brand opaque, translucent and reflective graphic films Applications include fleet and vehicle graphics, indoor and outdoor signs, promotional graphics The ColorPainter H Series Printers are built for reliable operation in high-volume environments and offer industry-leading printing speeds and rich saturated color output Graphic and Photo by Palmer Products Key Features These solvent inks have excellent conformability Eight rich colors are durable and weather resistant when protected with the proper 3M overlaminate Benefits Suitable for graphic films applied on compound curves, corrugations, riveted and flat surfaces ColorPainter H Series Printers are the most cost effective printers available to produce graphics backed by the 3M MCS Warranty Provide peace of mind using products that are tested and backed by 3M 3M MCS Warranty the first finished graphics warranty in the industry and still going strong helps protect discriminating users who require optimum performance for the intended life of the graphics Related Literature Product and Instruction Bulletins may be viewed and printed from our website at Stay Informed

2 SIIT GX 3M Ink Series For Seiko I Infotech ColorPainter H-74s and H-104s Printers For Seiko I Infotech ColorPainter H2-74s and H2-104s Printers 1. Table of Contents 2. Product Description Disclaimer Product Line Compatible Products Warranty and Durability Support Information Health and Safety Setting and Understanding Printing Requirements Selecting, Preparing and Using 3M Graphic Materials Optimizing Image Quality About Solvent Inkjet Printing Printer Settings Managing Amount of Ink on Film About Drying Printed Film Heavy Ink Laydown in a UV Clear Coat Operation and Maintenance Procedures Graphic Installation Waste Disposal Shelf Life, Storage and Shipping M Related Literature Product Description The SIIT GX 3M Ink Series for the Seiko I Infotech ColorPainter H-Series Printers is designed for printing on inkjet compatible 3M films and media for making warranted multicolor graphics. This solvent based, pigmented ink is weather resistant and has excellent color retention, print quality and adhesion. 3. Disclaimer With the exception of 3M branded products, 3M does not represent that any printer or printer accessory recommended in 3M literature will meet customer requirements, any federal, state or local regulations or any applicable safety standards. Such determination is the responsibility of the printer owner. 4. Product Line A. Ink Color No. Color M7-101 Yellow M7-102 Magenta M7-103 Cyan M7-104 Black M7-105 Light Cyan M7-106 Light Magenta M7-107 Gray M7-108 Light Gray Container size: 1.5L bag B. Cleaning Solvent Use compatible cleaning solvents as recommended in the printer's user manual. Product & Instruction Bulletin GX - 2

3 5. Compatible Products For complete details about graphic construction options, recommended uses and durability, refer to the Product Bulletin for the base media (film or substrate) you are using. See 3M Related Literature at the end of this Bulletin. A. 2-mil Film 3M Scotchcal Graphic Film with Comply Adhesive IJ170Cv3-10 3M Controltac Graphic Film IJ M Controltac Graphic Film with Comply Adhesive IJ180C-10 3M Controltac Graphic Film with Comply Adhesive IJ180Cv3-10 3M Controltac Graphic Film IJ181 3M Controltac Graphic Film IJ380Cv3-10 3M Controltac Changeable Graphic Film with Comply Adhesive IJ3552C 3M Scotchcal Translucent Graphic Film IJ M Scotchcal Graphic Film IJ M Scotchcal Graphic Film IJ M Scotchcal Clear View Graphic Film IJ8150 B. 4-mil Film 3M Controltac Graphic Film IJ M Controltac Graphic Film with Comply Adhesive IJ160C-10 3M Scotchcal Graphic Film IJ3470 3M Scotchcal Changeable Graphic Film IJ3555 3M Controltac Removable Graphic Film with Comply Adhesive 3545C 3M Scotchcal Perforated Window Graphic Film IJ8171 C. Reflective Film 3M Scotchlite Flexible Reflective Graphic Film IJ M Scotchlite Flexible Reflective Graphic Film with Comply Adhesive IJ680CR-10 3M Scotchlite Reflective Graphic Film IJ5000 3M Scotchlite Reflective Graphic Film IJ5100R 3M Scotchlite Reflective Graphic Film IJ5100 Note: Printing on these films may affect retroreflectivity. See the film's Product Bulletin for details. D. Flexible Substrate 3M Panagraphics III Wide-Width Flexible Substrate E. Graphic Protection 3M Scotchcal Luster Overlaminate M Scotchcal Matte Overlaminate M Scotchcal Gloss Overlaminate M Scotchcal Luster Overlaminate M Scotchcal Matte Overlaminate M Scotchcal Gloss Overlaminate M Scotchcal Gloss Overlaminate M Scotchcal Optically Clear Overlaminate M Screen Print UV Gloss Clear 9740i 3M Screen Print Gloss Clear 1920DR F. 3M Intermediate Graphic Materials This ink series may be used with 3M's intermediate product line for low cost graphics that do not need a graphics warranty. Visit our On-Line Catalog or Creative Solutions Guide at to see the 3M Intermediate Product Portfolio. Product & Instruction Bulletin GX - 3

4 G. Other Graphics Materials This ink series also may perform satisfactorily on many other non-3m graphics materials, but such applications are not warranted by 3M. Always run a test print to be certain that the finished graphic quality meets your needs. Also check adhesion and scratch resistance of any graphic protection used. Contact the printer manufacturer and material manufacturer for guidance. 6. Warranty and Durability Graphics made with this ink may be covered by the 3M MCS Warranty. For complete details on recommended applications, graphic construction options, durability and warranty, please refer to the base media's Product Bulletin. See 3M Related Literature at the end of this document. A. Warranty and Limited Remedy The following is made in lieu of all other express or implied warranties, including any implied warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose or implied warranty arising out of a course of dealing, custom or usage of trade. All 3M products are warranted to be free of defects in materials and manufacture at the time of shipment and to meet the specifications stated in this Product Bulletin. 3M will replace or refund the price of any 3M materials that do not meet this warranty within the specified time periods. These remedies are exclusive. B. Limitation of Liability Except where prohibited by law, 3M SHALL NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES BE LIABLE TO PURCHASER OR USER FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, LABOR, NON-3M MATERIAL CHARGES, LOSS OF PROFITS, REVENUE, BUSINESS, OPPORTUNITY, OR GOODWILL) RESULTING FROM OR IN ANY WAY RELATED TO SELLER'S PRODUCTS, SERVICES OR THIS BULLETIN. This limitation of liability applies regardless of the legal or equitable theory under which such losses or damages are sought including breach of contract, breach of warranty, negligence, strict liability, or any other legal or equitable theory. C. Additional Limitations See the 3M Commercial Graphics Warranty Brochure at 3Mgraphics.com, which gives the terms, additional limitations of the warranty, if any, and limitations of liability. 7. Support Information 3M products Contact 3M Commercial Graphics Technical Support at Printer hardware and software support Contact Seiko Instruments USA at ext. 107 or ColorPainterSupport@siuinfotech.com. 8. Health and Safety! CAUTION When handling any chemical products, read the manufacturers' container labels and the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for important health, safety and environmental information. To obtain MSDS sheets for 3M products go to 3M.com/MSDS, or by mail or in case of an emergency, call or To obtain MSDS sheets for GX 3M ink series, contact Seiko I Infotech Inc. or visit their website: When using any equipment, always follow the manufacturers' instructions for safe operation. A. Ventilation Provide local and/or general exhaust ventilation in the print production areas to prevent a build up of ink vapors and to maintain levels below the limit for worker exposure. An experienced industrial ventilation engineer and/or a certified industrial hygienist can help evaluate your ventilation requirements and design based on your site process conditions. Please refer to the printer manufacturer's literature for additional details and requirements. Product & Instruction Bulletin GX - 4

5 B. Air Quality Regulations State Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) regulations may prohibit the use of certain cleaning chemicals with VOC's in graphic arts coatings and printing operations. For example, the California South Coast Air Quality Management District prohibits use of certain solvent-based solutions without a permit and other California AQMD's prohibit use of certain solutions without a permit or a regulatory exemption. Check with your State environmental authorities to determine whether use of this solution may be restricted or prohibited. C. More on Environmental Health and Safety Additional environmental, health and safety information is available on our website at 3Mgraphics.com. Go to the page for 3M and the Environment. 9. Setting and Understanding Printing Requirements 10. Selecting, Preparing and Using 3M Graphic Materials Printer operator The printer operator needs to understand the relationship between film characteristics, printer setup, total ink coverage and to produce graphics that achieve the performance expectations of the film and the customer. Graphic designer The graphic designer needs to know the parameters and printing recommendations for both the film and printer being used for each graphic. Use the right film for the job. Each film has specific intended uses, construction options, processing conditions and durabilities. Always refer to the Product Bulletins for each product used and to the recommended 3M Instruction Bulletins for complete details. See 3M Related Literature at the end of this Bulletin. Do not use damaged rolls of film, which can result in head strikes and printer damage. Condition the film, ink and graphic protection for 24 hours in the same environment as the printer before using. 11. Optimizing Image Quality Good color management practices are essential. For good color output, the graphic designer must consider the printer and materials being used. Use the method you are accustomed to that provides the desired printing results, which should include ICC color profiles for proper color management. Each printer, ink and film combination has a unique color profile that helps ensure successful printing. Contact the printer manufacturer for assistance. 12. About Solvent Ink Printing A. Effect on Printed Images Normally, very small amounts of retained solvent will not affect the finished graphic characteristics or application performance. Excessive solvent must be removed through proper drying prior to applying graphic protection (overlaminate or clear). If it is not, the graphic protection will trap excessive retained solvents. This softens the film and allows the solvent to migrate into the adhesive. Softened film is more likely to stretch, curl, bubble, lift off the liner, pucker, or shrink when handling and during graphic application. In addition, the solvent in the adhesive will contribute to more aggressive adhesion. The result is poor application characteristics. Also see About Drying Printed Film on page 7. B. Effect When Using a UV Clear Coat If a UV clear is used and excessive solvent remains in the film, the surface may blister while curing the clear. The Product & Instruction Bulletin UV Clears explains this in greater detail. Product & Instruction Bulletin GX - 5

6 13. Printer Settings The following settings provide a good starting point. Refer to the printer manufacturer's technical literature for additional details. A. Mode, Pass and Density Settings The NORMAL print mode, MEDIUM smart pass and NORMAL density are the recommended settings. Use the other modes based on productivity and quality requirements. Printer conditions can be configured with the following interrelated settings: 5 print mode settings, 3 smart pass settings and 2 density settings. Configure the print conditions according to the media type, productivity and print quality. B. Printer Temperature Settings Adjusting the temperature settings on the heater control menu is typically not required. The heater control menu may be used to complete the temperature s fine adjustment during the print operation or confirm the current heater temperature. The initial value of each of the printer temperature settings is set with the MEDIA REG MENU; the value is automatically set for the heater s temperature. C. Heater Preset Temperature The heater preset temperature by material is listed below for guidance. Preset the heater temperature according to the media you use. Important Note: Before printing, always reference the printer manufacturer's literature for the most current information. Material Type Gloss Type Preheater Vinyl Gloss 113F (45C) Vinyl Matte 113F (45C) Recommended Heater Temperature Settings Print Heater 104F (40C) 104F (40C) After Heater 113F (45C) 113F (45C) Print Mode NORMAL1, bidirectional NORMAL1, bidirectional Maximum temperature setting* 122F (50C) 113F (45C) 122F (50C) * Recommend setting temperatures below these values Note: Surface temperature of liner on 3M graphic film should not exceed 221F (105C). 14. Managing Amount of Ink on Film A. Total Ink Coverage Properly managing the total amount of ink laid down in any area on the graphic results in better image quality, less ink usage and greater throughput. It also helps ensure good film performance. Total Ink Coverage: 270% Total ink coverage is the total percentage of all inks (CMYK) used in the graphic. For example, CMYK values of 60%, 60%, 60% and 90% produce a total ink coverage of 270%, which is the value now recommended for all films using solvent inkjet inks unless noted otherwise in the base media's Product Bulletin. Note: Depending on the software or the color printing reference books you use, total ink coverage may be called: total area coverage, total dot area, maximum CMYK, maximum ink amount, total ink limit, total printing dot. You can achieve very good density using lower total ink coverage with little or no loss of quality. The rest of this section discusses options for managing the total ink coverage. Product & Instruction Bulletin GX - 6

7 B. Controlling Total Ink Coverage (1) Setting Total Ink Coverage in the Original Artwork (2) Achieving Proper Ink Coverage During Printing Controlling total ink coverage can be managed by the color profile of the original artwork and during the printing process. The best time to limit the total ink used is when the original artwork is created. Have the designer observe two rules while creating the artwork to greatly simplify printing. 1. Do not exceed 270% total ink coverage. 2. The graphic designer should specify the proper ICC color profile for the film, ink and printer when submitting the artwork for printing. Achieving proper ink coverage during printing is a three step process: clip the upper ink limits, calibrate or linearize the output and use a good color profile during the RIP process. 1. Determine the maximum ink necessary to produce the greatest color saturation. For example, if you print and review a series of color patches in 1% increments from 90% to 100%, there may be no visible difference between the 96% and the 97% patch. So, any ink used above 96% will not create a more saturated color but will unnecessarily add additional ink that does not contribute to or improve the image quality. 2. Properly calibrate or linearize your film, ink and printer. This will adjust the amount of ink printed to balance the levels of highlight, mid-tones and shadows. 3. Use the proper combination of source and destination color profiles to print your graphic. Preferably, the graphic designer should supply the source color profile used to create the digital artwork. Applying the proper destination or printer color profile for your particular film, ink and printer will ensure the total ink limit is not exceeded. Note: 4. If the total ink coverage is still too high, check if your RIP software supports ink limiting. This function may be used to reduce the total amount of ink on the film. For complete details on ink control, refer to the User's Guide for the RIP you are using. C. Ink Usage Factors Ink usage may be affected by several factors, including but not limited to the following, depending on your printer: Color levels in images Ink limiting and color profiles Printer linearization Resolution (DPI) Cleaning or purging cycles Printer parameters 15. About Drying Printed Film A. Completely and Properly Dry Printed Film Be sure you have read the section, About Solvent Ink Printing, page 5. Use the highest printer dryer setting that does not distort or damage the film. Slower printing speed allows the film to be in the dryer longer for more effective drying. Additional drying options - An auxiliary dryer may be used to complete the drying. - You can air dry on racks, although it is less effective than oven drying. Typical air drying at 270% total ink coverage is 12 hours; higher total ink coverage may need up to 24 hours. - Reducing total ink coverage reduces retained solvents and reduces drying time. Product & Instruction Bulletin GX - 7

8 B. Graphic Performance Problems Due to Insufficient Drying Troubleshooting - Change the temperature or drying times only if you observe problems. - Too much heat in the drying process may result in any of the following. Reduce the heat to correct the problem. Film problems, including liner blisters and film shrinkage. Note: Surface temperature of liner on 3M graphic film should not exceed 221F (105C). Transport problems in the printer. Wrinkling when the printed film is overlaminated or premasked. - The drying time varies for each film and the total ink coverage of its image. To check dryness, use the Dryness Test, below. It may be difficult to apply an overlaminate. Blistering may occur during processing of the UV clear. A graphic without graphic protection may block or emboss when it is rolled. For Controltac graphic films, the slideability and positionability features will be significantly reduced during application if the film is not sufficiently dried. C. Dryness Test for Most Solvent Ink Printed Graphics The dryer times vary with the equipment being used, oven temperature, humidity conditions, etc. Insufficient drying can result in blocking or severe surface impressions. Therefore, it is important to check for sufficient dryness as soon as you start printing. We recommend using the following procedures to determine if adequate drying has occurred. 1. Use this test to check the approximate dryness. a. Fold the area of the film with the highest ink laydown face-to-face. b. Place folded film close to your ear and separate it. If the film is adequately dried, there is either a slight or no discernible sound when the surfaces separate. If the film is not sufficiently dry, a crackling sound is heard. The louder the sound, the greater the amount of additional drying needed. 2. Even when the graphic feels or appears dry, some solvent will remain. Use this test to determine if sufficient drying has taken place. If it does not pass this test, more drying is required. a. Place several printed pieces of film (each folded in the area of the highest ink laydown) face-to-face under a weight of 2 pound per square inch (135 gm/cm 2 ). b. After 10 minutes, remove the sheets and check for blocking or surface impressions. If blocking or severe surface impressions are noted, increase the amount of drying. 16. Heavy Ink Laydown with a UV Clear Coat If you are printing an image with heavy ink laydown and then applying a UV clear coat, further Ink limiting and/or additional drying may be necessary. Refer to Product & Instruction Bulletin UV Clears which gives a test to determine the maximum ink laydown and/or adequate drying to ensure that a UV clear coat can be successfully applied.! CAUTION Before handling any chemical products, always read the container label and the MSDS. Product & Instruction Bulletin GX - 8

9 17. Operation and Maintenance Procedures Follow all operation and maintenance procedures recommended in the printer's user manual. Printer cleanliness is very important in the production of high quality, full color graphics. Refer to the printer manufacturer's recommendations for compatible cleaning solutions for this ink and your printer. 18. Graphic Installation Please refer to the 3M Product and Instruction Bulletins for the film and graphic protection you are using for detailed usage and graphic installation procedures. The graphic installer needs to be aware of any special handling or application techniques for the construction. Any combination of high total ink coverages, hot ambient application temperatures and irregular application surfaces may make the application more difficult. Some application difficulties cannot be controlled by the film processing. See the applicable Product Bulletin for application details on each product used. 19. Waste Disposal Waste from the printer includes ink waste and ink containers, as well as gloves, clothes, and paper towels that have come in contact with the ink. Please handle all waste in a responsible manner. Some general guidelines are provided below. The EPA requires that any ink waste must be incinerated in an industrial or commercial facility. Do not pour the inks down the drain, or put in the general trash or in a landfill. Refer also to the product MSDS. Since regulations vary, consult applicable regulations or authorities before disposal. A 55-gallon drum with a closeable top is recommended for the disposal of waste ink, cloths, gloves, undried prints and empty ink containers. This material should be incinerated in an industrial or commercial facility in accordance with local requirements. 20. Shelf Life, Storage and Shipping Refer to the SIIT ink container label or contact Seiko I Infotech Inc. for details M Related Literature Before starting any job, be sure you have the most current Product and Instruction Bulletins. Continued on next page The information in 3M Product and Instruction Bulletins is subject to change. Current Bulletins are available at 3Mgraphics.com. The following applicable Bulletins provide information and processes you need to properly make the graphics described in this Bulletin. Additional Bulletins may be needed as indicated in the 3M Related Literature section of other 3M components you use. Bulletin types: PB = Product Bulletin; PB-IB = Product & Instruction Bulletin; IB = Instruction Bulletin Subject Type Bulletin No. 3M Controltac Graphic Film IJ160, IJ160C, all versions PB PIJ160 3M Scotchcal Graphic Film with Comply Adhesive IJ170Cv3-10 PB PIJ170Cv3 3M Controltac Graphic Film IJ180, IJ180C, IJ180Cv3, all versions PB PIJ180/180C 3M Controltac Graphic Film IJ181 PB PIJ181 3M Controltac Graphic Film IJ380Cv3 PB PIJ380Cv3 3M Scotchlite Flexible Reflective Graphic Film IJ680, all versions PB PIJ680 3M Scotchlite Flexible Reflective Graphic Film with Comply Adhesive PB PIJ680CR IJ680CR, all versions 3M Scotchcal Graphic Film IJ3470, all versions PB PIJ3470 3M Controltac Removable Graphic Film with Comply Adhesive 3545C PB 3545C 3M Scotchcal Changeable Graphic Film IJ3555, all versions PB PIJ3555 3M Controltac Changeable Graphic Film with Comply Adhesive IJ3552C PB PIJ3552C Product & Instruction Bulletin GX - 9

10 Bulletin types: PB = Product Bulletin; PB-IB = Product & Instruction Bulletin; IB = Instruction Bulletin Subject Type Bulletin No. 3M Scotchcal Translucent Graphic Film IJ3630 all versions PB PIJ3630 3M Scotchcal Graphic Film Series IJ3650, all versions PB PIJ3650 3M Scotchlite Reflective Graphic Film IJ5100R, all versions PB 5100R 3M Scotchlite Reflective Graphic Film IJ5100, all versions PB M Scotchlite Reflective Graphic Film IJ5000 PB M Panagraphics III Wide-Width Flexible Substrate PB P3 3M Scotchcal Perforated Window Graphic Film IJ8171, all versions PB PIJ8171 3M Graphic Protection Products graphic protection products overview and specific information on most overlaminates 3M Screen Print Gloss Clear 1920DR - Applying screen printing clear 1920DR PB PB IB GP M Screen Print UV Gloss Clear 9740i PB-IB UV Clears Scoring and cutting IB 4.1 Cold roll lamination IB 4.22 Using 3M application tapes; premasking and prespacing for films IB 4.3 Application, substrate selection, preparation and substrate-specific application techniques IB 5.1 Application, special applications and vehicles IB 5.4 Application, general procedures for indoor and outdoor dry applications IB 5.5 Application: special considerations for automobiles, vans and buses and inspection forms IB 5.36 Storage, handling, maintenance, removal IB 6.5 3M Commercial Graphics Warranty Brochure Go to 3M, Comply, Controltac, MCS, Panagraphics, Scotchcal and Scotchlite are trademarks of 3M. ColorPainter is a trademark of Seiko I Infotech, Inc. Commercial Graphics 3M Center, Building E-04 St. Paul, MN USA General & Technical Fax M Canada PO Box 5757 London, Ontario Canada N6A 4T1 General Fax M México S.A. de C.V. Av. Santa Fe No. 55 Col. Santa Fe, Del. Alvaro Obregón México D.F General Fax M Puerto Rico, Inc. 350 Chardon Avenue Suite 1100 San Juan, PR General Fax M All rights reserved. Product & Instruction Bulletin GX - 10