AVCO-PRINT FOIL

ADHESIVE FOR PRINTING METALLIZED FOIL
AVCO-PRINT FOIL is a ready made adhesive used for transfer printing on textile fabrics with metallized polyester foil (alumminum, bronze etc…).
The transfer printing technique is based on a two-step process: Printing AVCO-PRINT FOIL paste on the textile fabric according to the desired design. Transfer the metallized foil to the pre-printed area, by hot pressing onto the textile fabric via a transfer calander or a hot press machine. The foil transfer technique is producing a superior metallic printing effect, compared to direct printing of aqueous paste containing aluminum or bronze powders. The printed areas produced by the foil transfer process have an outstanding gloss that is highly appreciated by the end-users.

SPECIFICATIONS:

Appearance White viscous paste.
Chemical nature Aqueous dispersion containing poly-acrylic dispersion, adhesive, emulsifiers, and synthetic thickeners.
Ionic type Non-ionic/anionic
Solubility Can be further dispersed in water.
pH (as it is) 6.5 – 8
Density (g/cc) 1.0
Viscosity 80-100 dPa.s (Haake viscotester)
Compatibility 1. Can be mixed with all types of additives used for aqueous pigment printing.

2. Is not compatible with electrolytes, cationics, heavy metal ions, acids and strong alkaline products.
Storage 1. Sensitive to frost. After freezing, the product can not be restored and reused.

2. Store in tightly closed drum. Do no store in direct sun.

3. Shelf life is at least 12 months.

PROPERTIES & USES

  1. AVCO-PRINT FOIL is suitable for printing on all types of absorbent textile fabrics. Only fabrics that can stand hot pressing process at 170-200°C for 30-60 seconds can be used.
  2. AVCO-PRINT FOIL is suitable for printing with all types of rotary and flat bed printing machines, too fine screens should not be used.
  3. AVCO-PRINT FOIL contains a re-dispersible binder, which has no tendency to clog screens, even in long printing runs.
  4. Foil transfer printing with AVCO-PRINT FOIL produces prints with good washing fastness at 30°C (delicate wash) and good dry cleaning fastness.
  5. Fastness properties depends on the following parameters:

· The quality of the metal foil printed onto the fabric.

· The uniformity and the amount of the paste delivered to the fabric.

· The type and the quality of the fabric.

· Drying and calandering conditions.

  1. Foil printing with AVCO-PRINT FOIL can be done as a single colour printing process, or simultaneously with pigments and with dyestuffs such as reactives.
  2. Foil printing can be done successfully on pre-dyed fabrics. The fabrics should be suitable for printing.
  3. Elastic fabrics can be used for metallic foil printing process. The elastic properties of the printed area should be checked in pre-trials.

APPLICATION:

I. Printing

1. The quantity and the uniformity of the paste delivered to the printed area should be suitable to glue the metal foil and to impart good wash fastness.

2. When printing AVCO-PRINT FOIL simultaneously with pigments or dyestuffs, care should be taken regarding drying and fixation conditions.

3. For increasing the paste viscosity add 0.25 – 0.50% of AVCO-CLEAR NP.

4. For lowering the viscosity add up to 10% of water, or add a solution of common salt or ammonium salt (very small quantities are needed: 0.5-2 g/kg).

5. For improving the washing fastness, when printing on synthetic fabrics add 0.5-1% of AVCO-PRINTFIX L.

6. After printing, screens should be washed and dried in the normal procedure. During long stoppage in the printing process, screens should be wrapped with a wet rug, or should be removed from the machine for cleaning and drying, before further usage.

7. When residue of AVCO-PRINT FOIL is stored for long time, the product should be kept in tightly closed drum. Before reusing the paste should be re-homogenized and filtered.

II. Drying

Drying should be done at the lowest temperature possible, in order to produce an uncured film of the binder on the fabric surface according to the printing design.

The optimal drying temperature should be 80-110°C. Drying time should not be too long to avoid premature curing of the binder.

III. Transfer process

The transfer of the foil can be done continuously via a transfer calander or discontinuously with hot pressing or by ironing.

The temperature should be 170-200°C, and the contact time should be 30-60 seconds.

IV. Releasing the carrier foil

After cooling the calandered fabric, the polyester foil is removed from the fabric, releasing the metallized layer on the printed area.