Ultrachem, one of the UK’s largest independent manufacturers and suppliers of printing Inks, coatings and pressroom consumables, has introduced a new range of UV flexo inks backed up by a new and updated range of coatings, adhesives and chemistry for UV and Water Based (WB). The range is specifically formulated and manufactured to meet the challenges of modern day flexo printing.

UltraFlex UV Intense – Flexo Ink Series
Jan Brinton, Director for Ultrachem said, “We are delighted to announce the launch of UltraFlex UV Intense a new formulation ink system based upon a hi-density 4 colour process set and base color range. These inks are formulated on a mono pigment basis, for maximum color consistency with the highest possible color strength. This allows for lower anilox cell volumes to be set and the ink’s unique resin chemistry gives exceptional viscosity, gloss, and adhesion.”

The UltraFlex UV Intense Flexo Ink series is ideal for today’s modern presses, running a wide variety of substrates, and is recommended for self-adhesive labels, cartons, pouches and wraparounds. It is also available in a lightfast version where required.

The new offering also include Ultraflex UV LMC (Low migration compliant) for indirect food packaging and Ultraflex UV SL (Shrink sleeve) specifically for printing on the reverse side of shrink sleeve applications.

Brinton adds; “We have also taken this opportunity to clarify our offering and the UltraFlex UV Intense ink series is fully supported by a range of UltraFlex UV Coatings and UltraFlex UV Adhesives all manufactured in the UK by Ultrachem.”

Colorflex – Water Based (WB) Flexo Inks
“The ColorFlex series is a continuation of Ultrachem’s UV range and is available for four main WB Flexo ink categories and is specifically designed for specialist flexo printing,” adds Brinton.

Labels Inks - consists of two types designed by application. The AP Series is an all-purpose hi-strength formulation for papers; including thermal for uncoated and good quality top coated synthetics. The AF Series is an all filmic, hi-strength formulation for a wide range of synthetic substrates providing fast drying and exceptional adhesion properties.
Corrugated Inks - formulated for pre and post print flexo applications - available as press ready inks, or as colour concentrates and extenders.
Paper Sacks / Bags Inks - an ink series formulated for flexo printing a wide range of paper bags and sacks. A key characteristic is its ability to cope with the very diverse range of substrates used in this sector.

Speciality Water Based Flexo Inks – Ultrachem offers a wide variety of speciality ink products including Tissue Inks, High Quality Metallic, Fluorescent and Pearlescent inks.
WB Flexo Coatings complement the inks with a wide range of coatings available upon request from standard Gloss, Satin and Matt to more specified end use requirements such as heat resistance, water resistance, soft touch and FDA  approved.

To complete the UV & WB portfolio Ultrachem has a wide range of PrimaFlex Solutions. The PrimaFlex Solutions range consists of Wash-Ups, Ultrasonic Cleaners and Additives for flexo applications. Using Utrachem’s vast experience of successful press room chemicals formulation and manufacturing knowledge, this range offers a unique product portfolio to the Flexo market direct from Ultrachem. 

Brinton concludes, “We have been formulating, testing and developing this extensive portfolio for many years. The addition of the new Inks for flexo – UltraFlex UV Intense - will only add to strengthen our offering and define our commitment to the flexo market.”

To support manufacturing and sales of Flexo products Ultrachem installed a second fully automated Flexo ink dispenser at its Enfield facility in March this year, to keep in line with its continued Flexo Inks growth both UK and internationally.

“The full Flexo portfolio, including the new UltraFlex UV Intense Flexo Ink Series, is available worldwide through the extensive network of Ultrachem’s established partners, distributors, and agents," says Brinton.