NIMBUS
Water based inks formulated for general use on papers, boards and tissue
NIMBUS inks are water based inks formulated for general use on papers and boards (both coated and
uncoated). NIMBUS inks do not contain pigments based on heavy metals
Properties
> Good wet and dry rub resistance
> Excellent ink transfer during printing
> High colour strength
> Fast drying
> Viscosity stable on and off the press
> Low foaming
> Non flammable
Recommendations for usage
NIMBUS inks are suitable for printing on paper, corrugated boards, tissue and KRAFT. NIMBUS inks dry
quickly mainly by absorption into the substrate
Technical Information
NIMBUS inks are suitable for printing on paper, corrugated boards, tissue and KRAFT. NIMBUS inks dry
quickly mainly by absorption into the substrate
Printing Presses
NIMBUS inks are suitable for Flexo presses equipped with all types of cylinders or anilox rollers, doctor
blade or chambered blade printing.
Plates
NIMBUS inks can be run with most normal rubber rollers and plates. Photopolymer plates may also be
used.
Press Speed
NIMBUS inks may be printed at speeds of 50 to over 150 m/min dependent upon press drying
capabilities and ambient temperature. NIMBUS inks dry quickly mainly by absorption into the substrate
and, dependent on substrate, can be over-printed in line and reeled or converted directly into boxes etc.
without smearing/scratching. The use of warm, high airflow driers allows printing at relatively high
NIMBUS TDS
1
speeds. Over a long print run the NIMBUS inks may foam in the pump. Inktech supply a selection of
defoamers to counter this - please discuss with our technical service personnel
Preparation
The ink has to be at a minimum temperature of 15°C and should be reduced with water (if required) to
obtain the required press viscosity. The mix has to be homogeneous to guarantee the required result
and therefore it should always be stirred thoroughly before use. If colour of ink is too strong, then the
use of NIMBUS MEDIUM is recommended, in order that end properties are not lost.
Dilution
Inks should be reduced with water and can be run at a wide range of viscosities according to the
particular substrate and conditions. For this reason it is essential that the actual ink requirements be
discussed with our technical service personnel.
Normal for flexo
water
Fast reducer
discuss with our technical service personnel.
Slow reducer
discuss with our technical service personnel.
Retarder
discuss with our technical service personnel.
Viscosity
Inks can be reduced with water and can be run at a wide range of viscosities according to the particular
substrate and conditions
Typical viscosities’ should be discussed with our technical service personnel. The viscosity run will
depend on the substrate and conditions
Wash-up
Water should be used to wash anilox rollers and cylinders immediately after the print run or if the press
is stopped. Full clean down of all rollers and cylinders should take place within 30 minutes of the end of
the print run. Inktech can supply a range of general purpose or aggressive cleaning solutions for wash-up
of water resistant inks.
Resistance Properties
The pigments used in NIMBUS inks are not necessarily fully resistant to all post printing conditions that
may be encountered. It is therefore necessary to indicate the resistance required at the time of
ordering. For each shade resistance values can be provided corresponding to the different ISO standards
for solid prints made under standard conditions (ISO 2834).
NIMBUS TDS
2
Comment
For lightfastness of prints (ISO 105 B 02) we mean their resistance to daylight measured by comparison
to a calibrated set of 8 examples of blue dyed wools of increasing resistance to light fading. The use of
apparatus equipped with a Xenon lamp permits accelerated testing. In mixtures it is the component with
the lowest resistance which defines the overall resistance value. In the same way the resistance is
reduced the more the strength of the shade is reduced. NIMBUS inks have not been designed for
outdoor exposure.
Storage
Inks have to be stored in normal conditions outside the printing shop at a temperature of 10 to 30°C.
The normal shelf life of pigmented water based inks is 6 months and that of special inks (metallic’s)
about 3 months. As with all water based inks frost damage is irreversible (store above 5oC)
Waste Disposal
Care should be exercised in the disposal of printing ink waste. This should be carried out in accordance
with local waste regulations.
Ink Supply
NIMBUS inks are typically supplied in metal buckets or drums however Inktech will accommodate
bespoke packaging requirements. This can be arranged via our technical service personnel.
Health and Safety
Full details appear on the Product Safety Data Sheet issued with product supply.
Colour range
NIMBUS inks can be supplied as a blend range or pre-matched to our customer’s exact shades.
Prolonged exposure to the outdoors will necessitate the selection of special pigments. If this property is
required, it should be stated at the time of ordering and appropriate pigments will be utilised to meet
the need.
DECLARATION: August 2009. This information has been carefully compiled from experience gained in the
laboratory and under commercial conditions. However, the product’s performance and its suitability for the
customer’s purpose depend on the particular conditions of use and the material being printed. We recommend
that customers satisfy themselves that each product meets their requirements in all respects before commencing a
print run. Since we cannot anticipate or control the conditions under which our products are used it is not possible
to guarantee their performance. All sales are subject to our standard terms and conditions of sale. We would point
out that the information contained in this leaflet is only a recommendation and may need to be altered to suit the
conditions and efficiency of the equipment employed. INKTECH's products are not designed for use in conjunction
with those of any other ink maker or similar supplier unless agreed to in writing.
NIMBUS TDS
3