Aquamad: High-Adhesion Water-Based Flexo Ink for MDF, HDF, and Plywood
AQUAMAD is an advanced industrial water-based ink engineered specifically for direct flexo printing on technical wood substrates, such as medium/high-density fiberboard (MDF/HDF) and plywood. Its chemical architecture balances a high-performance acrylic vehicle, BC PLUS monopigmentary dispersions, and functional additives that optimize wetting, leveling, and reliable adhesion on lignocellulosic surfaces previously treated with a primer or base coat.
Operational Press Advantages
- Superior Adhesion & Anchoring: Specifically formulated for engineered wood, providing excellent mechanical bonding on MDF/HDF and plywood when combined with a sealer/primer.
- Consistent Print Quality & Color Stability: Delivers clean solids, crisp text, and fine line definition while minimizing mottle and halos through the BC PLUS monopigmentary system.
- High Industrial Runnability: Features stable rheology and rapid air/heat drying, allowing high line speeds without compromising anilox transfer performance.
- End-Use Resistance: Exceptional performance against rub, mechanical abrasion, and ambient humidity during the final application life cycle.
- Eco-Friendly & Safe Solution: Water-borne system with low Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) emissions, fully compatible with recyclable structures and sustainable manufacturing processes.
Technical Specifications
| Technical Parameter | Value / Specification |
|---|---|
| Vehicle Type | Water-Based (Acrylic polymer with coalescents, wetting agents, and defoamers) |
| Viscosity Range | 25 – 45 s (Zahn Cup #3 at 20 °C) |
| pH Range | 8.0 – 9.0 |
| Surface Tension (guide) | ~34 – 40 mN/m |
| Pigment System | BC PLUS Monopigmentary (PR2, PR57:1, PB15:3, PG7, PR122, PV27, TiO₂, Carbon Black) |
| Compatible Substrates | MDF, HDF, Plywood (properly primed/sealed) |
| Color Matching | Tight color tolerances (ΔE*00) for corporate spot color consistency |
Logistics, Handling & Application Setup
- Substrate Preparation: Requires fine sanding (240–320 grit) and primer/base coat application on MDF/HDF. For plywood, pore sealing is essential to prevent fiber raising.
- Application & Drying: Cured via forced hot air or IR units. Anilox volume (lpi/BCM) should be selected according to target opacity and detail requirements.
- Overprint Coating: Applying a protective varnish (matt, satin, or gloss topcoat) is recommended to maximize long-term scratch and rub resistance.
- Packaging Options: Standard 25 kg pails, 1000 kg IBC containers, or custom industrial packaging.
- Storage & Shelf Life: Store in tightly closed containers away from freezing conditions and extreme heat (5 °C to 35 °C). Shelf life is 12 months under optimal conditions.
- Regulatory Compliance: Manufactured under Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) Reg. (EC) 2023/2006. Suitable for indirect food contact evaluation under Reg. (EC) 1935/2004 within the complete printed system.