Green Galaxy™ Fixator NFO Additive can be mixed with any Green Galaxy HSA Water-Based Ink at 2-3% (max of 5%) to improve pigment wash fastness within the Fusion Mixing System. Fixator NFO will also lower the cure temp of Green Galaxy inks to 300°F.
MIXING
Be sure to stir or shake the product prior to use. Adding Fixator to Fusion ink mixes can increase the Fusion pigments up to 5% by weight to equal 20-25% of the total ink volume. It’s recommended to use it at 2-3% with a max of 5%.
To determine how much Fusion pigment you can add, you will need to do some calculations. Let’s walk through an example.
PMS 102u: Formula for 100 grams
- Clear Core: 74.69 g
- Opaque Core: 16.39 g
- Gold: 1.8 g
- Yellow: 4.63 g
- White: 2.5 g
Here’s where the math comes into play. Use the following formula to calculate the max amount of Fusion pigment that can be added to the ink:
(Clear Core + Opaque Core) ÷ 10 = 10% of Core Base x 2 = Max Fusion pigment load in grams
The formula is broken down for PMS 102u:
- 74.69 (Clear Core) + 16.39 (Opaque Core) = 91.08 g
- 91.08 ÷ 10 = 9.1 (10% of pigment loading)
- 9.1 x 2 (multiplying by 2 to discover the 20% maximum of pigment loading) = 18.2
With the addition of 3% of Fixator, 18.2 is the maximum pigment loading for this PMS formula. Without the addition of Fixator, the pigment load is 6.43 grams (discovered by adding the grams from yellow and gold: white was not included because Fusion White is curable on its own) or ~7% pigment. After computing to discover that the max pigment load for this color is 18.2, you could either double the current load to 12.86 grams or triple it to 19.29 grams by mixing 3-4% of Fixator by weight into the final mix.
Adding Fixator is most useful with hard-to-match colors over a white base. It’s also helpful when printing through higher mesh counts and depositing a thin ink layer.
If you add 3% of Fixator to the Fusion ink, the maximum pigment load is 20% by weight. If you add 5% of Fixator to the Fusion ink, the maximum pigment load is 25% by weight.
Be aware that the ink layer fails when the pigment load exceeds its maximum capacity. The pigment can rub off onto other surfaces. Please test before going into production.
SCREEN MESH
Adding Fixator NFO up to 5% may reduce the viscosity of the ink by a small amount, but it does not change the print characteristics of the ink. If adding more than 5%, the viscosity of the ink will drop. Use the recommended mesh counts for the ink you are using.
STENCIL & EMULSION GUIDELINES
Use a water-resistant emulsion like Baselayr Complete and degrease mesh with Baselayr Emulsion Prep. For extended life and long runs, it is recommended to post-expose the screens or uses an emulsion hardener like Baselayr Emulsion Hardener.
PRINTING
Do not print this on its own. This is only an additive.
FLASHING
It does not change the flash characteristics of the inks you are working with.
CURING INSTRUCTIONS
Lowers cure temp to 300°F. The entire ink layer must reach and hold at 300°F for at least 20 seconds.
Can be used in conjunction with Slipstream and Compound ND.
TESTING & PRECAUTIONS
After printing, allow the ink to completely cool down, and perform a stretch test to ensure elasticity. It is always recommended to perform a wash test to ensure proper cure prior to going into production. You may also run abrasion testing to watch for flaking and test the adhesion of the pigment in the ink layer. If you notice crocking (the ink or color transferring onto the rubbing material) either ensure full cure happens or increase the amount of Fixator in the finished ink.
CLEAN UP
Ink should be removed from the screen as soon as printing is completed. General wash-up (on ink that has not dried) can be done with water, though using Sgreen® Aqua Wash is much easier and recommended. For aggressive or dried screens, use Sgreen® Aqua Wash to dissolve the ink and blast out areas of stuck ink with water pressure.
STORAGE
Keep container(s) tightly closed. Store in a cool, well-ventilated location.
GENERAL SAFETY & PRECAUTIONS
Do not breathe vapors. Wear protective gloves. Do not eat, drink or smoke when using the product. Wash hands thoroughly after handling. Dispose of this product in accordance with local, regional, national, and international regulations as specified.
PRODUCT DATA SHEETS
