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17
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Metro (Konica Head)
5. Glue Coating
Glue Implementation
Glue is composed of three different chemicals and two solvents.
Chemicals
:
•
Prima
: It is used as a primitive coat, for smoothening the belt surface. This is to be done only when
the previous glue layers have been washed completely.
•
Therma
: It is used for an intermediate coat, for activating and deactivating the glue according to
the temperature variation.
•
Perma
: It is the final glue coat, to make the belt sticky for the fabric.
Solvent
:
•
Cleantek
: This liquid solution is used for the renewing/refreshing the tackiness of the Perma
adhesive. In digital printing, the adhesive film must be even, thin and hard (to maintain accurate
distance in between print head and fabric). The Cleantek removes foreign elements, like dust and
micro fibers, from the top layer, hence enhancing the adhesion property of the Perma. If there is
no improvement using the
Cleantek, it means it’s time for a coat of the Perma.
•
Solvtek
: This is used either to dilute the adhesives, or to complete removal of the all adhesive
layers. The following are the two main reasons for removing all the glue layers:-
o
When the thickness of the adhesive layer goes on increasing due to multiple coat of the
Perma.
o
When the glue layer feels smudgy or groovy (in terms of evenness).
Stages of Glue (Adhesive) Process
Stage 1:
Prima coat
Stage 2:
Therma coat
Stage 3:
Perma coat
An interval of 4hrs is required for the glue to set and dry. After each glue coat, run the glue cycle for 50
minutes with glue heater ON. After final coat of Perma, printing can be started. The third stage is generally
a repetitive process, repetition depending on the frequency of printing hours. And when the glue coats
get uneven or once in 2-3 months, whole process has to be repeated after removing existing Glue layers.
Note
: Average consumption for the Cleantek solvent is 500ml for one time.
Approximate consumption of chemicals for a year:
•
Prima:
Approx. 2 Ltrs
•
Therma:
Approx. 2 Ltrs
•
Perma:
Approx. 5 Ltrs
•
Cleantek:
Approx. 4 Ltrs
•
Solvtek :
Approx. 10 Ltrs
