General Description

4488 is a single part urethane based heat curing ink for application using an open or closed cup pad printing system. It was designed specifically for printing on materials used in the manufacture of electronic components including low stress and conventional molding compounds, ceramic, anodized aluminum, nickel and gold. This ink is suitable for flash curing on in line IR systems. 4488 is ideal for applications requiring low temperatures and/or short cure cycles.

Cure Property: heat cure

Thinner: See Chemicals

Cleaner: 320

Remover: 210

Accessory Chemicals:
This product is ready for thinning as received. The addition of thinner is necessary to establish a viscosity appropriate for specific applications. 4-7 seconds using the narrow slot spatula is considered a typical printing viscosity range. Fine detail printing or shallower etch depths (<0.7 mil) require ink on the low end of the viscosity recommendation. Monitor the viscosity in the reservoir every four hours and add thinner as required. WB thinner is recommended for use in closed cup systems. VF thinner is recommended for initial thinning in the MARKEM Model 597 and other open reservoir printers to a viscosity of 5-7 seconds using the narrow slot spatula. Additional thinning throughout the shift should be done using WB thinner.

Drying / Curing: This ink can be pre-set (partially cured) to minimize offset which can occur when strip marked components are stacked. It is important to note that these temperatures apply to the maximum temperature of the ink on the substrate and not the temperature of the component mass. The curing time begins once the substrate has reached the curing temperature. An industrial oven with forced vented air is recommended. This product has also been cured successfully at standard post mold cure schedules of up to 180°C for as long as 8 hours. Substrate material, ink thickness, and oven temperature can affect the length of time needed for adequate cure. Recommended oven curing conditions: 150°C (300°F) for 2 minutes 110°C (230°F) for 10 minutes 95°C (203°F) for 30 minutes 80°C (175°F) for 1 hour

Technical Data: • With any MARKEM ink the surface to be printed must be properly cleaned prior to marking.
• The reservoir life of this ink has been reported at one week providing proper cleanliness is maintained and appropriate thinner Additions are made. Each application must be evaluated by the customer to determine the maximum pot life for best results.
• Cured prints of inks in this series have shown good resistance to the following conditions after application in accordance with MARKEM's recommended procedures:
> solvents, including those specified in MIL-STD-883 Method 2015 (revision current at the time of testing).
> tape pull
> acidic plating preparation solutions and solder flux/solder dip processes.
• 4488 will air dry with limited solvent resistance.
• Prints will withstand temperatures up to 400F.

Shelf Life: The shelf life for this ink series is six months from the date of shipment or twelve months from the date of manufacture, whichever is less.

Optimum storage condition is at 5-10°C in the original unopened container. Allow ink to warm gradually to room temperature before use.

Important Notes

• The materials used in formulating this product may present health or safety hazards as defined by the OSHA Hazard Communications Standard. Always consult the Material Safety Data Sheet for specific hazard information before using this product.
• No warranty for suitability of chemical products for specific applications is expressed or implied. The performance (transfer, adhesion and permanance) of any ink is directly related to the cleanliness of the surface being printed. The specifications for these chemical products are subject to change without notification or obligation.
• Contact Sales Support, or your local MARKEM representative, for assistance with colors, related inks for other application methods, or any other application questions.

Technical information is subject to change without notice.

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