FLORA flexible photopolymer are essentially Methacryl-Urethane Photosentitive resin. The resins polymerise when exposed to ultra violet source of light energy. The polymerisation process occuring in plate making equipment convert liquid resin in to elastomer plate. This plates are used for making rubber stamps and making polymer plate for printing on corrugated box, label, envelop etc.HISTORYIn olden days, printings on corrugation were done by Rubber Stereo. On subsequent development, Photopolymer plate has replace Rubber Stereo. Both above plates making system have limitation. Ultimately, next generation Liquid Photopolymer Resin developed which are excellent replacements of Sheet polymer.

PROPERTY	BL - 125	BL - 132	BL - 150
Hardness (Shore A)	25	32	50
Viscocity (CPS)	30,000	30,000	30,000
Thickness Range	2-65	3-65	2-5
Ink Compatibility	Water & Gylcol Based	Water & Gylcol Based	Water & Gylcol Based
Hardened Plate
Tensile Strenth	1.6	1.6	1.6
Elongation	70~80	70~80	70~80
Application	CORRUGATED BOX	CORRUGATED BOX	RUBBER STAMP

Common description and advantage of Flora Resins

* Flora Photopolymer resins are photosensitive polyurethane elastomer having the form of a coloured viscous liquid. This liquid polymerizers when exposed to an ultraviolet (UV-A) light source having spectrum range between 315 and 380 nanomerters.

* The polymerization process converts the liquid resin into an elastomer that is commonly used for making flexographic plates for printing paper, corrugated box (Flora 125/132) and for making Rubber Stamp (Flora 150).

* Water washable, no need for organic solvents during the process

* Resins are non-toxic, non corrosive, non harmful monomers.

* Large dimension plates can be produced in less than one hour.

* Low specific gravity (1.025 kg/litre) and, therefore, more volume for the same weight.

* Enviormental friendly.

* Water based ink containing glycerine or alcohol in little concentration, do not affect the life of the plates. Oil based inks can sometimes damage the plates whilst organic solvents (i.e. ketones, esters, hydrocarbons or pure alcohols) can develop a very aggresive action against all photopolymers.

Property of Finished Plates and Rubber Stamps

* Excellent printing quality
* Good dimensional stability, tackfree plate
* Long life if not exposed to direct sunlight
* Long working life, long press life
* Easy mounting on printing presses
* Compatibility with both water reduced inks and oil based inks
* Extremely economic plate price

General Instruction

* Store polymer at temperature between 2° and 28° C in closed container
* When producing stamps wear protecting clothing, gloves and UV resistant safety glasses
* Do not expose the liquid photopolymer to the direct sunlight.
* Long working life, long press life
* Easy mounting on printing presses
* Compatibility with both water reduced inks and oil based inks
* Extremely economic plate price

Advantage

The biggest advantage of making printing plate for corrugation from Liquid Photopolymer is COST. The per Sq. Mt. cost of plate making from Liquid Polymer is substantially lower then conventional sheet polymer. Beside that, liquid polymer system is environmentally friendly since no hazardous organic chemical are used in washing plate. The plates from Liquid polymer are simply washed by water with small amount of detergent.

Conclusion

In Australia 90 % while in Europe and US 80 % corrugation printer are making plates from Liquid Photopolymer. The obvious resin for choosing Liquid Polymer over sheet polymer and rubber engraved stereo is cost and environmental friendliness of system. In south East and China large number of printer are converting the system to Liquid Polymer rather then Sheet Polymer. With very fast development in chemistry of UV curable Liquid Polymer printer are able to meet the demand of half tone printing at present market. Due to re-claim system for uncured polymer, cost of plate can be controlled.

Safety Information

* All Flora resins have an LD50 exceeding 5000 mg/kg of body weight. This means that they are non-dangerous products (LD50 is the Lethal Dose which effectively kills 50% of laboratory rats).
* When producing stamps wear pprotecting clothing, gloves and UV resistant safety glasses
* Do not expose the liquid photopolymer to the direct sunlight.
* Long working life, long press life

Working Hygiene

All liquid methacrylic monomers are chemicals having a low molecular weight and, therefore, are potentially irritating to the skin and eyes. They can cause sensitization by skin contact if continuosly used without precautions. Then, it is advisable to use all liquid photopolymers wearing suitable protective clothing, gloves, eye and face protection. some protective creams are also very effective. Finally, a good ventilation of the working area is essential.

In case of contact with skin, wash with warm water and soap. The use of organic solvents to clean the skin must be absolutely avoided !

In case of contact with eyes, irrigate with plenty of water for 15 minutes and get prompt medical attention where necessary.
Please read and understand the specific Material Safety Data Sheets supplied upon request.