FOTECAP TOPAZ (4100 Series) Diazo standard capillary film 1. Description TOPAZ is available with dry film thicknesses of 18 μm (4118), 22 μm (4122), 25 μm (4125), 29 μm (4128), 37 μm (4135) and 52 μm (4150) TOPAZ is solvent resistant Coated on 75 μm clear polyester carrier (4135 and 4150 on matt carrier) Sheets cut to size and standard width rolls are available On demand roll widths can be adapted to the feeder of the automatic mounting equipment 2. technical advantages Easy to adhere for small and large stencil sizes The corresponding mesh number to the dry film thickness is shown on the website www.fotec.ch or in the brochure FOTECAP Capillary Films TOPAZ can be used on white and dyed mesh, also on steel mesh. Avoid calendered meshes All standard light sources for screen process stencil making can be used. For exposure times see the brochure FOTECAP Capillary Films or our CD Exposure Calculator 3. processing Degrease mesh thoroughly. Use degreaser/abrader FOTECHEM 2023 for new polyester mesh Always apply, after degreasing, a wetting agent like FOTECHEM 2025 to ensure an even, uniform water film on the print side of the stencil. Or use the combined degreaser / wetting agent FOTECHEM 2002 Gel. Also available as concentrate 1:10 with water (FOTECHEM 2022) To print extra long runs (object printing etc.), apply one coat of AT emulsion 1711 or similar onto the squeegee side of the stencil after drying the adhered film and before peeling the carrier and exposure; the exposure time increases by 50% TOPAZ can be used by the indirect/direct method to increase definition and stencil build up. Exposure time increases by approx. 50%. The same emulsion as above can be used for adhering
FOTECAP TOPAZ Diazo standard capillary film 4. storage TOPAZ must be stored at controlled climatic conditions. Maximum shelf-life under best conditions is 12 months. TOPAZ is sensitive to high humidity and high room temperatures. 5. reclaiming All commercial decoaters can be used. offers several stencil removers: FOTECHEM 2004 liquid FOTECHEM 2005 paste FOTECHEM 2048 is an efficient liquid concentrate (1:) for decoating FOTECHEM 2044 powder (to be dissolved in water) 4. storage Recommended is FOTECHEM 2089
FOTECAP SAPHIR 4312 Dual-Cure Type capillary film 1. Description This is an extra thin capillary film with 15 microns dry film thickness to achieve minimal thicknesses proud of the mesh for printing with UV- or aqueous UV-inks FOTECAP SAPHIR 4312 should be used on monofilament polyester fabric 150.31 Y and finer FOTECAP SAPHIR 4312 can be adhered by the traditional water method FOTECAP SAPHIR 4312 doesn t need any interleaving sheet as its surface is non-sticky. All processing steps remain identical with the other FOTECAP capillary films. 2. thickness ratings Fabric Number Weave EOM (µm) Rz Value (µm) 150.31 165.27 180.31 1:1 1:1 1:1 5.0 4.0 6.0 2.0 1.5 1.5 Resolution (µm) Ink volume* in cm3/m2 10.9 9.6 6.5 Fabric thickness* in μm(unstretched) 47 43 55
FOTECAP RUBY (4500 Series) Dual-Cure Diazo Capillary Film 1. Description The RUBY capillary film represents the result of years of work to create the finest direct stencil film available. RUBY was developed to meet the needs of the industrial printing market, specifically manufacturers of touch screen dis-plays and solar cells, as well as membrane switches and graphic overlays. This film provides wide exposure latitude with the sharpest edge definition, and boasts exceptional resistance to aggressive solvents used during on-press cleaning 2. thickness/exposure Product 4515 4520 4525 Thickness 15 µm 20 µm 25 µm Recommended PE Mesh 150-180 t/cm 120-165 t/cm 100-150 t/cm Recommended Stainless Steel Mesh 325-500 t/in 0-400 t/in 250-325 t/in Exposure with MH lamp 1m dist., mesh 120 t/cm Y 40 sec 45 sec 55 sec Red capillary film specially designed for the most demanding industrial printing applications Highly solvent resistant - Ideal for UV standard ink printing Enhanced sharpness for maximum image resolution and print definition Designed for use in pattering of functional materials and industrial graphics printing Can be used with stainless steel and synthetic mesh Print resistance can be increased by post-exposing Available in standard roll size of 104 cm width and in customized sheets sizes 2. Advantages Reddish colour with very good see through The mat stencil surface avoids static problems Easy removal with the usual chemical products Can be adhered manually or by machine Degrease mesh thoroughly. Use degreaser/abrader FOTECHEM 2023 for new polyester mesh
FOTECAP TOPAZ Diazo standard capillary film 3. processing Always apply, after degreasing, a wetting agent like FOTECHEM 2025 to ensure an even, uniform water film on the print side of the stencil. Or use the combined degreaser / wetting agent FOTECHEM 2002 Gel. Also available as concentrate 1:10 with water (FOTECHEM 2022) To print extra-long runs (object printing etc.), apply one coat of AT 1010 or similar onto the squeegee side of the stencil after drying the adhered film and before peeling the carrier and exposure; the exposure time increases by 50% RUBY can be used by the indirect/direct method to increase definition and stencil build up. The exposure time increases by approx. 50%. The same emulsion as above can be used for adhering 4. storage RUBY must be stored at controlled climatic conditions. Maximum shelf-life under best conditions is 12 months. RUBY is sensitive to high humidity and high room temperatures. 5. reclaiming All standard methods and chemicals can be used. We recommend FOTECHEM 2004 ready-to-use liquid or 2005 paste or the concentrated liquids 2040 (1:20) and 2048 (1:). The FOTECHEM powder 2044 can be diluted with water. 6. post-exposure Possible by sunlight, daylight or fluorescent tubes. Another possibility is to post-expose the stencil in the vacuum frame, preferably with squeegee side against the light.
FOTECAP SAPHIR 4512 Dual-Cure Type capillary film 1. Description This is an extra thin capillary film with 15 microns dry film thickness to achieve minimal thicknesses proud of the mesh for printing with UV- or aqueous UV-inks FOTECAP SAPHIR 4512 CD/UV should be used on monofilament polyester fabric 150-31 Y and finer FOTECAP SAPHIR 4512 CD/UV can be adhered by the traditional water method 2. thickness ratings Fabric Number Weave EOM (µm) Rz Value (µm) 150.31 165.27 180.31 1:1 1:1 1:1 5.0 4.0 6.0 2.0 1.5 1.5 Resolution (µm) * mesh thickness and theoretical ink volume are based on SEFAR PET 1000. FOTECAP SAPHIR 4512 CD/UV carries a protective sheet that has to be removed before mounting the film. Washout (developing), make ready, drying and removal (decoating) remain identical with the other FOTECAP capillary films. Ink volume* in cm3/m2 10.9 9.6 6.5 Fabric thickness* in μm(unstretched) 47 43 55
FOTECAP zircon 4600 Photopolymer Capillary Film 1. Description Diazo-free, long life, fast shooting capillary film Exceedingly good image quality for short and long runs Perfect solvent resistance and fully reclaimable with high pressure Presensitized photopolymer film with high flexibility and superior adhesion to all numbers and types of mesh Coated on 75 μm polyester carrier Available in various dry film thicknesses, in both rolls and custom cut sheets 2. advantages If the right combination of dry film thickness and mesh number is chosen, FOTECAP ZIRCON produces a perfect stencil profile with a low Rz-value Possibility to reach Rz-values of 2-5 μm with stencil thickness proud of mesh of 3 5 μm for thin, flat stencils ideal for printing with UV curing inks Unsurpassed definition, resolution and exposure latitude on dyed synthetic mesh or stainless steel; good print quality on white mesh Extended shelf-life; also under difficult climatic conditions No Diazo staining on the mesh Very fast wash out with thin and thick stencils For the exposure the usual light sources for stencil making can be used. Metal halide lamps should have a photopolymer bulb. White fluorescent tubes should be avoided or replaced by super actinic (bluish) tubes 3. application Fine halftone and line printing with solvent based and standard UV inks High quality printing for long runs (20-50 000) Ideal, fast, easy and repeatable to produce thin stencils with low Rz-value profile Where repeatable stencil quality is needed without capital investment and fast stencil turn-out is important CD, membrane switches, PCB, fine halftone printing with UV curing inks and similar applications are the ideal target for this capillary film 4. Processing Degrease mesh thoroughly. Use degreaser/abrader FOTECHEM 2023 for new polyester mesh Always apply, after degreasing, a wetting agent like FOTECHEM 2025 to ensure an even, uniform water film on the print side of the stencil. Or use the combined degreaser/wetting agent FOTECHEM 2002 Gel. Also available as concentrate 1:10 with water (FOTECHEM 2022) ZIRCON can be used by the indirect/direct method to increase definition and stencil build up. The exposure time increases on yellow mesh by approx. 50%. AT 1850 can be used for adhering 5. washout Spray both sides of screen with a water spray. Thin films wash out (develop) considerably faster than thick films. Wash thoroughly until the image is fully open.
FOTECAP zircon 4600 Photopolymer Capillary Film 6. post-exposure For maximum ink and screen-wash solvents resistance the dried screen can be post-exposed. 7. reinforcement For best stencil durability, high speed printing and complete fill-in of the mesh on the squeegee side of the screen, apply after drying and before peeling the plastic base one coat of AT 1850 screen emulsion and expose, after drying, approx. 50% longer on yellow mesh than indicated in the guide. The stencil build-up (thickness) on the fabric does not change. 8. stencil quality It is important to find the correct combination of mesh number/type and dry film thickness. If the same adhering method is used, stencil build-up varies by approx. +/- 1 μm. The stencil thickness increases by approx. 8 μm if the film is adhered with AT 1850, using the indirect/direct method. With FOTECAP ZIRCON thin stencils with a flat profile (low Rz-value) to print minimum ink deposit with high edge definition can be produced. A FOTECAP capillary film stencil reduces ink costs considerably and allows maximum print quality. 9. storage This diazo-free polymer film allows storing of all film thicknesses of up to one year under climatic conditions of up to C and relative humidity of approx. 60%. 10. blocking out Use solvent resistant, water soluble screen filler FOTECHEM 2060 blue or 2070 red. 11. reclaiming All commercial decoaters can be used offers several stencil removers: FOTECHEM 2004 liquid FOTECHEM 2005 paste FOTECHEM 2048 is an efficient liquid concentrate (1:) for decoating FOTECHEM 2044 powder (to be dissolved in water) 12. ghost remover Recommended is FOTECHEM 2089.
FOTECAP ZIRCON N (4600 Series) Dual-Cure Diazo Capillary Film 1. Description ZIRCON N Series Capillary Film is designed for use with all solvent and UV based inks. It varies in colour depending on micron thickness Diazo-free, long life, fast shooting capillary film Presensitized photopolymer film with high flexibility and superior adhesion to all numbers and types of mesh Coated on 75 μm polyester carrier Available in various dry film thicknesses, in both rolls and custom cut sheets If the right combination of dry film thickness and mesh number is chosen, FOTECAP ZIRCON N produces a perfect stencil profile with a low Rz-value 2. thickness/exposure Product Thickness (µm) Color 4616 N 4618 N 4620 N 4625 N 46 N 4640 N 16 18 20 25 38 Mid Blue Mid Blue Red Red Red Dark Blue Recommended Mesh Count (t/cm) 120-165 120-165 120-165 100-140 90-140 71-100 Application UV printing, very high resolution and edge definition Fine graphics and medium halftone dots General graphics printing 4650 N 50 Dark Red 43-77 High deposit printing 2. Advantages Excellent resistance to UV and Solvent Inks 3 times faster than common dual cure and Diazo capillary films Good resistance to humidity during printing and storage Shelf life over 3 years even with critical conditions After application, image can be engraved even after 2/3 weeks Wide exposure latitude Very good adhesion on polyester and stainless steel mesh Possibility to reach Rz-values of 2-5 μm with stencil thickness proud of mesh of 3 5 μm for thin, flat stencils ideal for printing with UV curing inks Unsurpassed definition, resolution and exposure latitude on dyed synthetic mesh or stainless steel; good print quality on white mesh No Diazo staining on the mesh
FOTECAP ZIRCON N (4600 Series) Dual-Cure Diazo Capillary Film 3. processing Degrease mesh thoroughly. Use degreaser/abrader FOTECHEM 2023 for new polyester mesh Always apply, after degreasing, a wetting agent like FOTECHEM 2025 to ensure an even, uniform water film on the print side of the stencil. Or use the combined degreaser/wetting agent FOTECHEM 2002 Gel. Also available as concentrate 1:10 with water (FOTECHEM 2022) ZIRCON N can be used by the indirect/direct method to increase definition and stencil build up. The exposure time increases on yellow mesh by approx. 50%. AT 1850 can be used for adhering 4. exposure The usual light sources for stencil making can be used. Metal halide lamps should have a photopolymer bulb. White fluorescent tubes should be avoided or replaced by super actinic (bluish) tubes. As ZIRCON N Capillary Film is based on pure photopolymer emulsion, its exposure time is particularly short, generally 1/3 than common pre-sensitized films. ZIRCON N has the advantage to maintain wide exposure latitude. Starting point exposures with metal halogen lamp at 1cm distance on coloured 120 mesh fabrics are listed below. Exposures will vary with mesh count, colour, distance and lamp type Stencil Thickness Below Mesh 4616-4620 N 4625-46 N 4640 N 4650 N 5. washout Power 5000 W 5000 W 5000 W 5000 W Exposure Time (seconds) 20 35 40 Spray both sides of screen with a water spray. Thin films wash out (develop) considerably faster than thick films. Wash thoroughly until the image is fully open. 6. post-exposure For maximum ink and screen-wash solvents resistance the dried screen can be post-exposed. 7. reinforcement For best stencil durability, high speed printing and complete fill-in of the mesh on the squeegee side of the screen, apply after drying and before peeling the plastic base one coat of AT 1850 screen emulsion and expose, after drying, approx. 50% longer on yellow mesh than indicated in the guide. The stencil build-up (thickness) on the fabric does not change.
FOTECAP ZIRCON N (4600 Series) Dual-Cure Diazo Capillary Film 8. stencil quality It is important to find the correct combination of mesh number/type and dry film thickness. If the same adhering method is used, stencil build-up varies by approx. +/- 1 μm. The stencil thickness increases by approx. 8 μm if the film is adhered with AT 1850, using the indirect/direct method. With ZIRCON N thin stencils with a flat profile (low Rz-value) to print minimum ink deposit with high edge definition can be produced. A FOTECAP capillary film stencil reduces ink costs considerably and allows maximum print quality. 9. storage Opened and unopened rolls or sheets of film should be stored at temperatures of between 10-25 C for maximum shelf life. 10. blocking out Use solvent resistant, water soluble screen filler FOTECHEM 2060 blue or 2070 red. If stencil has to be water resistant, use 2076 WR. 11. reclaiming All commercial decoaters can be used offers several stencil removers: FOTECHEM 2004 liquid FOTECHEM 2005 paste FOTECHEM 2048 is an efficient liquid concentrate (1:) for decoating FOTECHEM 2044 powder (to be dissolved in water) 12. ghost remover Recommended is FOTECHEM 2089.
FOTECAP zircon IP 4800 Series Identical Profile Photopolymer Capillary Film These are new Diazo-free photopolymer capillary films. IP stands for Identical Profile. Using mesh numbers from 32-70 to 180-31 allow the control of the film thickness over the mesh. These FOTECAP capillary films can be used on polyester or metal mesh with the standard transfer method. As an alternative the indirect/direct method can be used together with the transfer emulsion AT 1850. This results in an improved adhesion to the mesh plus a higher print resistance and increases at the same time the film thickness over the mesh. FOTECAP 4815 IP, 4825 IP, 4850 IP and 4880 IP are solvent resistant. They have extremely good adhesion characteristics. The exposure time is very short. A high definition and resolution result. Storing is elongated compared with a Diazo capillary film. The surface is semi-mat and not sticky. If the traditional water adhering method is used a low Rz-value results. This can even be improved by the use of the indirect/ direct method with AT 1850. The stencil can be printed with UV ink too. These films produce perfect stencils for the printing of 3 or 4 colour jobs. It is recommended to use FOTECAP 4815 IP on mesh numbers from 140 180 t/cm, 4825 IP from mesh numbers 90 140 t/cm, 4850 IP from 43-110 t/cm and 4880 IP from 32 90 t/cm The light sensitivity is between 350 and 400 nm. Metal halide lamps are ideal for the exposure of these FOTECAP capillary films. It is always recommended to make a test exposure with a step wedge to find out the best possible exposure time. With an Akticop 3500 S metal halogen lamp, at 100 cm distance and a bulb of approx. 100 operating hours, the exposure time for 4815 IP and 4825 IP on white polyester is between 15 and 25 seconds and on yellow polyester 25 35 seconds. On steel mesh the time increases to 35 50 seconds. FOTECAP 4850 IP on 43 to 80 white has an exposure time of 40 seconds, FOTECAP 4880 needs 60 seconds. The decoating is trouble-free. The usual chemicals can be used. There is no Diazo in the film and therefore less stains appear after the decoating. These FOTECAP films are blue and result on yellow mesh in a greenish stencil. The light sensitivity of these FOTECAP films is high and therefore stencil making has to be done under safety yellow light, without influence of daylight.