Natron® MG Series Ink

PRINTING INK FOR METAL, GLASS, CERAMIC, CARBON FIBER, HARD PLASTICS AND MORE

The Natron® MG Series ink is a 2-component printing ink for printing on glass, metal, aluminum, ceramics, tiles, carbon fiber, and more. It also prints on other substrates such as chrome-plated parts, varnish-coated substrates, thermosetting plastics, and epoxy resins.

This 2-component ink can be used for pad printing or screen printing. The MG Series ink has a high-opacity, glossy finish making it perfect for printing on promotional products made of glass, metal, carbon fiber, ceramics, and other decorative items such as pre-printed glass panes, bottles, and tiles. It can print on hard and flexible surfaces with an alteration of the added hardener ratio.

There are 22 high-opacity color shades, 4 metallic colors, etch imitation, and 4 process colors. Additionally, we offer 24-hour turnaround custom color matching services for any color you request. To create new shades, you can mix any two or more colors to create over 1,600 PMS colors. Mixing the colors together does not affect the ink adhesion.

Adhesion Promoters

For glass: G1 UV adhesion promoter for glass.

Compliance

The MG Series ink is non-toxic, formulated with fade-resistant pigments that are free from heavy metals. As a result, this ink is safe to use on medical devices and healthcare surfaces.

Adhesion Tests

This metal printing ink is easy to use and very resistant to binding, shearing, creasing, and chemical agents. On metals, glass, ceramic, and hard plastics, it can stand up to detergents, hot water, alcohol, acids, and alkalis. This requires the ink film to be properly cured after printing at 140 °C (250 °F) for at least 20 minutes. Here are tips on how to print glass.

Dishwasher-resistant tests:

Domestic dish washer: 600 cycles (65°C at 130 min for alkaline detergents)
Commercial dishwashers, e.g. Winterhalter glass washer (85°C at 3 minutes): 700 washing cycles

Chemical Resistance:

Perfume: G1-test after 24 hours;
Ethanol and glass cleansing agent: 500 DRS;
Aceton/MEK: 50 DRS.

Humidity resistance:

Condensation water test (75 °C at 100% RH for 30 minutes; cold water immersion test for 24 hours). Learn more about printing applications for this food safe ink for pad printing.

Available Sizes

1.0Kg (2.2lbs)

Hardener

i-267X

Solvents

TMF (Fast)

TMS (Medium)

TSR (Slow)

Have questions?

Available Colors

Additives

How to Mix:

For pad and screen printing:

Mix in the hardener with the ink. You can use the i-267x hardener which is the most popular. Or, you can use the i-260x hardener or i-240x hardener. You can use the i-247x hardener to reduce the gloss effect of the ink. For hard surfaces, use 10-16% of the ink’s weight in hardener. For flexible surfaces, use 20-25% of the ink’s weight in hardener.

After adding hardener and mixing thoroughly, use a thinner (solvent) to change the viscosity depending on the application needs. Add 5-35% of the ink’s weight in solvent (depending on the desired viscosity).

In instances where a matte finish is desired, add 2% matte powder to the ink mixture.

Note, the ink-hardener-solvent mixture is chemically reactive and must be processed within 7-9 hours.

i-267x Hardener (most popular with MG Series) →

i-260x Hardener →

i-240x Hardener →

i-247x Hardener (reduces gloss effect) →

TMF Solvent (fast) →

TMS Solvent (medium) →

TSR Solvent (slow) →

Matte Powder →

Substrates

Glass

Glass is a non-crystalline, often transparent amorphous solid, that has widespread practical,...

Stainless steel

Silicon is a “inorganic synthetic polymer” whose main chain is composed of...

Leathe & Syntheties

Excellent adhesion on coated metals.

...

Wood

Ideal for printing on natural products such as wood, paper, and leather

...

Coated metals

Excellent adhesion on coated metals.

...

Features

Superior resistance to chemicals

The MG series ink is the best ink to print on glass and metal products that must be dishwasher safe, both domestically and commercially. After proper curing, the ink film exhibits outstanding chemical resistance to alcohol, acids, and alkalis. Compared to other two-component inks, this glass printing ink sticks to the surface very well and is very resistant to water.

Abrasion resistance

After curing completely, the MG series pad printing ink film has great adhesion to substrates. It has strong resistance against scratches. The hardener and proper curing of the ink increases its resistance to scratching and rubbing.

HD Prints

The MG printability delivers excellent pad release, which in turn delivers stunning and very opaque prints.

Compliant & certifications

The MG series inks are also non-toxic, free from heavy metals, and high-density, high-opacity inks. This pad printing ink meets and exceeds ATSM, Milspec, and medical application requirements. It is perfect for printing on food packaging, toys, promotional products, cosmetic packaging, housings, and other items requiring a high level of resistance.

Food Packaging, medical, and toy safe

This ink is perfect for printing on food packaging, toys, and medical devices and surfaces.

It’s the best print on glass you could make!

Print wow on glass! It is the best ink for very demanding glass and metal prints.

Applications

The MG series are the perfect inks for Pad printing glass, ceramics, metals, and more.

Mixing and Printing instructions

The only way to mix printing ink is by weight, whether you’re adding hardeners, solvents, or mixing different colors to make a new color.

The MG Series is a two-component glass ink for screen- or pad-printing applications. A solvent and hardener are required additives to use this ink.

Before mixing the ink with the additives, stir it thoroughly. Add the hardener, then stir thoroughly.

Mixing ratios for rigid applications:

10%–16% hardener (i-267X); ten parts ink to one part hardener by weight.

Mixing ratios for flexible applications:

20%–25% hardener (i-267X); four parts ink to one part hardener by weight

After mixing the ink and the hardener, add the appropriate solvent for your application. The solvent should be between 5% and 35% of the ink’s weight.

Note, the ink-hardener-solvent mixture is chemically reactive and must be processed within 7–9 hours.

Printing Parameters: Screen printing

For screen printing, use any of the commonly available polyester meshes and solvent-resistant emulsions. Use 175–230 mesh (mesh per inch)-count screens for the highest opacity and on dark substrates. Use a mesh count of 255–305 for fine details.

Printing Parameters: Pad printing

Use any commercially available clichés that are made of ceramic, photopolymer, laser, or steel plates. The recommended cliché depth is 20 μm for all standard prints.
Printing pads
Use silicone printing pads. The ink works regardless of the hardness (durometer) of the pad.
Printing machines
The Natron MG Series is suitable for both closed-cup and open-ink well machines. Use the appropriate thinner for the correct type of machine. For open-ink wells, use slower pad printing ink solvents (thinners).

Since the hardener is sensitive to humidity, you should avoid high humidity for a few hours after printing.

Labeling and safety information

Material Safety Data Sheets for the Glass Ink MG Series and its Auxiliaries are available in line with EU and US Regulations, offering full information on all important safety data.

Compliance, Certifications and Resources

Natron® Ink Catalog

MG Ink Color Chart

Natron® Ink Application Chart

CPSIA

RoHS

Printing & Mixing instructions

MG Ink Technical data

Prop 65 compliance

CLP/GHS (EC 1272/2008)

Reach (EC 1907/2006)

MG Series and the Environment

The MG Screen and pad printing ink is a non-toxic ink that is made with pigments that don’t fade and don’t contain any heavy metals. Additionally, it is Eco-sustainable, meaning that it does not contain:

Alogens
Animal origin ingredients
Azo dyes
Bisphenol A (BPA)
Formaldehyde
G-B ester
Latex
Melamine
PAH
Persistent organic pollutants
Phthalates

Frequently Asked Questions

What materials can Natron® MG Series print on?

Natron® MG Series ink is a 2-component printing ink designed for printing on glass, metals, aluminum, ceramics, tiles, carbon fiber, and other hard substrates.

Can Natron® MG Series ink be used for both pad printing and screen printing?

Yes. Natron® MG Series ink is formulated for both pad printing and screen printing applications.

How do you mix Natron® MG Series ink?

Natron® MG Series ink requires a hardener before printing. The most commonly used option is i-267x Hardener, although i-260x and i-240x Hardener are also compatible depending on application requirements.

How can I reduce the gloss or create a matte finish?

To reduce gloss, use i-247x Hardener. For a matte finish, add 2% matte powder to the ink mixture.

How do you cure Natron® MG Series ink?

For pad printing applications, cure the printed ink at 140°C (250°F) for a minimum of 20 minutes to achieve proper performance.

Is Natron® MG Series ink durable for industrial applications?

Yes. As a 2-component ink system, Natron® MG Series ink is designed for demanding applications that require strong adhesion and long-term durability on hard surfaces.

How many colors are available?

Natron® MG Series ink is available in 22 high-opacity colors, 4 metallic colors, an etch imitation option, and 4 process colors.

Can colors be mixed together?

Yes. All MG Series ink shades are intermixable and can be combined to create more than 1,600 PMS color shades.

Still have Question? Just ask

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Natron® MG Series Ink

PRINTING INK FOR METAL, GLASS, CERAMIC, CARBON FIBER, HARD PLASTICS AND MORE

Adhesion Promoters

Compliance

Adhesion Tests

Available Sizes

Hardener

Solvents

Have questions?

Available Colors

Additives

Substrates

Glass

Stainless steel

Leathe & Syntheties

Wood

Coated metals

Features

It’s the best print on glass you could make!

Applications

Mixing and Printing instructions

Compliance, Certifications and Resources

MG Series and the Environment

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have Question? Just ask

Live Chat

Call an Expert

Send a Message

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Find Local Distributors in your Area

Find Local Distributors in your Area