What does it do?
VS3 is a general-purpose sheetfed offset ink, introduced earlier this year by the Dutch manufacturer Van Son Inks. It is based on vegetable oil with minimal added VOCs and has been formulated to run on all types of press, from two-colour to the largest multi-colour machines.
Ultrachem is the exclusive UK stockist for VS3, having started with the VS1 ink late last year. The difference is that VS3 is a hard drying ink.
The new ink stays ‘duct-fresh’ for long periods without wash-ups, as confirmed by the user comment elsewhere on this page. If you study rivals’ ink brochures, then they all say this too, but VS3 (and the closely related VS1) are the latest formulations, aiming to get ever closer to what Van Son’s UK technical consultant Ian Firmin calls “the holy grail: to maximise the stability and duct freshness while maximising the drying and rub resistance characteristics.”
The other main merits claimed by the manufacturer include: “intense colours, high gloss, sharp dot retention; excellent work and turn properties; reduced ink consumption on the press; infrared active for use with IR drying units; compatibility with UV varnish, aqueous coating, foil or lamination.”
The ink is manufactured to ISO 2846-1: 2006, which specifies the colour and transparency characteristics for each colour. This is a requirement for ISO 12647 on-press compliance.
When was it launched and what market is it aimed at?
Ultrachem launched the VS range into the UK in January, starting with VS1; VS3 was launched in March. Both are intended for commercial sheetfed printers of all sizes.
Ultrachem director Janet Brinton says: “It is becoming increasingly clear that printers want a high-performance ink that is suited for a wide range of substrates. VS3’s hard dry formulation helps a printer achieve very fast work and turn on a wide range of substrates including recycled and lightweight papers. So why use two or different ink series when one will do the job?”
Van Son’s website actually lists about 11 inks in its VS range, but the rest are only sold in the US. They address different requirements, some quite specialised. The VS1 and VS3 inks cover most types of offset work on most papers. They are CMYK only, but if you need spot colours then other makes can be run alongside them.
How does it differ from previous products?
Primarily in the new varnish/binder technology, which gives improved chemical drying and rub resistance.
What’s the USP?
“Enhanced chemical drying and rub resistance without compromising duct stability,” says Brinton. “It’s ISO 12647-2 compatible, duct fresh, with quick, controlled water pick-up to promote stable ink and water balance throughout the run, very good work-and-turn properties and enhanced chemical drying and rub resistance which enables fast post-print processing.”
How easy is it to use?
This is a medium-bodied ink with low tack, which means it is easy to handle, according to Brinton, adding that the “stable, predictable behaviour makes it user-friendly”.
The ink is supplied in either 2.5kg vacuum tins, 2kg cartridges or 200kg drums.
What technical support is on offer?
The distributor is Ultrachem, but UK based technical support is offered by Van Son.
What’s the price?
£14 per 2.5kg set (ie a set of four colours in 2.5kg tins). This is a guide price, dependent upon usage levels.
Has there been much take-up?
Yes, the worldwide announcement was in January and it has been shipping to UK printers since March.
SPECIFICATIONS
Colours available CMYK
Suitable papers Matt, coated, uncoated, recycled, LWC, label, board
Lightfastness 5 (Y & M), 8 (C & K)
Fountain solutions IPA and IPA substitutes
Manufacturing compliance ISO 2846-1
Print standard Suitable for ISO 12647
Containers 2.5kg vacuum tins, 2kg cartridges, 200kg drums
Price £14 per 2.5kg set of CMYK
Contact Ultrachem 0845 3051600 www.ultrachem.co.uk
ALTERNATIVES
Druckfarben Eco Perfecta Plus
A general-purpose sheetfed offset ink for use on a wide range of presses and substrates. Specs and performance claims are generally similar to VS3: vegetable oil basis, duct fresh, excellent run-ability, good ink transfer, excellent ink/water balance, high ink intensity, good abrasion resistance.
Colours available CMYK
Lightfastness 5 (Y & M), 8 (C & K)
Manufacturing compliance ISO 2846-1
Print standard Suitable for ISO 12647
Containers 2.5kg vacuum tins, 2kg cartridges, 200kg drums
Contact Druckfarben 01202 674133 www.druckfarben.co.uk
Flint Group K+E Novavit F 1000 Win Bio
This a duct-fresh, very fast setting ink series, based on renewable raw materials and new binder technology. Flint says it has intense colours, very high gloss, good rub resistance. it is compatible with a wide range of papers, including sensitive surfaces.
Colours available CMYK
Lightfastness 5 (Y & M), 8 (C & K)
Print standard suitable for ISO-12647
Contact Flint Group 0161 775 5412 www.flintgrp.com
Hubergroup !nkredible Resista
Hubergroup’s !nkredible range of inks was updated in June with improved formulations. All have duct fresh stay-open characteristics and are made from renewable raw materials. They are suited to matt-coated or uncoated stocks, with or without aqueous coating. Resista ink is said to be the closest equivalent to VS3, emphasising high gloss and high rub-resistance.
Colours available CMYK
Lightfastness 5 (Y & M), 8 (C & K)
Manufacturing compliance ISO 2846-1
Print standard Suitable for ISO 12647
Contact Hubergroup 0115 9860477 www.hubergroup.co.uk
USER REVIEW
“It has been very good, and we’ve found no problems. It stays duct fresh on the presses for up to a week. We use it on our Heidelbergs, a Speedmaster 52 and an older Printmaster, and a pair of Ryobis. Our pressroom can get very hot and our previous ink couldn’t be kept in the ducts for much more than a day”
Stuart King Production manager, Custom Print, Liverpool
