These lead-free enamels are recommended for decoration of soda-lime glass packaging, more particularly multi-trip returnable bottles. They are the most durable of the lead-free systems we offer for packaging.
Chemical Composition
Colors in this System do not contain voluntary additions of heavy metals – Pb, Cd, Hg and CrVI.
Exceptions are the cadmium-containing green, yellow, reds and oranges (marked * below) which need to use cadmium pigments, to provide the color tones required by the market.
However, for glass decorated with these Cd colors over a relative small area, the heavy metal content of the article is in compliance with the total amounts specified under EU Packaging Directive 94/62/EC.
Intermixable Color Range
|
COLOR |
REFERENCE |
|
GREEN |
VNR 1400 |
|
MID-GREEN |
VNR 1402 |
|
BLUE |
VNR 2400 |
|
COBALT BLUE |
VNR 2403 |
|
LIGHT YELLOW |
VNR 3433 |
|
DARK YELLOW |
VNR 3430 |
|
BLACK |
VNR 4400 |
|
DARK BROWN |
VNR 6401 |
|
DARK RED |
VNR 7401 * |
|
ORANGE |
VNR 7402 * |
|
INTENSE WHITE |
VNR 9420 |
|
SILVER METALLIC |
VNR 5401 |
|
GOLD METALLIC |
VNR 3405 |
|
BRONZE METALLIC |
VNR 1406 |
|
AcE IMITATION ETCH |
VNR 9308 |
|
TRANSPARENT FLUX |
VNR 843 |
These colors are intermixable. We recommend performing preliminary tests before launching production with color mixtures from this System, especially for combinations of red or yellow cadmium-containing colors (marked *) with any other colors.
Colors from different Systems should not be mixed.
Our technical service teams also offer a full custom-color matching service.
Expansion Coefficient (C.o.E.)
Avg. C.o.E. measured on the basic frit System is 87 (± 4).10-7K-1. This system is suitable for most chemical compositions used in the production of soda-lime glass bottles.
For decorated bottles that have to withstand strong internal pressures or significant mechanical forces, it is recommended to perform preliminary trials, such as bursting pressure tests, to ensure compliance with the required standards.
Recommended Firing Conditions
From 630oC to 650oC (1165-1180oF) in a cycle of 1hr-1.5hrs or more, dependant on both the type of furnace and the volume of ware fired. We recommend an oxidizing atmosphere to give optimal fired appearance and brightness. It is essential to maintain good ventilation, and an efficient extraction of the combustion gases and the products resulting from decomposition of the medium.