PTF (Polymer Thick Film) screen defined thermoplastic inks can be used for a number of applications. 26-8203 is the standard product and XZ351 is a slower drying, lower resistance version of 26-8203. XZ351 will stay open on the users screen for a longer period.
Coates carbon inks are typically used in the fabrication of flexible circuits and membrane keypads. They can be used for printing circuit tracks; crossovers between existing tracks (over a dielectric layer) and membrane touch keypads.
Typical surface Resistivity at a dry film print thickness of 15µm are:
XZ351
=30 O/sq
26-8203
=70 O/sq
*It should be noted that by altering the print thickness of the ink the resistance value could be changed.
The carbon inks may also be blended with Silver ink XZ250 to produce intermediate resistance values.
26-8203 and XZ351 are suitable for application onto a wide variety of substrates, including untreated and treated polyesters, which are commonly used for membrane switch assemblies. Treated polyester is particularly recommended to ensure good adhesion of subsequent inks such as UV dielectrics and graphic inks. XZ351 can also be used on other heat sensitive substrates such as PVC and ABS. Both the carbon inks dry to produce a tough, flexible deposit. The dried print is sensitive to heat and certain solvents (such as ketones). Some users have also found a small degree of surface lift-off when tape testing 26-8203 (this is a cosmetic issue, having little impact on the resistance value). It should be noted that as with most conductive inks the circuits produced with carbon inks are not solderable.