Suppliers of Energy Curable Inks

The Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) has interest in, and is seeking to identify suppliers of Energy Curable Intaglio and/or Letterpress Inks. Energy curable inks include those designed to cure solely using Ultraviolet (UV) light or Electron beam (EB). In addition hybrid inks are being considered. For this notice a hybrid ink is one that contains both UV curable components and components that cure through oxidation. The ink should comply with environmental regulations in Fort Worth, Texas and Washington DC. In addition, inks compatible with cotton linen substrates are preferred. Responses to this notice should include the following: 1. Technical/Product Information to minimally include a. Viscosity b. Yield Value c. Tack d. Shelf Life e. Range of Typical Ink Film Heights (i.e. maximum, minimum, average in micrometers) 2. Range of colors available 3. Cured print of the energy cured ink 4. A Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for the product 5. Minimum order quantity 6. Vendor's technical and administrative points of contact, including names, titles, addresses, telephone and fax numbers, and e-mail addresses For UV curable, and UV curable hybrid inks 7. The applicable wavelength, or wavelength range for ink curing A current SDS should be included for review by the BEP to determine if the ink can be used at BEP facilities. If approved for BEP use, a sample of the ink may be requested. In addition, vendors may be contacted if clarification is needed.