Common Questions
Find answers to frequently asked questions about Liquid Lens Doming, our Advanced2 polyurethane resin, and how our solutions can improve your products.
How do you make domed labels?
Domed labels are made in three stages:
- Print your images on sheets or rolls of self-adhesive label material.
- Use a vinyl cutter to cut around each image.
- Apply the liquid polyurethane resin to create a dome
After curing, the resin creates a smooth, protective dome.
You can learn more about the process, and the equipment you need, in our documentation.
What is Liquid Lens polyurethane resin?
Liquid Lens resin is a high quality 2 part 1:1 ratio polyurethane resin for doming applications developed exclusively by Liquid Lens.
The Liquid Lens doming process can be applied to many different non-porous materials to produce a high-value 3D crystal clear dome. Supplied in cartridges for use with doming machines or manual applicators.
What are the key features of Liquid Lens polyurethane resin?
There are many significant features and benefits to Liquid Lens™ Doming such as:
- It is highly compatible with most print processes, particularly inkjet
- It is true glass clear
- It has excellent flow characteristics and contact angles
- It is UV resistant meaning it will not yellow when exposed to sunlight.
- It is waterproof and will protect surfaces when exposed to severe weathering
- Cure times have been greatly reduced allowing labels to be ready quicker
- The formulation is hydrophobic and actively repels moisture
- Our 50ml, 200ml and 400ml cartridges can be partially used and re-sealed
- We guarantee 12 months shelf life on sealed cartridge packs
- The process is very reliable for keeping wastage to a minimum
- Our formula is mercury free and has been for years, which is safer for your operator whilst catalysing is taking place.
What is the curing time for Liquid Lens polyurethane resin?
At optimum room temperature and humidity (21°C @ 35% RH), the full cure time of the material is 24 hours. It will be touch dry in 4-6 hours, allowing you to remove labels and apply them to your product.
The curing time can be reduced to 2-4 hours inside a Liquid Lens Quality Control Unit, or 90 minutes in a Liquid Lens Curing Oven at 40°C.
Does the Liquid Lens Advanced2 resin cartridge have a shelf life?
Due to the high level of UV stability in the product, and our new vacuum sealed packaging, the shelf life of an unopened Liquid Lens resin cartridge is guaranteed for 12 months from the date of manufacture.
What are Liquid Lens resins environmental and durability properties?
Liquid Lens™ resin has undergone many stringent testing procedures by users to determine its durability. It has proved itself to have excellent long term UV resistance to yellowing as well as outdoor weathering.
How do I calculate the amount of resin I need?
The standard calculation is that 1ml of resin covers a surface area of a label measuring approximately 25 x 25mm. For example, a label measuring 75 x 25mm would typically consume 3ml of material.
Why doesn’t it run over the edge?
Liquid Lens resin has been developed to have a relatively high surface tension so that when it finds a sharp edge it will cling to and hold itself in a dome shape until it has gone through its curing process and is no longer fluid.
Although it can do this, there is still a maximum volume that can be applied to the shape before the weight of the resin becomes too much for the surface tension to hold, allowing the resin to overspill. We recommend around two-thirds coverage and then allowing the resin to spread naturally to the edge.
Any excess can be carefully removed using our doming repair tool, which helps restore the decal edge. With proper attention, the number of wasted domes is typically less than 1% of total production.
How high can I make the resin dome?
Depending on the shape, size and surface finish of the decal it is possible to dome very high (3mm) or very low (1mm).
What type of print process can I use?
- Ink jet – aqueous, solvent, eco-solvent and UV
- Thermal resin
- Latex
- Screen
- Litho
While a variety of print processes are compatible with doming, it’s important to note that some inks, such as UV ink, may not allow the resin to flow as smoothly. Our experienced team will be happy to advise you on the ideal print process for your application, whether it’s a system we can supply or one that you already have.
What type of materials can I use?
The doming process can be applied to many different Non-Porous materials such as:
- Ink Jet Media
- Polyester & Polypropylene Film
- Pre-cut Vinyl
- Engraving Laminates
- Aluminium
- Brass
- Magnets
- Stone, Marble, Granite
The most common type of material used by our customers is a specially coated inkjet polyester film, manufactured for doming and supplied by Liquid Lens.
To what shapes and sizes can I apply the Resin?
Virtually any shape and size providing there are no sharp corners, which can be time-consuming to apply or spill over the edges. Circles, ovals, squares and rectangles with rounded corners are ideal shapes for the process. Once the correct volume of resin has been determined for a label, it can normally be applied in one shot by manual or automated dispensing machines and will flow to the edge and stop.
Can’t find the answer you’re looking for? Please contact us, and we’ll be happy to assist you.
Updated 5 days ago