TECHNICAL DATA SHEET

VARIABLE RESISTIVE INKS (VRI)

DESCRIPTION

The VRI product line is
composed of several
inks having different
precision resistance
values so custom
blending for
intermediate
resistance values can
be done on press. VRI
inks have exceptional
mechanical abrasion
resistance and are
stable at high
temperatures &
humidity.
 Electrically conductive ink designed for screen printing on substrates
such as FR-4, FR-3; Ceramic, CEM-1, CEM-3, and other inorganic and
organic material used for printed circuit assemblies. These inks have
excellent flexibility to allow
for printing on thin polymer substrates as well.
 Extremely tough, one-component materials that exhibit outstanding
abrasion resistance as well as high temperature stability, and resistance
to humidity and solvents
 Printed patterns with VRI inks can be trimmed using mechanical
abrasion or lasers to maintain 1% electrical resistance linearity on
substrates.
 VRI inks can be used to replace surface mount discrete component
resistors.
TYPICAL APPLICATIONS
 potentiometers
 rheostats
 linear actuators
 wherever stable electrical resistance at higher temperature and
humidity exposure is required.

TYPICAL PROPERTIES

Appearance Black paste

Viscosity
Brookfield DV-III SC4-14 spindle, 2sec-1 20,000 – 80,000 cps
Drying Time 10 minutes at 130°C (see cure time below)
Curing Time 30 minutes at 200°C
Density Varies by product
Theoretical Coverage 130 to 300 cm2/gram, depending on blend
Shelf Life (25°C) 6 months in unopened container (50C suggested)
Total % NV Solids varies depending on blend
Hegman Gauge <20 µ
Solder Reflow Resistance Change No More than 5% (250°C, 8 sec.)
Thermal Aging Resistance Change No More than 5% (125°C, 1000 hrs.)
 VARIABLE RESISTIVE INKS (VRI)

Guidelines are
intended to VRI SELECTION GUIDE BY RESISTIVITY VALUES
provide a starting
Product # Ω/sq. @ 0.6-0.7 mil Ω/sq./mil
point for
evaluation. VRI-100 90 - 110 54 - 77
Conductive VRI-1K 900 - 1100 540 - 770
Compounds, Inc. VRI-10K 9K - 11K 5.4K - 7.7K
recognizes that VRI-100K 90K - 110K 54K - 77K
each customer’s VRI-MB Binder (for let down adjustments only) N/A
manufacturing
process is unique,
and we are Before Use
available to Always mix ink thoroughly before using or blending, and after blending. Blend only enough ink for
provide technical immediate use. Resistive values of unused ink may drift over time.
assistance to
resolve your
Drying & Curing
processing issues.
It is essential that all residual solvent be removed from the ink once it is applied. Incomplete drying may
Call us to discuss
cause poor or unexpected performance. Ink must see a temperature of ≥ 195 °C until all crosslinking has
your application in occurred. To test for full cure, repeat the cure step and recheck resistance. Resistance should not change
more detail. by more than 5%. Repeat as many times as necessary until processing times are established.

The properties are

accurate to the best
Thinning & Cleanup
of our knowledge Carbitol acetate or butyl carbitol solvent is recommended. MEK may also be used for cleanup. If solvent
based inks are left on screens for any length of time, the ink will gradually thicken as solvent evaporates.
and Conductive If ink is to be left on an inactive press for any length of time, solvent evaporation can be minimized by
Compounds, Inc. pooling the ink into a small area instead of leaving it spread out over a large area. Pooling the ink
makes no reduces the surface area, thus slowing the drying process. Always check the viscosity of ink that has
been recovered from a screen and add small amounts of solvent while mixing thoroughly to restore
guarantees for viscosity. Solvent can be added to reclaim thickened ink as long as the ink has not dried and hardened
customer completely.
specifications
established in
applications where Screening
this product is Recommendation is to work in the range of a monofilament 196 polyester or a 200 stainless mesh with
used. Customer an emulsion thickness of 1.5 mils indirect or 0.5 mil direct. A polyurethane squeegee with a Shore ‘A’
assumes durometer between 60 and 70 is recommended.
responsibility for
determining fitness Health & Safety
of use in their Products manufactured by Conductive Compounds, Inc. are intended for use in an industrial
particular environment by trained personnel. Please follow proper health and safety processes regarding storage,
handling and processing of the products.
application.

Revised 5/21/15 Rev. C