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FLEXOGRAPHIC INK

Various flexo printing inks are meticulously formulated to complement different image carriers and substrates.

The selection of ink involves a scientific approach tailored to your specific needs. Various flexo printing inks are meticulously formulated to complement different image carriers and substrates.

Several factors come into play:

  • Surface tension is paramount. Inks tend to migrate towards higher dyne levels. Optimizing surface tension ensures maximum ink transfer to the substrate, facilitating thorough and uniform coverage.
  • Chemical compatibility is crucial to avoid adverse reactions between ink components and substrates, ensuring quality results.
  • Final product application dictates ink properties, ensuring that the ink performs optimally for its intended purpose.
  • Print speed requirements influence ink formulation to maintain print quality and efficiency during high-speed printing processes.
  • Regulatory compliance ensures that the ink meets safety and environmental standards, adhering to legal requirements.

These considerations, among others, guide the selection and formulation of the ideal ink for your printing needs.

Common Types of Flexographic Inks

WATER BASED

  • Primarily consisting of water and pigment, supplemented with various additives such as defoamers and agents to facilitate drying and adhesion.
  • Typically characterized by the highest surface tension among all ink variants.
  • Suitable for application on various elastomer types, with a preference for natural blends.
  • Prevalent choice within the corrugated packaging sector.

SOLVENT BASED

  • Primarily crafted from alcohols, acetates, and pigments, with typical ratios starting at 80-90% alcohols and 10-20% acetates.
  • Characterized by significantly lower surface tensions compared to water-based alternatives.
  • Recommended for use with EPDM elastomer.
  • Frequently utilized in the production of plastic shopping bags and industrial films.

ULTRAVIOLET (UV) AND ELECTRON BEAM (EB)

  • Consists of prepolymers, monomers, photoinitiators, and pigments.
  • Cures and bonds upon exposure to UV light or electron beam.
  • Exhibits higher viscosity.
  • EPDM elastomer is often preferred for its ozone resistance.
  • Commonly used in outer-wrap food packaging applications.

OIL BASED

  • Consisting of hydrocarbons, pigments, and occasionally soy oil
  • Contains harsh solvents like naphtha and hexane in the blend
  • May include mineral oil
  • Recommended elastomer: Buna/nitrile
  • Favored within the publication printing sector

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