Use of water-based ink additives

1. pH Stabilizers As we all know, pH is important for the stability of the water-based ink, so the printing plant should first be equipped with a pH stabilizer. The pH stabilizer can supplement amines and water that are volatilized from the ink transfer system during the printing process, helping to stabilize the viscosity of the ink and ensuring print quality. According to the different substrates, pH stabilizers are divided into ordinary type and thin film type. Special pH stabilizers are used when printing fine mesh cables. The usage of the general pH stabilizer is to add 1~2% of the total ink volume every 30~40 minutes, or stir the stabilizer into the circulating ink pump.

2. Defoamers are generally added with proper defoamer to the ink before starting printing to prevent the ink from foaming, and an appropriate amount of defoamer may be added during the printing process if necessary. The amount of defoamer does not exceed 0.5 to 1% of the total ink volume at a time.

3. Fast-drying, slow-drying agent can be added to the ink according to the actual printing speed of the printing press, and the drying speed of the water-based ink is changed appropriately to obtain a satisfactory printing effect. Its amount is 1~2% of the total amount of ink.

4. Withdrawal agent Under the premise of constant pH and viscosity, adding a lighter can reduce the color concentration of certain inks. Its amount should be determined according to the specific circumstances.

5. Diluent The addition of a diluent to the ink reduces the viscosity of the thickened water-based ink without affecting the pH. The amount used must not exceed 5% of the total amount of ink.

6. Enhancer The enhancer can enhance the adhesion of the printing ink or bright oil to the printing material, and the amount thereof is generally 1 to 2% of the total ink amount.

Reprinted from: Packaging and Printing Network