Things to know about offset ink

19/09/2019

Ink is a compound made of pigment particles that are well mixed in conductors or binders. Conductors loosen the ink and distribute it to the ink infusion batches on the printer, and then rub the print surface evenly. In offset printing technology, offset printing ink includes many types with specific characteristics.

When printing on different surfaces, inks are coordinated with specific formulas that the operating technicians must grasp to adjust the printer, ink and printing materials accordingly.

Offset ink has many types with different formulas and properties

Differences in the formula and properties of offset printing ink stem from the properties of the printing materials and surfaces. Besides, in printing technology, the use of printers with different characteristics such as roll printing or leaflet printing also determines the use of printing inks. Therefore, offset printing ink created with different characteristics and formulas to suit the conditions of use is also evident.

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The ink must match the new paper for the best quality

The “every Jack has his Jill” is a saying that is always true in any field, and printing field is no exception. Consistency is always a leading factor in success.

In fact, most offset ink can be used together, but the printer must adjust the ink to suit each type of printing paper. There are special inks that can only be used for label printing, brochures, calendar printing, namecard printing, paper bag printing and many other purposes. In particular, these ink components can vary in transparency, heat resistance, light fastness, chemical resistance and detergents.

The ink must match the new paper for the best quality. Printing units must work with the ink manufacturer to get the most appropriate ink and carefully select the types of materials used in production.

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What makes offset printing ink dries in packaging printing

The main cause of drying problem is the use of unsuitable ink, using too much water or acid in a humidifier.

Typically, offset ink is often dried by oxidation and polymerization. To speed up the drying process of printing ink, it is common to add drying oils, turpentine and solvents to accelerate the selective absorption, oxidation and polymerization process. Additives are useful for printing on chalked papers and high-quality papers. Besides, there are dry ink by heating method due to the evaporation of solvents.

All offset printing inks must work with a certain moisture content due to contact with water

Moisturizing water is always mixed with ink to some extent during printing but the ink must not be contaminated with too much water. Emulsified ink will easily move into the water trough and make the surface of the printed sheet dirty and covered with a thin layer of ink. To solve this problem, packaging printing manufacturers have to choose the right binders and pigment particles, and adjust the ink to meet these needs.

Problems in ink production and offset printing are almost impossible to identify. Therefore, offset printer operators who always have ink problems should have the right knowledge, experience and accurate judgment to be able to quickly resolve these problems.

Khang Thanh - The packaging manufacturer in Vietnam specializes in producing paper bags, carton box, carton offset, labels, hangtag, books, calendar, POSM and so on. Contact us to support your brand with the right packaging:

KHANG THANH - HOUSE OF PACKAGING
Tel: (+84) 77 8878 222
Email: info@khangthanh.com