Posted in

Can the same printing equipment be used for water based flexo ink and other inks?

by gail•

Can the same printing equipment be used for water based flexo ink and other inks?

As a supplier of water based flexo ink, I often get asked whether the same printing equipment can be used for water based flexo ink and other inks. This is a crucial question for many printing businesses, as the answer can have significant implications for their operations, costs, and product quality. Water Based Flexo Ink

Let’s first understand the characteristics of water based flexo ink. Water based flexo inks are environmentally friendly, as they have low volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions. They are made with water as the main solvent, which makes them safer for the environment and the operators. These inks are also known for their quick drying time, which is essential for high – speed printing processes. They offer good adhesion to a variety of substrates, including paper, cardboard, and some plastics.

On the other hand, there are different types of inks in the market, such as solvent – based inks and UV – curable inks. Solvent – based inks have been widely used in the printing industry for a long time. They have excellent solubility and can provide high – quality prints with good color saturation. However, they contain a large amount of VOCs, which are harmful to the environment and human health. UV – curable inks, as the name suggests, are cured by ultraviolet light. They offer fast curing, high gloss, and good abrasion resistance.

Now, let’s discuss whether the same printing equipment can be used for water based flexo ink and other inks.

Compatibility of Printing Equipment

  1. Printing Presses
    Most modern flexographic printing presses can be used with water based flexo inks. These presses are designed to handle different types of inks to some extent. However, there are some factors to consider. For example, the ink delivery system needs to be adjusted. Water based flexo inks have different viscosity and surface tension compared to solvent – based inks. The anilox rolls, which are responsible for transferring the ink to the printing plate, need to be properly selected and maintained. If the anilox roll is not suitable for water based inks, it may lead to uneven ink transfer, resulting in poor print quality.

When switching from solvent – based inks to water based flexo inks, the printing press needs to be thoroughly cleaned. Solvent – based inks can leave residues in the ink channels, anilox rolls, and other parts of the press. If these residues are not removed, they can contaminate the water based inks and affect the print quality. Special cleaning agents are often required to ensure a complete clean.

  1. Drying Systems
    The drying system is another important aspect. Water based flexo inks dry through evaporation of water. Therefore, the drying system in the printing press needs to be able to provide sufficient heat and air circulation to ensure fast and efficient drying. In contrast, UV – curable inks require a UV lamp system for curing. If the printing equipment is used for both water based flexo inks and UV – curable inks, the drying system needs to be adjustable or have the ability to switch between different modes.

  2. Printing Plates
    The printing plates also play a role in the compatibility of different inks. Water based flexo inks are generally compatible with most flexographic printing plates. However, some older or low – quality plates may not work well with water based inks. The surface of the plate needs to have good wetting properties to ensure proper ink transfer. When using different inks, the plate may need to be treated or replaced to achieve the best print results.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Using the Same Equipment

  1. Advantages
    • Cost – effectiveness: Using the same printing equipment for different inks can reduce the capital investment. There is no need to purchase separate equipment for each type of ink, which can save a significant amount of money for printing businesses.
    • Flexibility: It allows printing companies to offer a wider range of printing services. They can switch between different inks depending on the customer’s requirements, substrate type, and environmental regulations.
  2. Disadvantages
    • Contamination Risk: As mentioned earlier, there is a risk of ink contamination when using the same equipment for different inks. Residues from one type of ink can affect the performance and quality of the other ink. This requires strict cleaning procedures between ink changes, which can be time – consuming and may increase the operating cost.
    • Performance Compromise: Different inks have different properties, and the printing equipment may not be optimized for all types of inks. For example, a printing press that is optimized for solvent – based inks may not achieve the best results when using water based flexo inks. This can lead to lower print quality, longer drying times, or other issues.

Best Practices for Using the Same Equipment

  1. Proper Cleaning
    As I emphasized earlier, thorough cleaning is essential when switching between different inks. Use appropriate cleaning agents and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Make sure to clean all parts of the printing equipment, including the ink channels, anilox rolls, printing plates, and doctor blades.
  2. Equipment Adjustment
    Adjust the printing equipment according to the properties of the ink. This includes adjusting the ink flow, pressure, and drying settings. For example, when using water based flexo inks, increase the drying temperature and air circulation to ensure fast drying.
  3. Testing
    Before starting a large – scale printing job, conduct small – scale tests. Print a sample using the new ink and check the print quality, color accuracy, and drying time. Make any necessary adjustments based on the test results.

In conclusion, while it is possible to use the same printing equipment for water based flexo ink and other inks, it requires careful consideration and proper management. Printing businesses need to weigh the advantages and disadvantages and follow the best practices to ensure high – quality prints and efficient operations.

Dispersing Agent for Waterborne Emulsion Paint If you are interested in water based flexo inks or have any questions about using different inks on your printing equipment, feel free to contact us. We are more than happy to discuss your specific needs and provide you with the best solutions.

References

  • "Flexographic Printing Technology" by John W. Wilson
  • "Ink Technology Handbook" edited by Charles M. Hansen
  • Industry reports on printing ink and equipment compatibility.

Shanghai Golden Success Chemical Co., Ltd
We’re well-known as one of the leading water based flexo ink manufacturers and suppliers in China. Please feel free to buy cheap water based flexo ink for sale here and get free sample from our factory. For price consultation, contact us.
Address: Floor 3, No.16 Building,No.1555 West JinShaJiang Rd, Jiading District, Shanghai 201803, China
E-mail: carreyyang@gsdefoamer.com
WebSite: https://www.gsdefoamer.com/