Printing inks

Types Of Printing Inks

Printing ink is an essential material in the printing industry, no matter the technique in use. There are a variety of this printing product, and the choice will depend on the desired print effect, texture, or material.

• Letterpress printing ink

  It is one of the oldest types of printing ink, originally from movable type printing. Today's letterpress inks are so thick and consist of opaque pigments, which makes them ideal for producing clear and deep impressions on the paper. Therefore, these inks are commonly used on paper materials, especially when heavy in the atmosphere.

• Flexographic printing ink

  The printed inks are liquid and use flexible printing plates. Hence, flexographic ink is fast-drying and can be used on various surfaces like plastics, metal, and paper. The ink is mainly used in high-speed printing tasks like packaging.

• Gravure printing ink

  Gravure printing inks are designed for deep engraving plates used in this printing technique. This ink type tends to be quite fluid so that it can easily fill the recessed areas of the plate. Gravure inks are mainly used in large production runs because of their efficiency in color and coverage.

• Screen printing ink

  Inevitably, this ink is used for the most popular printing ink. Instead of the variety in formulation, the ink used in this printing technique is thick. These inks are often used for garments, signs, and other surfaces, as the ink can be adjusted for texture and opacity.

• Offset printing ink

  Offset printing inks are well-known for their compatibility with lithographic plates. Offset inks contain balanced viscosity, allowing the ink to transfer smoothly to the paper without forming lumps on the plate. As such, they are widely used in books, magazines, and other prints where high quality is essential.

Shipping And Handling For Printing Ink

This section will focus on how to ship and handle various printer inks efficiently.

• Proper packaging

  The packing of printing inks should be in solid containers that are not breakable, such as plastic or metal cans. The containers should go further into secondary packing, cushion the ink packs, and prevent them from spilling if they break. It is also important to consider the climate and have safe packaging for the ink, especially in extreme temperature conditions.

• Labeling and documentation

  Inks can be harmful to the environment, and there are strict regulations on shipping such products. Always ensure accurate and complete documentation of the ink's safety data sheets are included. In addition, labeling the packages with proper hazardous material labels ensures that the packages are handled appropriately.

• Ink cartridges

  Ink cartridges usually have different shipping methods depending on their packing. Some manufacturers place the cartridge in a small box with a padded envelope inside to provide extra protection. During shipping, the boxes with cartridges should also be labeled so the carriers understand that the contents are fragile. In addition, ideal carriers are selected to ensure that they offer protection for their products and timely delivery service.

• Temperature control

  All printing inks are susceptible to changes in temperature, which affect the quality of the ink. For instance, extreme cold may cause the ink to thicken in a way that is hard to use, while excessive heat leads to the ink drying too fast, which is not ideal. Shippers should use temperature-regulated containers to ensure the ink is shipped under an ideal temperature environment.

• Ink in cartridges

  Like other printing inks, inks in cartridges are sensitive and need to be handled with care during shipping. They should be kept upright during transport so as not to interfere with the ink flow. They need to be insulated in temperature-maintaining containers during extreme weather conditions.

Features Of Printable Inks

Here are some common types of ink used in the printers.

• Offset printing ink

  Offset inks are lithography inks for oil-based inks because of their unique balance of oil and pigment to bind and slip on paper. A good offset ink dries by absorption into the paper and forms permanent images in vibrant colors. These inks are perfect for catalog printing and book, where quality and clarity are of the essence.

• Screen printing ink

  The ink used in simple and popular printings is thicker than normal, and many have opaque pigments that make the ink ideal for printing on a variety of surfaces. The inks are suitable for fabrics because they contain additives that increase washability. They are also available in different finishes: matte, glossy, and textured.

• Flexographic printing ink

  Flexographic inks are quick-drying and thin in formula, making them particularly suitable for line work and printing on thin materials such as plastic films. An important flexographic ink characteristic is its versatility. It is suited for both water and solvent-based inks, catering to different printing surfaces in the process.

• Gravure printing ink

  This ink for rotogravure printing is liquid and generally consists of solvent-based inks suitable for substrates with low energy surfaces, such as films and foils. Pigments are used for excellent color concentration, and gravure inks provide a thin and even coating that is ideal for flexible packaging and other industrial uses.

• Letterpress ink

  Letterpress inks are thick and contain high-opacity pigments, which were originally developed for this ancient printing style. Letterpress inks are usually offset lithographic inks because they have finer oil, which enables them to print on any smooth sheet. This makes them suitable for printing business cards, stationery, and invitations, which require a flush appearance with an impression.

How To Choose Commercial Printing Ink

When selecting the ideal commercial printing inks, it is important to take into consideration these factors.

• Ink type

  In the market, there are many ink types: lithographic, flexo, gravure, and screen printing, to name a few. They are formulated regarding the printing method to improve the quality and efficiency of the work. Know the kind of ink suitable for the printing method so that the right ink is selected.

• Substrate and surface

  Printing substrates encompass paper, plastic, metal, and fabric. Each substrate comes with its unique characteristics: porosity, surface texture, and absorption. Therefore, the ink must bond to the substrate, ensuring fine-quality images. Some inks are versatile; others are formulated for specific surfaces.

• Color fidelity and opacity

  In commercial printing, there is demand for color consistency from one batch to the other. This is particularly the case when printing many business materials, for instance. High-opacity inks provide excellent color coverage and avoid transparency, even on textured substrates. Fidelity is crucial for brand recognition.

• Drying time

  Most of the time, the drying time of commercial printing inks must be balanced because fast-drying inks prevent smudging and set-off. On the other hand, slow-drying inks allow manipulation during printing, and that is ideal. The printing process demands determine the required drying time: speed and volume.

• Environmental impact

  With sustainability in mind, several ink options have been developed, such as inks containing low VOCs and eco-solvent or vegetable-based inks. Such environmentally friendly options reduce adverse effects and comply with regulatory standards in eco-friendly jurisdictions.

• Cost vs. performance

  Usually, price premium inks perform better in terms of color accuracy, density, and compatibility with various substrates. They also require fewer resources during printing. However, economically viable inks may increase long-term operating costs due to reprints and inefficient runs.

Q and A

h3>Q1: What makes a difference between solvent and water-based printing ink?

A1: Solvent-based printing inks are more reliable. They bond with the substrate in an inseparable manner. Water-based inks are fun to work with; they are affordable and eco-friendly.

h3>Q2: How are printing inks made? Are they safe for the environment?

A2: Making printing inks involves mixing pigments or dyes with a binder and solvents. Occasionally, manufacturers add some chemicals to make the inks more feasible. Some inks consist of natural products, while others have chemicals and toxins.

h3>Q3: Do the inks used in offset printing lithographic have different compositions from those used in letterpress printing?

A3: Yes, litho inks have a special low-viscosity oil that makes them slide across plates easily. Letterpress Inks are thicker because the printing requires an impression.

h3>Q4: Are there environmentally sustainable inks for commercial printing?

A4: New ink versions are of green materials, such as vegetable-based inks containing low VOCs, are used to produce them for environmentally friendly concerns.