Posted by admin in Flexography for printing ink is the process that is widely used in printing on packaging materials such as cartons, corrugated containers, paper and plastic bags, food containers, newspapers, and catalogs. This method of printing continues to be popular because of the simplicity and eco-friendliness.
The early form of flexography used aniline dye ink, but eventually was eliminated from use due to the presence toxic ingredients especially from food packaging. Also they were not chemically treated which ultimately led to smearing of the print by the printing machines. Newer methods were evolved and perfected the use of aniline inks. The newer ink dried quicker and helped increase the production speed of printing.
Types of Flexography Ink
There are three main types of ink that are used in flexography. They are water-based, solvent-based and UV-curable flexography inks. The type of printing surface (substrate) decides which type of flexography ink should be used. Each type of ink has its own attributes and benefits. The printer decides the ink on the basis of factors such as cost, speed and packaging use.
The solvent based inks used in flexographic printing were slowly replaced by the water-based inks. Most of the printing presses were able to easily adapt to water-based inks, and also allow printers to recycle the ink for further use. Flexo inks continually try to adapt the printing quality on the packaging materials. To achieve success, it takes a collaborative effort among printers, inks manufacturers, substrate manufacturers and clients.
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