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What is Flexographic Printing Ink

Flexographic ink is a type of ink used in the flexographic printing process. It is a printing process that uses flexible relief plates made of rubber or plastic to transfer ink onto a substance, such as paper, cardboard, plastic, or foil for printing. Flexographic printing process is commonly used for packaging materials, labels, newspapers, and other items that require large quantities of prints.

What is Flexographic Ink

Flexographic ink is a type of printing ink that is specifically designed for use in the flexographic printing process. It is a liquid ink that is made up of various pigments, resins, solvents, and additives. The ink is applied to the printing plates made up of rubber or plastics, which are then mounted on a rotating cylinder. As the substrate passes through the press, the ink is transferred from the printing plates onto the substrate.

Flexographic ink, also known as flexo ink, is a specialized type of ink that is specifically designed for use in flexographic printing. These inks are available in a wide range of colors, including Pantone colors, and can be customized to meet specific printing requirements.

Composition of Flexographic Ink

The composition of flexographic ink is critical to its performance and the quality of the final print. It is a combination of various components that work together to produce vibrant, durable, and consistent prints. Let us take a closer look at the composition of flexographic ink and its functions.

Pigments: Pigments are the colorants used in flexographic inks. They are finely ground particles that give the ink its color and opacity. These pigments can be organic or inorganic, and their selection depends on the color and properties required for the final print. Organic pigments are more vibrant and have better color strength, while inorganic pigments offer better lightfastness and chemical resistance.

Binders: Binders are the film-forming agents in flexographic ink that hold the pigments together and adhere them to the substrate. They provide the necessary adhesion and durability to the print. Binders used in flexographic inks are typically resins such as acrylic, polyester, or polyurethane. These resins also play a vital role in determining the ink’s gloss, drying time, and water resistance.

Solvents: Solvents are the liquid carriers in flexographic inks that help to dissolve the binders and pigments. They also facilitate the transfer of the ink from the printing plate to the substrate. The most commonly used solvents in flexographic inks are alcohols, ketones, and esters. The choice of solvent depends on the type of ink and the substrate being printed.

Additives: Additives are the minor components in flexographic ink that improve its performance and properties. They are added in small quantities and have specific functions such as controlling the ink’s viscosity, improving its flow, and enhancing its drying time. These additives can also provide anti-foaming, anti-blocking, or anti-skinning properties to the ink. Some commonly used additives in flexographic ink are defoamers, anti-oxidants, and wetting agents.

In addition to these primary components, flexographic inks may also contain other ingredients such as dyes, extenders, and resins, depending on the specific requirements of the printing job.

The composition of flexographic ink varies depending on the type of substrate being printed. Inks used for printing on non-porous substrates such as plastic films or metal foils require a higher concentration of solvents to ensure proper drying and adhesion. On the other hand, inks used for printing on porous substrates like paper or cardboard may contain more binders to prevent the ink from being absorbed into the substrate.

Chemicoat Inks is a leading manufacturer of flexographic printing inks that are specifically designed to meet the needs and demands of the fast-paced and ever-evolving printing industry. Our flexographic inks are known for their vibrant colors, excellent print quality, and long-lasting durability. This makes them the preferred choice of printers and converters across the globe. Contact us today and let us help you take your printing to the next level.