The most common problems encountered in screen printing ink
The most common problems encountered in screen printing ink
One of the most common questions we encounter in screen printing inks is "What is the difference between traditional heat-set inks and water-based inks and screen printing silicone inks? What are the advantages of performance? How should I choose?
Analyze the main differences between these three inks:
Water-based ink: water-soluble resin Water-soluble resin or water-dispersible resin is the binder of water-based ink, which has a great influence on the viscosity, adhesion, gloss, drying and printing adaptability of the ink. Water-based ink is a water-based printing ink made by mixing water-based polymer emulsions, organic pigments, resins, surfactants and related additives through chemical processes and physics. Because it uses water to replace traditional inks, it accounts for 30% to 70%. Toxic organic solvents, so that the ink no longer contains volatile organic solvents, so there is no adverse effect on the health of workers during the printing process, and there is no pollution to the atmospheric environment. It also eliminates the hidden dangers of flammability and explosion in the workplace, and improves security.
Pyrosetting ink: Pyrosetting ink is also called plastic ink, or self-adhesive ink. It contains ingredients: mainly composed of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and phthalates, PVC and phthalates, color fixing agent, stabilizer, thickener are mixed to form a thermosetting ink.
Silicone ink: Silicone low-temperature printing ink is based on the halogen content standard requirements of the environmental quality management system, and adopts low-temperature vulcanization technology. It is a two-component ink suitable for surface decoration protection in various fields; suitable for silk screen printing, pad printing or dot printing craft.
Two-component liquid silicone (A:B=100:2-5), high environmental protection (food-grade standard), in line with international famous brands such as NIKE, ADIDAS, and Japan, Europe, and the United States for human health and environmental protection double standards.
The properties of the three inks
Water-based ink: soft to the touch, strong covering power, non-sticky, good elasticity, etc.
Pyrosetting ink: low temperature, strong adhesion, strong washing conditions, stable performance, etc.
Silicone ink: soft to the touch, environmentally friendly (food-grade standard), strong adhesion, strong washing conditions, strong fluidity, excellent flatness, and super elasticity.
Example:
Silkscreen printing of the three ink finishes on stretch tarps
Water-based ink: In the waterproof cloth, because the fabric is relatively smooth, the adhesion and elasticity of the water-based ink on the cloth are moderate.
Pyrosetting ink: the coverage is not as good as water-based ink printing, and there are restrictions on elastic fabrics.
Silicone ink: It can solve the problems of cloth adhesion and elasticity, and can meet various effects and performances.
Note: Especially for printing on elastic fabrics, water and thermosetting inks will crack the ink during the pulling process, and the resilience will cause the fabric to wrinkle, etc. However, silicone ink can achieve more than 10 times the elasticity of the elasticity, and will not have any effect on the fabric or printing.
Silicone inks are a popular choice for textile screen printing and offer several advantages over other types of inks. Here are some advantages of silicone fluids for textile screen printing:
High Covering Power and Hiding Power: Silicone ink has strong hiding power, you can achieve good hiding power with a thin layer of ink. This reduces ink consumption and helps save costs.
Soft to the touch: Silicone inks create soft, flexible and durable prints that are comfortable to wear on textiles. The ink has a rubber-like texture that stretches and moves with the fabric, making it ideal for printing on garments that require flexibility.
High Elasticity: S silicone inks are highly elastic, making them ideal for printing on spandex and elastic sports fabrics. The ink stretches and moves with the fabric without cracking or peeling.
Low curing temperature: Silicone ink can be cured at a low temperature of 130-150°C, reducing energy consumption and saving time.
Superior Color Vitality: Silicone inks produce bright, vibrant colors that stand out on fabric. The ink is opaque and can effectively cover dark fabrics.
