Whether UV ink has special requirements for the substrate
Date: Nov 07 2023 From: Star Color
UV ink as a new type of environmental protection ink, with many unique properties and a wide range of applications, is increasingly concerned by the industry.However, when printing with UV ink, whether special treatment or selection of the substrate is needed, and how to choose the right substrate is a concern of many printing companies.This article will in-depth analysis of UV ink on the substrate requirements, in order to provide readers with a more comprehensive understanding.
Characteristics and substrate of UV inks
UV ink is a special ink made of prepolymers, photoinitiators, pigments, amines, water, co-solvents and other additives.Due to its unique composition and curing mechanism, UV inks have the advantages of fast curing, high gloss, wear resistance, water resistance, oil resistance and solvent resistance.However, these characteristics also determine that UV inks have certain requirements for the substrate.
First of all, the curing speed of UV ink is faster, which requires the substrate to have a high absorption capacity, so that the ink can quickly penetrate and cure.Secondly, the adhesion of UV ink is strong, which requires the substrate to have a high surface energy, so that the ink can better adhere to the surface of the substrate.In addition, the selective curing characteristics of UV inks also require that the substrate has a specific absorption spectrum or reaction group in order to chemically react with the UV ink and form a firm.
The influence of different substrates on UV ink
Different types of substrates have different effects on the printing effect and curing properties of UV inks.Paper is a common substrate, and its surface structure, fiber composition and water content will affect the absorption and curing effect of UV ink.Plastic film is also a commonly used substrate, its surface smoothness, polarity and water absorption and other factors will affect the adhesion and curing properties of UV ink.The metal foil has a high reflection performance, which causes certain difficulties in the absorption and curing of UV ink.
In order to obtain the best printing effect and curing performance, it is necessary to select the appropriate UV ink and curing conditions according to the characteristics of different substrates.For example, for substrates such as paper and plastic film with strong water absorption, it is necessary to choose UV ink with good water absorption, and properly adjust the curing power and time；For highly reflective substrates such as metal foils, it is necessary to select UV inks with high permeability and adhesion, and take appropriate treatment measures to improve the adhesion and durability of the ink.
How to choose the right substrate
Choosing the right substrate is the key to ensure the printing quality and curing performance of UV ink.First of all, it is necessary to select a substrate with appropriate surface properties and physical properties according to the specific application scenario and requirements.For example, for prints requiring high wear resistance, you can choose a rough surface paper or plastic film;For prints that require high gloss, you can choose paper or plastic film with a smooth surface.
Secondly, the appropriate UV ink and curing equipment need to be selected according to the characteristics of the substrate.For example, for paper and plastic film with strong water absorption, you can choose UV ink with high permeability and adhesion, and adjust the curing power and time appropriately;For highly reflective metal foils, it is necessary to select UV inks with high permeability and adhesion, and take appropriate treatment measures to improve the adhesion and durability of the ink.
In addition, it is also necessary to pay attention to the storage and use conditions of the substrate.The substrate should be stored in a dry and clean environment to avoid the influence of moisture, pollution and other factors.Before use, the substrate needs to be cleaned and pre-treated to ensure the stability and consistency of its surface properties and physical properties.
UV inks have certain requirements and selection pressures on substrates.Different types of substrates have different effects on the printing effect and curing properties of UV inks.In order to obtain the best printing effect and curing performance, it is necessary to select the appropriate UV ink and curing conditions according to the characteristics of different substrates.At the same time, it is also necessary to pay attention to the storage and use conditions of the substrate to ensure the stability and consistency of its surface properties and physical properties.When selecting the right substrate, it is necessary to consider factors such as application scenarios, substrate characteristics, UV ink properties and use requirements to achieve the best printing effect and quality.
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