What is the difference between offset ink and flexo ink?
Date: Jul 16 2024 From: Star Color
Offset ink and
flexographic ink are two commonly used inks in printing enterprises, and there are still significant differences between the two. Offset ink is mostly solvent based ink used in offset printing machines, while flexographic ink is mainly water-based ink used in flexographic printing machines. Below are the detailed differences between the two
1、 Ink composition
Offset printing ink: Offset printing ink is a type of ink specifically used for offset printing, mostly solvent based ink. Its composition usually includes pigments, binders, fillers, and additives. These ingredients are finely ground and blended to form ink suitable for offset printing. The linking materials for offset printing ink often use vegetable oil, mineral oil, or synthetic resin to ensure the stability and adhesion of the ink during the printing process.
Flexographic ink: also known as flexographic relief printing ink, is an ink designed specifically for flexographic printing, mainly water-based ink. Its composition also includes pigments, binders, fillers, and auxiliary materials, but it focuses more on the fluidity of the ink and its adaptability to flexible plates. Flexographic ink often uses water with low viscosity and easy flow as a connecting material. Flexographic water-based ink also has different types such as acrylic and polyurethane to ensure that the ink can smoothly adhere to various printing materials.
2、 Ink performance
Offset printing ink: Offset printing ink can achieve high precision, high speed, and high efficiency in the printing process. It has good wear resistance, light resistance, water resistance and other characteristics, making printed materials more durable and beautiful. In addition, offset printing ink can also undergo special processing as needed, such as adding anti-counterfeiting elements or changing color effects, to improve the safety and visibility of printed materials.
Flexographic ink: Flexographic ink performs well in the printing process, especially when printing large areas of color blocks, with a thick ink layer and consistent ink color. Flexographic ink has good leveling properties, which can make the surface of printed materials smooth and even. In addition, flexographic ink is widely used for printing with non-toxic water-based ink, hence it is called green printing and particularly suitable for printing packaging materials such as food and medicine.
3、 Usage effect
Offset printing ink: The printing effect of offset printing ink is clear and delicate, which can perfectly reproduce the colors and layers of the original manuscript. It is suitable for printing various books, picture books, packaging boxes and other printed materials, and can present high-quality printing effects.
Flexographic ink: Flexographic ink also has excellent printing effects, with bright and full ink colors and good coverage. Flexographic ink can create rich color layers and three-dimensional effects during the printing process, making printed materials more vivid and realistic. In addition, flexographic ink is also suitable for printing various soft materials such as plastic film, aluminum foil, etc.
4、 Application Fields
Offset printing ink: Offset printing ink is widely used for printing books, brochures, packaging boxes, paper posters, folding, handbags, calendars, as well as PVC, PET and other materials. It has won wide recognition in the market for its high precision, high efficiency, and high-quality printing effects.
Flexographic ink: Flexographic ink is mainly used in the field of packaging printing, such as food packaging, pharmaceutical packaging, cosmetics packaging, etc. The environmental friendliness and excellent printing effect of flexographic ink make it the preferred ink for printing in these fields. In addition, flexographic ink is also suitable for printing various materials such as paper, aluminum foil, plastic film, etc., and has a wide range of application prospects.
There are significant differences between offset printing ink and flexographic ink in terms of ink composition, properties, usage effects, and application fields. These differences give both of them unique advantages and characteristics in their respective fields. When selecting ink, it is necessary to choose the appropriate ink type based on specific printing requirements and material characteristics.
Huizhou StarColor is a professional manufacturer of water-based ink research and production. The flexographic water-based ink produced has safety and environmental protection, high adhesion, and high temperature resistance. It is mainly used for printing PE, PP and other plastic films, non-woven fabrics. Welcome to consult.
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