Common problems with UV flexo ink
Date: Jul 23 2024 From: Star Color
When printing paper bags with UV flexographic ink, a series of problems may be encountered. To address these issues, the following solutions can be taken:
1. Solidification issue
Problem manifestation:
Incomplete curing: Ink is not completely cured, resulting in poor glossiness and wear resistance.
Excessive solidification: Excessive solidification of ink can make the ink layer brittle and even cause deformation of the substrate.
resolvent:
Adjust curing conditions: Adjust the exposure time and power of the UV curing equipment based on the characteristics of the ink and the material of the substrate. Ensure that the ink is fully cured while avoiding excessive curing.
Regular maintenance of equipment: Regularly check the performance of UV curing equipment, including the service life and power output of the lamps, to ensure that the equipment is in optimal working condition.
2. Adhesion issues
Problem manifestation:
Insufficient adhesion: The ink does not adhere firmly to the surface of the substrate, resulting in ink or color loss during the use of the printed material.
resolvent:
Surface treatment: Proper treatment of the substrate surface, such as corona treatment, flame treatment, or primer coating, to increase its surface tension and affinity for ink.
Choose the appropriate ink: Select the suitable UV flexographic ink based on the material and requirements of the substrate. Ensure good matching and adhesion between ink and substrate.
3. Ink stability issues
Problem manifestation:
Ink performance changes: Ink performance changes during storage or use, such as increased viscosity, changes in fineness, etc., which affect printing quality.
resolvent:
Storage conditions: Store the ink in a cool, dry, and ventilated place, avoiding direct sunlight and high temperature environments. Meanwhile, pay attention to the shelf life of the ink and avoid using expired ink.
Stirring and testing: thoroughly stir the ink before printing to ensure its uniformity. At the same time, regular testing of ink, including viscosity, fineness and other performance indicators, is conducted to ensure stable ink performance.
4. Printing process issues
Problem manifestation:
Wire drawing and paste printing: Ink may experience wire drawing or paste printing during the printing process, resulting in uneven surface and color distribution of printed materials.
Bubbles: Ink generates bubbles during the printing process, which affect the appearance quality of printed materials.
resolvent:
Adjust printing parameters: Based on the characteristics of the ink and the material of the substrate, adjust parameters such as printing speed, printing pressure, and scraper angle to avoid the occurrence of wire drawing and plate sticking.
Add defoamer: Add an appropriate amount of defoamer to the ink to reduce its surface tension and minimize the generation of bubbles.
Clean the printing plate: Regularly clean the printing plate to ensure its surface is clean and free of residue, avoiding adverse effects on the printing effect of the ink.
The possible problems that may occur when printing paper bags with UV flexographic ink can be solved from the aspects of curing conditions, adhesion, ink stability, printing process, equipment and operation.
Choosing high-quality
UV flexographic ink is also an important part of improving printing efficiency. You can try StarColor's UV flexographic ink