The difference between digital printing UV ink and flexo UV ink
Date: Jul 25 2024 From: Star Color
In terms of composition, although both digital printing UV ink and flexographic printing UV ink are based on UV curing technology, there may be some differences in the specific proportions and types of ingredients.
1、 Same parts
Both contain the following main components:
Prepolymer: As the main film-forming substance of UV ink, prepolymer undergoes cross-linking reaction under UV light irradiation, forming a cured film. Common prepolymers include unsaturated polyester, acrylic resin, etc.
Monomer: Monomers play a role in regulating ink viscosity, fluidity, as well as the hardness and flexibility of the cured ink film in UV ink. Common monomers include acrylic compounds.
Photoinitiator: Photoinitiator is a key component in UV ink, which can absorb light energy under UV irradiation and trigger polymerization reactions, allowing the ink to cure quickly. Common photoinitiators include benzophenones, benzoin ethers, etc.
Pigments and fillers: Pigments and fillers are used to give ink color and specific physical properties, such as glossiness, coverage, etc.
Auxiliaries: including leveling agents, defoamers, polymerization inhibitors, etc., used to improve the printability and storage stability of inks.
2、 Different parts
Although the two are similar in terms of their main components, the specific proportions and types of ingredients may be adjusted due to differences in printing processes and printing materials:
Different proportions of ingredients:
Digital printing UV ink and flexographic printing UV ink may have different proportions of main components such as prepolymers, monomers, and photoinitiators. This depends on factors such as the performance requirements of the printed material, printing speed, curing efficiency, etc.
For example, in order to meet the demand for high-speed printing, digital printing UV ink may use a higher proportion of active monomers and photoinitiators to achieve faster curing speed.
Different additives:
Depending on the printing process and substrate, specific additives may be added to both. For example, flexographic printing UV ink may add more leveling agents and defoamers to improve the ink's leveling and eliminate bubbles during the flexographic printing process.
Digital printing UV ink may pay more attention to the stability and printing accuracy of the ink, so more polymerization inhibitors and stabilizers may be added.
Different pigments
There may also be differences in the selection of pigments and fillers between the two. Digital printing UV ink may focus more on the brightness and stability of pigments to meet the needs of high-precision printing.
Flexographic printing UV ink may pay more attention to the adhesion and coverage of pigments to adapt to the surface characteristics of different printing materials.
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