The difference between flexographic water-based ink and screen water-based ink
Date: Jul 11 2023 From: Star Color
Flexographic water-based ink and screen water-based ink are two types of inks used in different printing processes. Here are the main differences between them:
1.Printing Process:Flexographic Water-Based Ink: Flexographic printing is a high-speed printing method that uses flexible printing plates and a rotating cylinder. Flexographic water-based ink is specifically formulated for this process and is applied to the printing plate before being transferred onto the substrate (usually paper or flexible packaging materials) using a rotating cylinder.
Screen Water-Based Ink: Screen printing involves using a mesh screen with a stencil to transfer ink onto a substrate. In screen printing, the ink is pushed through the open areas of the screen using a squeegee. Screen water-based ink is designed to pass through the screen and onto the substrate during this process.
2.Viscosity and Consistency:Flexographic Water-Based Ink: Flexographic inks are generally low in viscosity, which allows them to flow easily and evenly on the printing plate. They have a relatively thin consistency to ensure smooth transfer onto the substrate during the flexographic printing process.
Screen Water-Based Ink: Screen printing inks tend to have higher viscosity compared to flexographic inks. The thicker consistency is necessary to prevent the ink from dripping through the screen before it is applied to the substrate. The ink needs to remain in place on the screen until pressure is applied during the printing process.
3.Pigments and Color Options:Flexographic Water-Based Ink: Flexographic inks often use a wider range of pigments and dyes to achieve a broader spectrum of colors. They can be formulated to produce vibrant and vivid colors suitable for packaging materials and labels.
Screen Water-Based Ink: Screen printing inks also offer various color options, but they may have limitations in terms of achieving certain shades or specialized effects. However, screen printing inks are often used for applications where a thicker layer of ink is desired, such as for printing on textiles.
4.Substrate Compatibility:Flexographic Water-Based Ink: Flexographic inks are versatile and can be used on a wide range of substrates, including paper, cardboard, plastics, and flexible packaging materials. They are particularly suitable for absorbent substrates.
Screen Water-Based Ink: Screen printing inks are commonly used on substrates like textiles (e.g., T-shirts, fabric banners) and paper. They can also adhere well to materials like wood, glass, ceramics, and certain plastics.
5.Application and Printing Equipment:Flexographic Water-Based Ink: Flexographic inks are primarily used in high-speed printing presses that are designed for flexographic printing. The printing plates used in flexography are typically made of rubber or polymer materials.
Screen Water-Based Ink: Screen printing inks are applied manually or with semi-automatic or automatic screen printing machines. The process requires the use of a mesh screen and a squeegee to push the ink through the screen onto the substrate.
It's worth noting that these differences are not exhaustive, and there may be variations in ink formulations and printing techniques based on specific applications and requirements.
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