What kind of problems do water-based ink gravure printing encounter
Date: Aug 16 2023 From: Star Color
Water-based ink gravure printing, also known as water-based rotogravure printing, is a printing process that uses water-based inks to transfer images onto various substrates. While this method offers some advantages over traditional solvent-based gravure printing, it also comes with its own set of challenges. Some of the common problems encountered in water-based ink gravure printing include:
1.Drying Time: Water-based inks generally have a longer drying time compared to solvent-based inks. This can lead to issues like ink smudging, especially in high-speed printing processes.
2.Ink Absorption: Different substrates have varying degrees of ink absorption. If the substrate absorbs the water from the ink too quickly, it may result in dull or uneven print quality.
3.Dot Gain: Water-based inks may exhibit dot gain, where the printed dots are larger than intended, causing a loss of detail and a reduction in image sharpness.
4.Color Consistency: Maintaining consistent color reproduction can be challenging with water-based inks due to variations in ink properties, substrate characteristics, and environmental conditions.
5.Viscosity Control: Controlling the viscosity of water-based inks is crucial for consistent print quality. Variations in viscosity can lead to issues like ink splattering or uneven ink distribution on the gravure cylinder.
6.Clogging: Water-based inks can sometimes lead to clogging of the gravure cells, especially if the ink contains pigments or binders that are not well-suited for the printing process.
7.Adhesion: Ensuring good adhesion of water-based inks to the substrate can be problematic, particularly on non-absorbent or low-surface-energy materials.
8.Environmental Factors: Water-based inks are sensitive to humidity and temperature changes, which can affect their performance and print quality.
9.Cost: Water-based inks may be more expensive than solvent-based inks, which can impact the overall cost of the printing process.
10.Migration: Some water-based inks may have a tendency to migrate, especially in packaging applications, leading to potential issues with food safety and regulatory compliance.
To overcome these problems, printers using water-based ink gravure often need to fine-tune their processes, invest in appropriate equipment, and work closely with ink manufacturers to develop ink formulations that match their specific printing requirements. Regular maintenance and careful monitoring of ink and printing conditions are also essential to achieve consistent and high-quality results.
RU
EN
CN
