Whats in the ink?
Ink chemistry involves a complex interplay of various components that work together to achieve the desired ink characteristics. The main components of ink chemistry and their functions are:
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Pigments: These are solid particles that give color to the ink. The size and shape of the pigment particles affect the color strength, transparency, and gloss of the ink.
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Solvents: Solvents are liquids that dissolve the pigments and carry them to the surface to be printed. The solvents used in the ink formula affect drying time, viscosity, and printability.
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Binders: Binders are the resins that hold the pigment particles together and adhere them to the printing surface. The type and amount of binder used in the ink formula influence ink adhesion, durability, and gloss.
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Additives: These are chemicals added to the ink formula to modify its properties. Additives can improve ink flow, drying time, water resistance, and adhesion to certain substrates.
The exact formulation of ink chemistry depends on the desired properties of the ink, the printing process, and the substrate to be printed. For example, the ink used for printing on paper may have a different formula than the ink used for printing on plastic. Additionally, the ink used in a digital printing process may have different components than the ink used in a traditional offset printing process.