Several new ink drying technologies (1)
Ink drying technology is a critical process in the printing industry, ensuring that ink adheres properly to the substrate and achieves the desired finish. The drying process typically occurs in two distinct stages. The first stage involves the transition of ink from a liquid to a semi-solid state, during which it can no longer flow or transfer. This phase is commonly referred to as the "fixing" stage or "initial dry." The second stage involves complete physical and chemical changes within the semi-solid ink, leading to full drying, known as "dryness."
The mechanisms and processes for drying different types of ink vary significantly. Common drying methods are generally categorized into physical and chemical drying. Physical drying includes natural evaporation, osmotic drying, and dusting fixation. Chemical drying encompasses heat-based methods such as combustion heating, infrared drying, and microwave drying, as well as radiation-based techniques like UV and electron beam curing. Reaction-based drying involves chemical reactions, such as oxidation or two-component reactive systems.
The choice of drying method depends largely on the composition of the ink’s binder. Most inks are not composed of a single component, so their drying mechanism often combines multiple approaches. Additionally, factors like the printing method, substrate type, and machinery used also influence the drying process and the final print quality.
Currently, several common drying methods are widely used:
1. **Infiltration Drying**: This method relies on solvent absorption by the paper. It is commonly used with mineral oil-based inks, which are suitable for low-quality publications like newspapers due to their poor gloss and lack of film formation.
2. **Oxidative Drying**: Used primarily with linseed oil-based inks, this method involves oxidative polymerization under heat. It is ideal for gravure printing, offering good durability and resistance.
3. **Volatile Drying**: In this method, solvents evaporate, leaving behind a solid film. It is common in inks using resins such as petroleum, cellulose, and epoxy. These inks are typically used in flexography and photogravure.
4. **Two-Component Reactive Drying**: This involves mixing a main agent with a curing agent before use. It is ideal for difficult-to-adhere surfaces, such as metal, glass, and hard plastics.
In addition to traditional methods, new technologies have emerged:
1. **Photopolymerization Drying**: This includes both infrared and ultraviolet (UV) drying. Infrared drying uses heat to accelerate polymerization, reducing drying time significantly. UV drying, on the other hand, uses light to initiate rapid chemical reactions, achieving near-instant drying.
2. **Electron Beam Curing**: This advanced technique uses high-energy electron beams to solidify ink rapidly without the need for photoinitiators. EB ink is environmentally friendly, energy-efficient, and ideal for high-speed production, particularly in food packaging.
These innovations continue to shape the future of ink drying, offering improved efficiency, sustainability, and print quality across various industries.
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