Ink Manufacture

Ink manufacturers must know the properties of pigments, vehicles, solvents, driers and other additives.

They need to know how to select and combine the components to provide an ink with runability and end-use characteristics.

They need to know surface chemistry, rheology, the mechanics of ink transfer, and the technology of pigments and vehicles.

Printers must help by providing the manufacturer with information about the job to aid in formulation of the ink.

Liquid Inks - Flexo and gravure inks are easily processed because of low viscosity. They are usually processed in closed containers because of the volatile solvents employed. The ingredients consist of pigment, solvent and resin, which are mixed in a ball mill or bead mill.

Because pigments may settle out from the low viscosity liquid, the liquid inks are usually prepared at higher concentrations than the on press ink. The printer dilutes the ink with solvent at press side, reducing storage and shipping costs.