1. pH stabilizer
As we all know, the pH value is important for the stability of the water-based ink, so the printing plant should first be equipped with a pH stabilizer. The pH stabilizer can supplement amines and water that are volatilized from the ink transfer system during the printing process, helping to stabilize the viscosity of the ink and ensuring print quality. According to the different substrates, pH stabilizers are divided into ordinary type and thin film type. Special pH stabilizers are used when printing fine mesh cables. The usage of the general pH stabilizer is to add 1~2% of the total ink volume every 30~40 minutes, or stir the stabilizer into the circulating ink pump.
Defoamer
Generally, an appropriate amount of defoamer is added to the ink before starting printing to prevent the ink from foaming, and an appropriate amount of defoamer may be added during the printing process if necessary. The amount of defoamer does not exceed 0.5 to 1% of the total ink volume at a time.
3. Quick drying, slow drying agent
According to the actual printing speed of the printing press, quick-drying and slow-drying agents may be added to the ink, and the drying speed of the water-based ink may be changed appropriately to obtain a satisfactory printing effect. Its amount is 1~2% of the total amount of ink.
4. Evacuation agent
Under the premise of constant pH and viscosity, adding a lighter can reduce the color concentration of certain ink. Its amount should be determined according to the specific circumstances.
5. Thinner
The addition of a diluent to the ink reduces the viscosity of the thickened water-based ink without affecting the pH. The amount used must not exceed 5% of the total amount of ink.
6. Enhancer
The reinforcing agent can enhance the adhesion of the printing ink or bright oil to the printing material, and the amount thereof is generally 1 to 2% of the total ink amount.
7. Antistatic agent
The anti-static agent can effectively prevent the accumulation of static electricity on the printing machine, and the amount thereof is generally 0.5 to 1% of the total ink volume.
In response to the current situation that many brands of imported water-based inks and water-based inks produced by domestic manufacturers are trying to occupy the market, we recommend that users first be familiar with the use of various properties of an authoritative brand of water-based inks and the use of corresponding additives, and the printing quality is stable. After experimenting with other brands, the use of water-based inks or additives of the two brands should generally be avoided because different brands of inks or additives have different formulations. We have encountered the phenomenon of precipitation reaction after adding a domestic slow drying agent to imported water-based inks. As early as the technical backbone of this unit, the printing industry in Ningxia Autonomous Region is the expert.