Tips and Manuals for Thermosetting Inks in Use (I)

With regard to the use of thermosetting inks, from the original to the color separation, film, printing, printing all aspects will affect the final results.

Thermosetting inks are widely used in the printing industry because they do not block the web. It consists mainly of PVC resins and plasticizers. It is important to note that plastisol ink must be thoroughly dried.

Thermosetting inks can be printed on any fabric that can withstand a certain curing temperature. Unlike dyes, it does not react chemically with fibers. Instead it is wrapped around the fibers and physically reacts with the fibers. Therefore, thermosetting inks cannot be printed on substrates without voids such as plastics, metals, and glass; likewise, if there is no fixing agent, the fastness of thermosetting inks printed on waterproof nylon cloths will not be good.

First, the choice of mesh (refer to the following table)

It is best to use solvent-resistant two-component or diazo direct emulsions for thermosetting inks, such as uno's INMARCOL-R and INMARCOL-W. For web printing and transfer, capillary film is a good choice.

Third, ink additives Thermosetting inks are generally ready-to-use, but sometimes need additives. There are roughly the following:

1, viscosity reducing agent

If the ink is too thick to pass through the net, it is necessary to add a viscosity reducing agent. There are two kinds: one kind of main ingredient is the plasticizer, adding too much can not be completely dry. The other most common composition is a plasticizer and resin that does not destroy the balance between the components of the ink. In general, light-colored shirts require thinner ink; darker-colored shirts or sportswear require thicker inks.

2, filling base and transparent base

The filling base is very cheap, mostly used to reduce the cost of the ink; transparent base is to enhance the transparency of the ink when overprinting.

Other additives include softeners that enhance hand feel, nylon fixing agents, and foaming agents.

Manufacturers generally recommend that users use fillers or softeners to dilute the ink. We recommend using a viscosity reducer.

The amount of additive can enhance the fluidity of the ink, make it easy to pass through the net, reduce the problem of pasting plate, preserve the details of the image, and increase the production efficiency. If used improperly or excessively, the original balance between the components of the ink can be easily destroyed, resulting in failure to dry properly. This problem is usually discovered when the user's laundry fades. Therefore, please use the additives recommended by the manufacturer. Can clear ink be diluted? Many people think that if the opaque ink is diluted, the hiding power will be affected. In fact, if the ink is too thick, it will require more pressure to make the ink pass through the net, so that part of the ink will penetrate into the inner layer of the fabric. On the one hand, it shows that the hiding power is not enough; on the other hand, it cannot be completely heated and dried. Therefore, if the white ink is diluted properly, the hiding power will be better.

The thixotropy of thermosetting inks is very strong. Before adding any thinner, it is best to stir it first and then determine the added amount. Do not add mineral oil. Although mineral oil can initially enhance the flow of ink and is easy to print, it will soon become more viscous and difficult to print. What's worse is that it will not dry properly.