What is high-speed printing ink used for?

High-speed printing ink is used in flexographic and gravure printing to enable fast press speeds, improve drying time, and maintain high-quality output for packaging, labels, and paper products.

How does high-speed ink improve flexographic printing efficiency?

High-speed ink improves flexographic efficiency by reducing drying time, allowing stable high-speed operation, lowering machine downtime, and delivering sharp print quality even at rapid speeds.

Top 5 Benefits of Using High-Speed Printing Ink in Flexographic Printing

Date: Jun 09 2025 From: Star Color Views:

Flexographic printing, a mature and versatile printing technology, is widely applied across various fields, including packaging, labels, paper bags, and plastic films. With the continuous development of the printing market, there is an increasing demand for solutions that can perfectly combine “high efficiency” and “superior quality.” High-performance high-speed printing inks have emerged as the key to meeting these stringent requirements, bringing continuous changes to flexographic printing.

What are High-Speed Printing Inks?

High-speed printing inks are specially formulated to achieve optimal printing results at high line speeds, typically ranging from 150 - 300 meters per minute or even higher. Compared with traditional printing inks, these inks have significant differences in drying speed, viscosity control, and overall stability. The rapid evaporation property of high-speed inks enables them to dry quickly, ensuring that printed materials can be processed immediately for subsequent steps.
Among various types of high-speed inks, water-based formulations have attracted much attention due to their environmental-friendly characteristics. Water-based high-speed inks have low volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions, meeting the growing environmental protection requirements, and thus becoming the preferred choice for sustainable printing practices.

The Top 5 Benefits of High-Speed Printing Inks in Flexographic Printing

1. Faster Drying, Saving Waiting Time
One of the most remarkable advantages of high-speed printing inks lies in their rapid drying ability. These inks are specially designed to evaporate quickly and are seamlessly compatible with various drying systems, including hot air and infrared (IR) drying. By shortening the time required for ink drying, high-speed inks eliminate the need for overly long paper paths or cooling periods, greatly simplifying the printing process. For example, StarColor® high-speed water-based flexographic inks, when used with high-speed satellite flexographic presses, can reach a speed of 450 meters per minute while maintaining stable printing quality.

2. Supporting High-Speed Operation, Improving Production Efficiency
The formulations of high-speed printing inks can withstand the harsh requirements of high-speed printing without affecting printing performance. These inks have excellent anti-flying, anti-foaming, and anti-piling properties, ensuring a smooth and consistent printing process even at high speeds. By maintaining a uniform ink layer and precise registration, high-speed inks enable printing companies to achieve high-quality printing results while maximizing production output.

3. Reducing Machine Downtime, Decreasing Maintenance Frequency
High-speed printing inks have excellent cleaning properties, effectively reducing ink residue on printing equipment such as doctor blades and anilox rollers. This not only simplifies the cleaning process but also extends the lifespan of printing plates, reducing the need for frequent plate replacements. By minimizing machine downtime and maintenance requirements, high-speed inks help reduce operating costs and improve equipment utilization, making them a cost-effective solution for flexographic printing operations.

4. Maintaining Excellent Printing Quality at High Speeds
Despite their fast-drying and high-speed printing capabilities, high-speed printing inks do not compromise on printing quality. These inks can present vivid colors, clear details, and excellent image reproduction, making them ideal for printing complex patterns and fine graphics. By effectively controlling dot gain and improving the fidelity of printed images, high-speed inks ensure that the final products can meet the highest quality standards even during high-speed production.

5. Facilitating Green Printing, Meeting Environmental Regulations
With the increasing attention to environmental sustainability, the demand for eco-friendly printing solutions has significantly increased. Water-based high-speed inks with low VOC emissions play a crucial role in promoting green printing practices. These inks comply with strict environmental regulations, such as the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (ROHS) directive and the Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) regulation, making them suitable for sensitive industries such as food and pharmaceutical packaging.

Application Scope and Industry Case Studies

High-speed printing inks are suitable for a wide range of printing materials, including kraft paper, white cardboard, biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP), and polyethylene (PE). This broad applicability makes them suitable for different application scenarios in various industries, such as food packaging, daily chemical labels, and non-woven products.

For instance, StarColor® high-speed water-based flexographic inks have been successfully applied in numerous printing factories, achieving excellent results. In a typical case, a large food packaging manufacturer significantly improved production efficiency and printing quality after switching to StarColor® inks. The fast-drying and high-speed printing performance of these inks enabled the company to meet the growing market demand while maintaining the highest standards of food safety and compliance.

In conclusion, high-speed printing inks have revolutionized the field of flexographic printing, bringing many advantages in enhancing efficiency, productivity, and printing quality. From faster drying speed and higher production efficiency to lower maintenance costs and better environmental performance, these inks provide comprehensive solutions to modern printing challenges.

By adopting high-speed printing inks, printing companies can achieve faster delivery, lower production costs, and higher printing quality, thus gaining a competitive edge in the market. If you wish to explore the application potential of high-speed printing inks in your printing operations, we welcome you to learn more about StarColor® high-speed water-based flexographic inks. Contact us now to request samples or discuss customized solutions tailored to your specific needs.