The influence of pH value on the printing quality of water-based ink
Date: Jul 29 2024 From: Star Color
In the printing industry, water-based ink is gradually becoming the mainstream choice due to its environmental friendliness, non toxicity, and easy drying properties. To ensure the excellent quality of printed materials, multiple performance indicators of water-based ink are crucial, among which pH value is a core parameter that directly affects the printing effect.
In actual printing, the pH value of water-based ink should be stable between 8.5-9. If it is too high or too low, it will affect the printing quality. The pH value should be monitored in real time during the printing process, and any problems should be promptly adjusted to avoid quality issues.
The impact of high pH value on printing color
In a high-end brochure printing project, the customer had extremely high color requirements. However, during the initial trial printing, it was found that the color saturation of the printed material was insufficient and there was a significant color difference compared to the sample. After in-depth analysis, technicians found that the root cause of the problem lies in the high pH value of water-based ink, which results in some pigment particles not being fully dispersed, affecting the presentation of colors. By fine-tuning the pH value of the ink and optimizing the printing process parameters, we ultimately achieved a color effect that is highly consistent with the sample, winning the recognition of our customers.
The influence of low pH value on ink drying speed
A certain food packaging production line uses water-based ink for printing. Due to the fast production pace, there are strict requirements for the drying speed of the ink. However, for a period of time, there were frequent quality issues such as sticking pages on the production line, which seriously affected production efficiency and product quality. After investigation, technicians found that this is due to the low pH value of the ink, which slows down the evaporation rate of water in the ink and prolongs the drying time. By adjusting the pH value of the ink to the optimal range and improving ventilation conditions, the drying speed of the ink is significantly improved, and problems such as sticking to the page are effectively controlled.
How to control the pH value of water-based ink
Based on the above examples, we can clearly understand that controlling the pH value of water-based ink is one of the key factors in ensuring printing quality. In actual production, printing companies can take the following measures:
Choose high-quality ink: Prioritize water-based ink products with reliable quality and stable pH value to reduce the risk of pH fluctuations from the source. For example,
StarColor produces water-based ink, which is known for its stable quality.
Regular testing and adjustment: Establish a regular testing mechanism for ink pH value, and once the pH value deviates from the ideal range, take timely measures to adjust it.
Optimize production environment: Maintain a clean and dry printing environment to avoid adverse effects of external factors on ink pH value.
Technical training and awareness enhancement: Strengthen the training of operators, enhance their understanding of the importance of ink pH value, and ensure correct operation and maintenance during the production process.
The pH value of water-based ink is one of the important factors affecting printing quality. By analyzing specific examples, we can gain a more intuitive understanding of the impact of pH on ink stability, color rendering, and drying speed. Therefore, in the printing production process, printing enterprises should attach great importance to the pH value management of water-based inks to ensure that each batch of printed materials can meet the best quality standards.