An Overview of Industrial Inks [Types, Materials and Applications]

Presently, the use of industrial inks is now an integral aspect of the manufacturing and production process. Industrial inks are used in a lot of industries for different purposes including coding, marking, and labeling products. There are diverse types of industrial inks, and each of them performs different functions.

Picking the right industrial ink out of the various inks that are available can be overwhelming; therefore, we have provided this article which contains all the basic things about industrial inks. The meaning of industrial inks, several types of industrial inks, and how to choose the right industrial inks is explained extensively.

What is Industrial Ink

Industrial inks are specialized types of inks that are used in a lot of industries for different industrial applications. These specialized ink are carefully produced to meet the specific needs and standards of distinct industries which include electronic industries, printing industries, and packaging industries. 

The materials that Industrial inks can be used to print on the following are cardboard, vinyl, rubber, metal, paper, and plastic.

The Types of Industrial Inks

There are several types of industrial inks and each of them possess distinctive properties and characteristics, which make them suitable for distinct applications. Continue reading to learn more about five different types of ink used for industrial applications:

Solvent-Based Ink

There is a type of industrial ink commonly used for quick-drying applications and it is known as Solvent-based ink. This ink is made from a thorough combination of resin, solvent, and pigments. Solvent-based ink will perform excellently when it is used on non-porous materials like glass, metal, and plastic.

Solvent-based inks produce durable and life-long images on materials since the inks dry through evaporation. However, it is important for users to be aware that these inks contain high levels of volatile organic compounds that can affect human health and the environment negatively.

Water-Based Ink

There is another popular industrial ink known as water-based ink, it is made from a comprehensive combination of a solvent, a binder, and pigments. Unlike solvent-based inks water-based inks use water (a non-harmful organic compound) as a solvent, and one key benefit of these inks is that they are eco-friendly and do not have any impact on human health negatively.

Water-based ink performs better on porous materials like cardboard, paper, and clothes because they do not release volatile organic compounds. Also, water-based inks produce a quality image that is softer and clearer because they’re dry through the process of absorption and penetration.

Oil-Based Ink

Oil-based inks are a specialized type of inks that contain solvents made from either mineral or vegetable oil. Oil-based inks are considered the best industrial ink for printing on non-porous materials (glass, plastic, metal, and glossy paper) because they can produce of durable and vibrant images that resist sunlight and water.

One main advantage of oil-based inks is the high level of volatile organic compounds in them that may affect human health and the environment negatively. Due to the high level of volatile organic compounds, users are strongly advised to be very careful when handling oil-based inks.

UV Ink

UV ink is formed through a comprehensive combination of oligomers, monomers, and pigments. The reaction of this mixture with ultraviolet light will produce a solid film on a substrate. Also, a photochemical reaction process will then enable the ink to dry quickly when they are exposed to light.

This special industrial ink can print on a lot of materials including heat-sensitive materials. It will produce excellent results when used on metal, plastic, glass, and glossy paper, etc. UV inks are well-known for producing images that are usually sharp and bright and can resist heat, chemicals, and water.

Solid Ink

Solid ink can print on both porous and non-porous substrates (e.g., cardboard, plastic, glass, cloth, and paper) perfectly. The wax-like substances in solid solidify when they are cooled and melt when exposed to higher temperatures. These inks contain low levels of volatile organic compounds, therefore, aren’t harmful to human health and are eco-friendly.

Some areas where solid inks are mostly applicable include flexographic printing, offset printing, and digital printing. They are found in office photocopiers and printers because of their ability to produce consistent and vibrant images that last for an exceptionally long period.

How to Choose Industrial Inks

Types of inks are used for various purposes including branding, labeling, and product information on different materials. Choosing the right ink is a key factor in ensuring that you have printing work that is durable and meets specific regulations. The section below provides more information on how to choose the right industrial ink:

Inks in Rigid Packaging

The types of printer ink used in rigid packaging (e.g., corrugated boxes, rigid plastic containers, paperboard containers, and metal containers) serve a lot of purposes depending on the type of materials that is used.

Paperboard Containers

The basic qualities that the industrial inks used for paperboard containers must possess are good adhesion and the ability to hold fast to a surface w/o smudging. Also, the inks used on the paperboard containers must be chemical-free and appropriate for direct, food contact because they are mostly used in the food and beverages industry (Learn: What is SQF Certification: The Ultimate Guide for Food and Beverage Manufacturers).

Corrugated Boxes

Corrugated boxes are boxes that are used for packaging, shipping, and storage. The inks used for corrugated boxes must be able to resist water and withstand rough handling processes. Also, it must be able to print on the surface like corrugated boxes without spreading or feathering.

Rigid Plastic Containers

Rigid plastic containers are usually used in the food, personal care products, and pharmaceutical industries. Inks used on the packaging materials in the industries listed above must possess top-notch adhesion properties that will prevent chipping and peeling. Furthermore, they must be flexible enough to accommodate container expansion and contraction.

Metal Cans

The food and beverage industries are one of the top uses of metal cans. They use metal cans to package food products, therefore the industrial inks used on metal cans must be able to resist rust and withstand extreme weather and environmental conditions. These inks should also possess’ excellent adhesion properties that can prevent chipping and peeling.

Inks in Flexible Packaging

Flexible packaging is commonly used for packaging food, beverages, and pharmaceutical products. The main factor that will determine the type of ink used in flexible packaging is the packaging material.

Plastic

Plastic is often used in flexible packaging because it possesses high durability and flexibility. The plastic used in flexible packaging is divided into three including polyester, polypropylene, and polyethylene. UV is considered the best ink for polyester, while the best industrial ink used polyethylene and polypropylene is solvent-based ink.

Film

Another popular material often used in flexible packaging is film. The film is a special packaging material made from dissimilar materials like polyester, polypropylene, and polyethylene. Solvent-based inks are used for polyester film, while water-based inks are used for polyethylene and polypropylene film.

Aluminium Foil

Aluminum foil is a packaging material that is also used in the food and beverage industry. It has excellent barrier properties that help to prevent contamination and ensure that food remains fresh in food packaging. 

The common type of ink used for aluminum foil is solvent-based ink. This solvent-based ink can provide durable and long-lasting prints on the foil.

Inks in Labels

Inks in labels are used for printing information on labels. The main purposes for printing on labels are to provide safety warnings, identify packages or products, and provide product information. 

Types of inks used for printing labels include solvent-based inks and water-based inks, and the label material will determine the type of ink that should be used to print on a label.

Water-based inks can be used to print on labels made of cardboard or paper because they are eco-friendly (Learn: Tips For Printing On Recycled Paper). This ink can also print excellently on porous materials like plastic. and UV-cured inks are used for printing on labels that have a very high resistance to unfavorable weather conditions.

KETE: Professional Flexo Printing and Packaging Machines Manufacturer

KETE is a professional manufacturer of printing and packaging machines committed to providing high-quality and CE-certified machines. KETE takes pride in producing high-quality flexo printing and packaging machines Some of these machines are paper bag-making machines, slitting and rewinding machines, laminating machines, label printing machines, and flexographic printing presses.

source: KTFP-C Series Flexographic Printing Press

Why should I buy from KETE? The first reason why you should patronize KETE is that their flexo printing machines can be used for printing on both porous and non-porous materials. Also, KETE flexo printing machines are available in up to 10 different colors. Secondly, KETE also provides customization services that are tailored to meet their client’s special needs and preferences.

Conclusion

The fact remains that industrial inks are highly needed in various manufacturing and production processes to print on various materials including porous and non-porous. As discussed earlier in one of the sections above, the substrate material is a major determining factor when choosing industrial inks.

Printing machines that need industrial inks for printing on both porous and non-porous materials are Rotogravure Printing Machines, digital printing machines, offset printing, and labeling machines. Contact KETE today, your one-stop shop for all the printing machines you may need to learn more about their products.