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This paper will mainly focus on the kinds of offset printing inks for which sgs (société générale de surveillance) offers certificates of quality, especially the sgs offset printing ink.
Some common varieties of offset printing inks include the following:
Oil-based inks
Usually, these types of inks are made with vegetable oil or petroleum. They are the most common offset printing inks used since they dry up quickly, are cheap, and stick well to the printing surface. However, they are not suitable for ecological consumers since they are likely to cause harm to the environment and, hence, not advisable for use in any printing business that aims to be cashew to the environment.
Water-based inks
Water-based inks are known for their environmental-friendliness due to a higher proportion of water than oil as a solvent. They are low in volatile organic compounds (vocs), making them healthier for the environment and reducing health risks for workers. These inks are perfect for companies that are interested in green printing solutions. Unfortunately, they are not as commonly used in offset printing as other types due to the more complex drying requirements. So, even though their market is narrow, there is still a demand for offset printing using water-based inks.
Rubber-based inks
Rubber-based inks are among the most durable types of inks available. They are manufactured from resins and pigments and are suitable for most surfaces since they are smudge and moisture resistant. Rubber-based inks are mainly used in offset printing shops, which print materials that need a longer shelf life. Even though they have less accuracy in color compared to oil-based inks, their strength is ideal for specific offset printing tasks.
Plastic-based inks
Manufacturers primarily make these inks from synthetic materials, including resins and polymers. They are among the most flexible and can be used on various surfaces. Plastic-based inks are appropriate for offset printing on materials that will be exposed to chemicals, heat, or moisture since they are durable and resistant. However, these inks are limited to specific applications within the offset printing industry due to their ecological effect and limited adhesion to absorbent surfaces.
Choosing the right offset printing ink is equally paramount since the quality of the printed product solely relies on the type of ink used. The following are some of the factors that should be considered when choosing offset printing ink:
Ink viscosity and flexibility
Usually, ink viscosity impacts the printing process since it determines how well the ink will be spread across the printing surface. Offset printing requires ink with low viscosity to allow easy flow and even distribution. Nevertheless, the ink should not be too liquid since this will cause it to run and thus distort the print. About flexibility, the ink should contract and not cause cracking or peeling when used on surfaces with irregular textures.
Color precision and formulation
Offset printing requires inks that will produce sharp colors. That is why it is recommended to use high-quality pigments within the inks to have them produce more precise and brighter colors. Also, ensure that the ink is made of a standard formulation to give constant results in every batch. In case of offset printing where customization is necessary, the availability of various pre-mixes would ease the creation of special colors.
Drying time
For this kind of printing, it is paramount to have the inks dry quickly so as not to smear while handling the prints. However, in other types of printing, inks might be required that allow time for a proper blend before they are set, mainly in practices such as shop decoration, where an overlapping of colors is necessary.
Adhesion on different materials
The offset printing inks should have good adhesion even on difficult surfaces like plastics or glossy papers. This property ensures that the ink sticks well and evenly on the surface, making the printout clearer. On top of that, ensure there is a variety of inks designed for particular materials since those are the only ones that will offer the right results.
Cost and availability
Offset printing inks come at different prices based on the materials used in their production. Sometimes, these commercial inks are accompanied by ecological ink, where the ecologically-friendly ink costs a bit low and are highly flammable. Preference for cheaper printing materials averse to possible fire hazards or willing to use low-quality stuff for regular use when costs really matter. Always ensure that a specific kind of ink is available in bulk so as not to cause any inconsistency in future prints.
Companies widely use offset printing ink across multiple industries due to the technology's efficiency and versatility. Below are the common industrial applications of this ink:
Commercial printing
Offset printing ink is the most preferred in commercial printing, mainly for producing materials that need large-scale printing, such as brochures, catalogs, and business cards. The inks offer bright colors, which improve the professional look of printed materials. Also, these inks are appropriate for printing on various paper stocks and do not easily smudge or fade.
Packaging printing
Offset printing ink plays a significant role in the food and beverage, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries for packaging printing. Usually, these inks are manufactured to be resistant to moisture, chemicals, and abrasion. Offset inks are thus used on boxes, labels, and wrappers to ensure that the package's integrity and safety will not be compromised.
Commercial printing
Offset printing ink is the most preferred in commercial printing, mainly for producing materials that need large-scale printing, such as brochures, catalogs, and business cards. The inks offer bright colors, which improve the professional look of printed materials. Also, these inks are appropriate for printing on various paper stocks and do not easily smudge or fade.
Book printing
In the publishing industry, offset printing ink is used for the covers and text printing of books. These inks are regarded and used because of their consistency in color and even display on white paper. Publishing companies choose offset printing because of the commercial feasibility of this technique as a means of mass book printing.
Label and tag printing
Offset printing ink is particularly useful for labels and tags, mainly requiring high quality and clarity. Offset inks can produce detailed prints well, especially when applied for ink separation on non-porous substrates like plastic and metallic labels, making them ideal.
Stationery printing
Business and personal stationery includes letterheads, envelopes, and flyers, which commonly use offset printing ink. This ink ensures a professional look with sharp text and graphics.
Proper maintenance of offset printing ink is critical to get quality printed materials and increase the lifespan of the printing equipment. Below are some tips on how to maintain this ink:
Consistent ink levels
Always ensure that the ink levels on offset fountains are consistent throughout the printing process. Check and refill sgs offset printing ink as required so that its quantity won't interfere with the quality of printing. Low ink levels cause smearing or inconsistent color, while excess ink causes flooding and messes up the printing.
Regular ink monitoring
The offset printing ink has to be frequently checked to ensure proper viscosity and density. Offset printing ink may become too thin with time, hence bad prints, or even thick in case of ink drying, which causes no transfer. Use viscosity tools to get the right measurement, and add ink or thinner for the right consistency.
Proper cleaning
Usually, cleaning the offset printing parts, such as rollers, plates, and cylinders, is essential for the right printing. If nixed inkg or dried ink is left, it will cause color contamination or ink transfer problems. Use the right ink cleaners to avoid this and clean the printing elements after every print run or when changing inks.
Ink storage conditions
Avoid exposing offset printing ink to extreme temperatures or high humidity when storing it. Always remember that high temperatures cause the ink to dry and degrade, while excess moisture affects the ink's chemical composition. For that reason, store the ink in a cool and dry place to retain its quality.
Ink rotation
Keep the inks in use new and turn your stock so that older inks will be used first. Inks lose their quality when they stay for long in one stock due to exposure to air or degradation of chemicals within. For that reason, lack of rotation will ensure that the inks are fresh and effective.
Monitor pH levels
The offset printing ink pH level has to be monitored, particularly for water-based inks since their ideal pH level is about 6 to 8. Acidic or alkaline conditions degrade the ink, and thus, ensure the right pH is maintained.
A1: There are offset printing ink-related problems such as ink not adhering to the substrate, wrong color representation, and ink splatter. Others are ink set-off, ink blobbing, rapid ink absorption, and ink starving.
A2: The factors that enhance the offset printing ink's quality include the type of pigments used, the presence of additives, and the ink's viscosity. Other factors are drying time, color representation, and chemical formulation.
A3: Some adjustments that can be made to mitigate ink-related issues are ensuring cleanliness of the printing parts, correct ink-water balance, and proper ink viscosity. Calibration of color and pressure should be adjusted, and the right ink should be used for the substrate so that issues like bleeding and smudging are avoided.
A4: No, offset printing inks can be used by so many industries, including commercial printing, publishing, packaging, label, and stationery printing. They are also widely used in the advertising, textile, and electronic industries.
A5: Offset printing ink is resistant to moisture, chemicals, and abrasion, making it suitable for packaging printing.
