Self-adhesive label printing adjust ink viscosity and fluidity, how to operate

In the process of self-adhesive label printing, adjusting the viscosity and fluidity of the ink is a key step to ensure printing quality and stability. Here are some specific operations:

First, understand the ink characteristics

First of all, it is necessary to fully understand the characteristics of the ink used, including its viscosity range, fluidity, drying speed, etc. This helps to select the right ink according to printing needs and material characteristics, and provides a basis for subsequent adjustments.

Second, the use of viscometer measurement

Prepare a viscometer: Select a viscometer suitable for the type of ink being measured to ensure it is accurate and reliable.

Sampling measurement: Take out the appropriate amount of ink sample from the ink hopper and measure it according to the operating procedures of the viscometer. Keep the measurement environment stable and avoid the influence of factors such as temperature and humidity on the measurement results.

Third, adjust the ink viscosity

Add diluent: If the viscosity of the ink is too high, you can add an appropriate amount of diluent (such as solvent, ink oil, etc.) to reduce the viscosity. When adding, pay attention to control the proportion to avoid excessive ink performance decline.

Stir evenly: After adding diluent, use a blender or hand to fully stir the ink evenly to ensure consistent viscosity.

Re-measurement: The adjusted ink needs to be measured again with the viscometer to confirm that the viscosity has reached the expected range.

Fourth, adjust ink fluidity

Change the printing speed: Changes in the printing speed will affect the spread of ink on the substrate. Appropriately reducing the printing speed can increase the contact time between the ink and the substrate, which is conducive to the uniform spread and penetration of the ink, thereby improving the fluidity. However, attention should be paid to avoid poor ink drying due to too slow speed.

Adjust the printing pressure: Appropriately increasing the printing pressure can make the ink better transferred to the substrate and improve the fluidity. However, it is also necessary to pay attention to avoid excessive pressure resulting in image deformation or excessive ink penetration.

Use of auxiliaries: Some auxiliaries (such as leveling agents, thickeners, etc.) can improve the fluidity of ink. Add appropriate amount of additives according to actual needs, and operate according to the instructions. However, attention should be paid to controlling the amount of addition to avoid affecting other properties of the ink.

5. Precautions

Gradual adjustment: When adjusting the viscosity and fluidity of the ink, the method of gradual adjustment should be used to avoid greater changes in the performance of the ink caused by excessive one-time adjustment.

Keep the environment stable: In the adjustment process, the temperature, humidity and other conditions of the printing environment should be kept stable to avoid the impact of environmental factors on the performance of the ink.

Regular testing: In the printing process, the viscosity and fluidity of the ink should be regularly tested and adjusted to ensure the stability and consistency of the printing quality.

Through the above method, the viscosity and fluidity of the ink in the printing of the self-adhesive label can be effectively adjusted, so as to meet different printing needs and material characteristics.