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Water-based inks are those that utilize water as the main solvent. But it is important to know that water-based inks also use “co-solvents”, which may be petroleum-based solvents. There are various reasons why co-solvents are used, but the most significant reason is to decrease the time and heat needed to cure the ink film on the fabric.
Advantages
- Where “soft hand” is desirable
- A soft hand is a condition where the ink film cannot be easily felt with the hand when pressed across the surface of the fabric.
- High-speed roll-to-roll yardage
- Where ink penetration is required
- Such as towel printing
Disadvantages
- More difficult to cure.
- With water-based ink, the curing temperature must be reached then hold until all solvent is evaporated.
- “Pot life” is decreased when “catalyst” is added in the water-based ink formulation.
- The catalyst will assist the heat in curing of the ink.
- However, catalyzed water-based ink pot life is between 4 and 12 hours.
- “Drying in” of ink in the screen.
- Printers must always be cautious of how long a screen sits between prints since water is the main solvent.
- Emulsion manufacturers make “water-resistant” emulsions that will be used in water-based printing or else it will destroy the stencil by melting.
What Can Maha Offer?
Water can be used to clean the screens, squeegees, and tools. However, water-based ink is not just water – it contains pigments, binders, thickeners, and co-solvent in the ink residue, thus wastewater cannot be discharged in the sewer.
In addition, water-based ink that has been catalyzed cannot be returned to its container for re-use; it should be disposed of as hazardous waste.
Want to find out more about water-based inks and how it can be better utilised? Contact us today at sales@maha.asia today to talk to our professionals or head on over to our Surface Technology page to find out more!