New Generation of Flexographic ink & Rotogravure Printing inks

Different Industrial cranes at Growa (FE) Pte Ltd

Industrial cranes are used to move material vertically or horizontally within a restricted area. 

Portable gantry crane

 Flexographic ink

Flexographic inks are inks transferred by the process of flexography used for printing on packing material. Flexographic printing is commonly used to print labels. The printing method has become popular because of its low cost and environmentally friendly. There are four types of flexographic inks and printing surface determines the type of ink used. 

Types of Flexographic ink

• Water-based flexographic ink is composed mainly of water and pigments with additives to aid in drying/adhesion.  These inks have the highest surface tension. Natural blends of the most common but elastomer type can also be used. These inks are used for the corrugated packaging industry. These inks have a low environmental impact. 

• Solvent-based flexographic ink is composed of alcohols, acetates, and pigments with 80-90% alcohol. These inks have a lower surface tension than water-based inks. EDPM elastomers are recommended. These inks are used on plastic shopping bags and industrial films.

• UV Curable flexographic ink is composed of polymers, monomers, photoinitiators, and pigment. These inks absorb only when exposed to UV lights. EDPM elastomers are recommended.  Used for outer wrap packing in the food industry. 

• Oil-based flexographic ink is composed of hydrocarbon and pigments occasionally soy oil is used. Solvent blends are very harsh. Buna/Nitrile elastomers are recommended. Used in the printing industry.

Rotogravure Printing Inks

Rotogravure printing began in the 1800s. Rotogravure printing ink is applied to cylinders or plates with engraved images. These images are deposited on the surface. The printing was used for printing magazines, brochures, cartons, etc.

Rotogravure inks are water-based or solvent-based. Rotogravure printing inks are inks with low viscosity that allows them to adhere to the engraved surface. To help dry the ink the paper is passed through dryers before reaching the next printing station. Properties of Rotogravure printing inks 

• wide range of colors

• glossy 

• barium free

• fade-resistant

• heat resistant

• Opaque or transparent.

Solvent Ink Manufacturer

Solvent ink four three components the career fluid, pigment, solvents, and additives. Solvent ink manufacturer uses the following raw materials

• Pigment – this component is used to color the ink. They can also provide gloss, abrasiveness, and resistance to heat and light, etc. 

• Resins are primary binders they bind the different components of the ink to help it bind with the paper. They contribute to various properties of the ink

• The solvent is used to keep the ink liquid when it is transferred to the printing plate. The solvent must separate from the ink and allow it to bind with the paper.

• Additives are added to alter the final properties of the ink.

Toyo Ink Pte Ltd is a specialist in the manufacture of Rotogravure printing ink and flexographic ink in Singapore for the flexible and food packaging industry.  The company has established a strong grip in Singapore and overseas market. Toyo Ink Pte Ltd has agents and distributors to help market and distribute their products in the ASEAN markets. The company plans to expand its operation to include other markets overseas.