Classification and Applications of Water-based Inks

Water-based inks, as environmentally friendly and efficient printing materials, have been widely applied in the printing industry. Based on different classification criteria, water-based inks can be divided into multiple types to meet various printing needs. This article introduces the classification of water-based inks from four aspects: printing methods, binder composition, printing substrate absorbency, and applications.

I. Classification by Printing Methods

1. Water-based Inks for Relief Printing

Relief printing is a traditional printing method where the raised portions of the plate carry the ink. Water-based inks for relief printing exhibit excellent printing adaptability and drying performance. They are widely used in printed materials such as books, newspapers, and labels.

2. Water-based Inks for Lithographic Printing

Lithographic printing, also known as offset printing, is a widely applied printing method. Water-based inks for lithographic printing achieve the separation of image and text from blank areas through the principle of ink-water balance. These inks have good color reproduction and printing accuracy, suitable for high-quality printed materials such as picture albums and posters.

3. Water-based Inks for Gravure Printing

In gravure printing, the recessed portions of the plate carry the ink, with a blade scraping off excess ink, leaving ink only in the image areas. Water-based inks for gravure printing have excellent adhesion and abrasion resistance, commonly used in packaging printing and bill printing.

4. Water-based Inks for Screen Printing

Screen printing transfers ink to the substrate through mesh holes on the screen. Water-based inks for screen printing have good permeability and adhesion, suitable for printing on various irregular shapes and surfaces such as glass, ceramics, and textiles.

II. Classification by Binder Composition

1. Polyurethane Water-based Inks

Polyurethane water-based inks use polyurethane resin as the binder, exhibiting excellent water resistance, weather resistance, and adhesion. These inks are suitable for various printing substrates such as paper, plastic, and metal.

2. Polyacrylate Water-based Inks

Polyacrylate water-based inks use polyacrylate resin as the binder, with good fluidity and printing adaptability. These inks are typically used for printing on paper and plastic films.

3. Waterborne Alkyd Resin Inks

Waterborne alkyd resin inks use alkyd resin as the binder, featuring excellent drying performance and adhesion. These inks are suitable for printed materials requiring rapid drying.

III. Classification by Printing Substrate Absorbency

1. Water-based Inks for Absorbent Substrates

Absorbent substrates such as paper and cardboard can effectively absorb the binder and pigments in the ink. Water-based inks for absorbent substrates typically have good penetration and drying properties, suitable for paper printing.

2. Water-based Inks for Non-absorbent Substrates

Non-absorbent substrates such as plastic, metal, and glass do not easily absorb ink. Therefore, water-based inks for non-absorbent substrates usually have high adhesion and abrasion resistance, able to form a sturdy ink film on these surfaces.

IV. Classification by Applications

1. Publication Printing Inks

Publication printing inks are mainly used for printing books, newspapers, magazines, and other publications. These inks require good color reproduction and printing accuracy to ensure readability and clarity of the printed materials.

2. Packaging Printing Inks

Packaging printing inks are used for printing various commodity packaging, such as food packaging and pharmaceutical packaging. These inks need good adhesion and abrasion resistance to ensure that the packaging remains intact during transportation and use.

3. Advertising Printing Inks

Advertising printing inks are used for printing various advertising materials, such as posters and promotional flyers. These inks require high brightness and strong color contrast to attract consumers’ attention.

4. Special-purpose Inks

Special-purpose inks include antifalsification inks, fluorescent inks, etc., with special printing effects or functions. These inks are typically used for printed materials requiring special effects, such as antifalsification labels and fluorescent signs.

In summary, the classification of water-based inks is diverse, with each type having unique characteristics and application fields. When selecting water-based inks, it is necessary to consider specific printing needs, substrate materials, and environmental requirements.