Flexographic inks are inks transferred by the process of flexography, primarily used in the printing of packing materials (cardboard boxes, corrugated cardboard, paper bags and plastic bags, food packaging, newspapers, catalogues, etc.). The inks and method of printing continues to grow in popularity due to its low cost and environmentally friendly nature. The most important part of the printing process is the application of the ink.
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Ink Types
There are three main types of ink: water based, solvent and UV curable. The printing surface (substrate type) dictates what ink type it is advisable to use. Each type of ink has its advantages and disadvantages, therefore the type of ink used in printing is determined by factors such as price, speed, and the use of the packaging (food, cleaning, or shopping bags).
History
In the early stages of flexography, aniline dye ink was used. Because of its toxicity, its use in food packaging was banned and it brought on complications due to frequent staining and the need for bleeding. Over time, changes and improvements were made, involving the substitution of aniline dye for polyamide resins which speed up the drying process and as such the overall printing process itself.
Solvent-based inks began to be used, which were safe for food packaging, but harmful to the environment. The Environmental Law of the 1980s, led to printers trying out water-based inks. Today, most printers are easily adapted to water-based inks, allowing printers to recycle ink for later use.