Omar Khalid
When it comes to printing on plastic, the type of ink used is crucial to the success of the print. Different inks have different properties, and not all of them will adhere well to plastic surfaces. For example, water-based inks are generally not suitable for printing on plastic because plastic is hydrophobic. On the other hand, solvent-based inks are a popular choice for printing on plastic because they can be used on a variety of materials and are durable and resistant to water and chemicals. UV inks are also a good option for printing on plastic as they are cured using ultraviolet light, resulting in a long-lasting and durable print that is resistant to fading and scratching.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Types of screen inks that stick to plastic | Solvent-based, UV-based, water-based |
| Properties of water-based inks | Do not stick to plastic unless a surfactant is added, eco-friendly, do not contain harmful chemicals, soft hand feel, vibrant colours |
| Properties of solvent-based inks | Can be used on a variety of materials, durable, water and chemical-resistant, contain chemicals, dry via evaporation or heat |
| Properties of UV-based inks | Durable, long-lasting, resistant to fading and scratching, available in a wide range of colours, dry using ultraviolet light |
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What You'll Learn
Water-based inks are not suitable for plastic
Water-based inks are mostly water-soluble and absorb into the fabric. When this type of ink is cured, the water-based solvents evaporate, leaving behind only the pigmented binder compounds. This results in a softer hand, but it also means that the ink is not suitable for creating vibrant prints on darker garments. Water-based inks are also relatively cheaper than their solvent-based counterparts, and the cost required to operate solvent-based printing is higher than for water-based technology.
Solvent-based inks, on the other hand, are waterproof and resistant to smearing and abrasion. They can be used on a variety of substrates, including non-absorbent or non-porous media such as plastic. Solvent inks dry via evaporation or heat, and they do not require the additional energy of running an oxidizer like water-based inks. Solvent-based inks also have a faster evaporation rate when drying, making them ideal for large-scale printing where speed is crucial.
UV-based inks are another option for printing on plastic. These inks use ultraviolet light to dry instantly and create a durable and long-lasting print. However, it's important to note that the curing time for UV inks can take up to 48 hours after the ink film is exposed to UV light. Pre-treatment options are also required for UV inks to adhere properly to certain types of plastics.
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Solvent-based inks are a popular choice for printing on plastic
Solvent-based inks offer superior print quality and are compatible with various printing techniques, including screen printing and inkjet printing. They are also known for their resistance to chemicals, detergents, and mechanical stress, making them suitable for outdoor use and high-abrasion environments. For example, solvent-based inks are often used for printing on plastic cups, as they can withstand the wear and tear of regular use. Additionally, these inks are resistant to fading, making them ideal for products that need to maintain their appearance over time.
The versatility of solvent-based inks extends beyond plastic printing. They can also be used on a wide range of other materials, such as metal, glass, wood, and paper. This makes them a popular choice for packaging printing, as they can be used on various materials, including flexible packaging like bags and pouches. The fast-drying nature of solvent-based inks is another advantage, especially in large-scale printing operations where speed is a crucial factor. Their ability to dry quickly through evaporation or heat contributes to their efficiency in high-volume production settings.
However, it is important to consider the potential drawbacks of solvent-based inks. One concern is the environmental impact of these inks. Solvent-based inks contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that evaporate as chemical fumes during the drying process, which can be harmful to the environment and raise health concerns. Additionally, the cost of operating solvent-based printing technology is typically higher than that of water-based printing. Nevertheless, solvent-based inks remain a popular choice due to their effectiveness in delivering high-quality, durable prints on plastic and other non-porous surfaces.
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UV-based inks are durable and long-lasting
When it comes to screen printing on plastic, there are two types of ink that can be used: solvent-based and UV-based. While solvent-based inks are a popular choice for printing on plastic, UV-based inks offer unique advantages that make them a superior option in terms of durability and longevity.
UV-based inks, also known as UV-curable inks, are exposed to UV light during the curing process, which causes the ink to rapidly harden and become durable. This curing process is crucial in enhancing the lifespan and durability of the prints. The UV light penetrates deeply into the ink particles, resulting in a stronger bond between the ink molecules. Consequently, UV-based inks are highly resistant to fading, scratching, water damage, and other environmental factors. This makes them ideal for applications where long-lasting prints are required, such as promotional products or multiple-use plastic cups.
One of the key advantages of UV-based inks is their ability to produce high-quality, vibrant, and detailed prints. The curing process not only ensures that the colours remain vibrant over time but also improves adhesion to the substrate, making the prints more resistant to wear and tear. Additionally, UV-based inks are more environmentally friendly than other types of inks because they do not contain hazardous chemicals or solvents, making them safer and easier to dispose of.
Furthermore, UV-based inks offer efficiency benefits during the printing process. The curing process of UV inks is extremely fast, requiring less than a second of exposure to UV light. This results in faster production times and reduced energy consumption. The low viscosity of UV inks also contributes to cost savings, as less ink is typically required compared to other types of inks.
Overall, UV-based inks are a superior choice for screen printing on plastic when long-lasting and durable prints are desired. The combination of their resistance to fading and damage, high-quality finish, environmental benefits, and efficiency in the printing process makes them a preferred option over traditional inks. By utilising UV-based inks, businesses can achieve vibrant and long-lasting imprints on promotional products, maximising brand exposure and ensuring a positive customer experience.
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Pre-treatment is required for inks to adhere to plastics
When it comes to printing on plastics, pre-treatment is often required to ensure that the ink adheres properly to the surface and produces a high-quality print. The specific pre-treatment method depends on the type of plastic and ink being used.
One important factor to consider is the surface energy of the plastic. Plastics typically have low surface energies, ranging from 20 to 40 mN/m. This can cause adhesion problems during printing, as the ink may not properly stick to the surface. To address this issue, pre-treatment methods can be used to increase the surface energy and improve ink adhesion.
There are several pre-treatment options available for plastics. Two common types are mechanical and chemical pre-treatment. Mechanical pre-treatment methods include flame treatment and the use of primer wipes. Flame treatment involves exposing the plastic surface to a controlled flame, which increases the surface energy and improves ink adhesion. Primer wipes, on the other hand, involve applying a primer solution to the plastic surface before printing. This method is simple and cost-effective, as it only requires a lint-free towel, primer, and drying time. Different primers are available for specific plastics, such as PP primer for polypropylene plastics.
Another pre-treatment option is the use of plasma technology. Plasma treatment, such as with the piezobrush® PZ3 handheld device, increases the surface energy of low-energy plastics, improving the adhesion of inks, glues, or varnishes. This method is especially useful for temperature-sensitive plastics, as cold atmospheric pressure plasma can be used without affecting the material.
The choice of ink also plays a role in determining the need for pre-treatment. For example, solvent-based inks can alter the molecular composition of solvent-sensitive plastics, improving adhesion without the need for pre-treatment. In contrast, non-solvent sensitive plastics may require pre-treatment, such as a chemical wipe or corona treatment, to enhance adhesion.
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Inks with surfactants are better at sticking to plastic
Plastic is generally hydrophobic, so water-based inks will not stick to it. However, inks with surfactants are better at adhering to plastic. Surfactants are added to water-based inks to increase their ability to stick to plastic.
There are two types of screen printing ink for plastic: solvent-based and UV-based. Solvent-based inks are a popular choice for printing on plastic as they can bond to many different plastics and are durable and resistant to detergents and other chemicals. UV-based inks are also used for printing on plastic due to their durability, efficiency, and sustainability. UV inks dry instantly when exposed to ultraviolet light, but their curing time takes 24 to 48 hours.
The type of surfactant and its concentration can impact the ink's ability to stick to plastic. For example, solutions of cationic surfactant are effective at removing water-based inks from plastic films, even at low concentrations. Amphoteric surfactants are also effective at removing inks but require higher concentrations. On the other hand, anionic and non-ionic surfactants are less effective at removing inks, even at high concentrations.
The dye used in the ink may also affect its ability to stick to plastic. Different inks have different coating properties, and some dyes may have a stronger affinity for plastic than others.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several types of ink that can be used to print on plastic, including water-based, solvent-based, and UV-based inks. Solvent-based inks are a popular choice due to their versatility and durability. They can be used on a variety of materials, including plastic, and are resistant to water and chemicals. UV-based inks are also a good option for printing on plastic as they are cured using ultraviolet light, resulting in a durable and long-lasting print. Water-based inks are eco-friendly and safe for both the environment and customers, but they can be tricky to dry.
When drying water-based inks on plastic, it is important to be careful as the plastic can melt. A flash dryer can be used, but it should not be placed directly on top of the plastic.
Solvent-based inks can be dried using a drying oven or through air drying at room temperature. When using a drying oven, it is important to test how much heat the plastic can take and adjust the temperature accordingly.
UV-based inks are cured using a UV curing unit or conveyor system equipped with UV lamps. The distance between the lamps and the plastic, as well as the lamp intensity and exposure time, should be set according to the manufacturer's recommendations.
Yes, pre-treatments are required for inks to adhere to certain types of plastic, such as PET (PE) and polypropylene. Both mechanical and chemical pre-treatment options are available. Chemical pre-treatments include PP primer, while mechanical systems include pryosil and flame treatment.
