Common Adverse Phenomena When Using UV Inks (Part 3)


As an important material in the modern printing industry, UV ink—with its unique curing mechanism and outstanding printing performance—has been widely adopted across various printing processes. However, during the use of UV ink, printers often encounter several undesirable phenomena that not only affect the quality and aesthetic appeal of printed materials but may also have adverse effects on printing equipment and production efficiency. This article will focus on examining three common phenomena encountered when using UV ink: ink drooling and stringing, ink layering, and ink emulsification, and will provide an in-depth analysis of the underlying causes of these phenomena.

I. Ink Dripping and Ink Pulling Phenomena

Ink Dripping: During high-speed printing, especially when the printing equipment runs continuously for extended periods, UV ink may gradually lose its adhesion due to mechanical shear forces generated during stirring and circulation. As a result, the ink’s fluidity increases. When the ink becomes too fluid, it can spill out through gaps or openings in the printing equipment, leading to the formation of scattered ink droplets—a phenomenon known as ink dripping. Ink dripping not only compromises the neatness of the printed materials but can also contaminate the printing equipment itself.

Ink Pulling: The phenomenon of ink pulling typically occurs when the ink emulsifies severely. When the moisture content in UV ink is excessively high, it can obstruct the transmission of ultraviolet radiation energy, leading to incomplete ink curing and consequently weakening the adhesion strength of the ink film. Sometimes, even though the ink appears cured on the surface, residual moisture may still remain within the cured ink film. This residual moisture can cause the ink layer to peel off during the application of adhesive tape or when subjected to friction tests—this is known as the "ink pulling" phenomenon.

II. Ink Layering Phenomenon

Layering in varnish-type inks: After prolonged standing, UV inks may exhibit layering of the varnish component. This phenomenon occurs because the various components within the ink separate under the influence of gravity. It is a normal occurrence and generally does not affect the ink’s printing performance. However, before use, the ink must be thoroughly stirred to ensure uniform distribution of all its components; otherwise, it could lead to color variations and uneven gloss in the printed materials. In addition, inadequate stirring may also cause the ink to clog nozzles or doctor blades during the printing process, thereby compromising printing efficiency and quality.

3. Emulsification of Ink

During the UV offset printing process, ink emulsification is prone to occur due to factors such as an imbalance between water and ink or improper printing pressure. Emulsified ink tends to accumulate on the inking rollers and remain on the printing plate and blanket, resulting in a decline in the clarity of the printed images and text. The phenomenon of emulsification typically manifests itself as fuzzy edges around halftone dots and unclear image and text quality. These issues can adversely affect the overall quality and visual appeal of the printed materials.

IV. Conclusion

In summary, the phenomena of ink drooling and stringing, ink layering, and ink emulsification that occur during the use of UV inks are all critical factors affecting both the quality of printed materials and the normal operation of printing equipment. By gaining a deeper understanding of the causes behind these phenomena and implementing appropriate measures for improvement and optimization, we can effectively reduce the occurrence of these undesirable effects and enhance the printing performance and stability of UV inks.

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