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Principles for Selecting and Formulating UV Ink Raw Materials
Release time:
2025-07-12 16:51
UV inks, owing to their rapid curing speed, excellent environmental performance, and superior print quality, are widely used in the modern printing industry. The quality of these inks largely depends on the selection and formulation of their raw materials. This article begins with an overview of the basic components of UV inks and examines the principles for choosing and blending various raw materials, as well as their impact on the final product’s performance.
I. Prepolymer: Laying the Foundation for Ink
Prepolymers form the foundational backbone of UV inks, directly influencing the physicochemical properties of the ink film. They not only participate in the photopolymerization reaction but also determine key performance attributes of the finished product, such as hardness, adhesion, weatherability, and chemical resistance.
1. Common Types
Epoxy acrylate resin: Exhibits excellent chemical resistance and high hardness, making it suitable for industrial packaging applications.
Polyurethane acrylate resin: highly flexible and exhibits excellent adhesion, making it suitable for flexible substrates or printed materials that require bendability.
Polyester acrylic resin: Offers a good balance of properties and relatively low cost, making it widely used for general printing applications.
Polyether acrylate resin: Exhibits excellent low-temperature stability, making it suitable for printing applications in cold environments.
2. Selection Strategy
Select the appropriate type of prepolymer based on the application scenario. For example, in label printing that demands high abrasion resistance, epoxy resins are preferred; whereas for film printing, polyurethane resins are typically chosen to enhance adhesion and flexibility.
II. Reactive Diluents: Adjusting Ink Performance
Reactive diluents not only reduce the viscosity of the system but also participate in the photopolymerization reaction, thereby influencing the performance of the final ink film.
1. Classification by Type
Monofunctional monomers: exhibit strong dilution capability but low crosslink density, resulting in relatively soft cured properties.
Bifunctional monomers: exhibit a rapid curing rate and high crosslinking density, but possess relatively poor dilution capability.
2. Configuration Recommendations
In practical formulation design, it is necessary to balance dilution efficiency with curing performance. For rapid curing, the proportion of bifunctional monomers can be increased; for improved processability and flow, the content of monofunctional monomers should be appropriately raised. At the same time, environmentally friendly monomers that are low‑irritant and odorless should be prioritized to meet green printing requirements.
III. Photoinitiators: Initiate the Curing Reaction
Photoinitiators generate free radicals or cations upon UV irradiation, thereby initiating the polymerization reaction. Their performance directly affects curing efficiency and the quality of the final product.
1. Classification and Introduction
Hydrogen‑abstraction initiators: Must be used in conjunction with a hydrogen donor and are suitable for thick ink layers or dark‑colored inks.
Decomposition-type photoinitiators: They decompose directly into free radicals upon irradiation and are suitable for thin ink layers or light-colored systems.
2. Selection Considerations
When making a selection, attention should be paid to its absorption efficiency in the UV wavelength range, thermal stability, and compatibility with other components. Additionally, residual odor, safety, and cost considerations must also be taken into account.
IV. Pigments: Impart Color to Inks
Pigments not only impart color expression but also, to a certain extent, influence the ink’s lightfastness, opacity, and rheological properties.
1. Classification of Pigments
Organic pigments: vivid in color and highly transparent, they are commonly used in high-quality color printing.
Inorganic pigments: highly weather-resistant and offer excellent opacity, commonly used in outdoor advertising or functional printing.
2. Key Usage Points
The pigment should exhibit excellent dispersibility and stability to prevent agglomeration‑induced printing defects. Additionally, its particle size should be appropriately controlled to ensure uniform ink film thickness and gloss.
V. Additives: Optimizing Ink Performance
Although auxiliaries are not the main components, they play a crucial role in enhancing ink processability, stability, and specialized functionalities.
1. Main Types
Dispersant: Helps achieve uniform pigment dispersion and enhances color performance.
Defoamer: Prevents bubble formation and ensures a smooth printing process.
Leveling agent: Improves the smoothness of the ink film surface and enhances gloss.
Stabilizer: Extends the shelf life of inks and prevents oxidation or degradation.
2. Application Guidance
The addition of additives should be tailored to the specific application. For example, in high-gloss printing, the appropriate incorporation of a leveling agent can significantly enhance surface quality, whereas stabilizers are indispensable for products intended for long-term storage.
VI. Conclusion
The formulation of UV inks is a systematic undertaking that involves the synergistic interactions of multiple raw materials. Only by thoroughly understanding the functional properties of each component and carefully tailoring their combinations to meet practical application requirements can one produce high‑quality UV inks that simultaneously deliver excellent print performance and environmental safety. Looking ahead, as environmental regulations become increasingly stringent and technological advances continue, the selection and optimization of UV ink formulations will evolve toward greater efficiency, sustainability, and multifunctionality.
Disclaimer: The above content has been compiled from publicly available sources and is provided for reference only. If any infringement occurs, please contact us, and we will address it promptly.
| Bossin Related Product Recommendations – UV Ink | ||
| Offset printing ink | ||
| Product Model/English Abbreviation | Product Name/Product Type | Product Features |
| B-153 | Modified epoxy acrylate | Good flexibility, excellent pigment wetting, and strong adhesion. |
| B-530 | Polyester acrylate | Low viscosity, excellent hydrophobicity, thixotropy, and improved ink misting. |
| B-536 | Polyester acrylate | Good adhesion, fast curing, and excellent pigment wetting. |
| B-560 | Polyester acrylate | Fast curing and excellent pigment wetting. |
| B-590 | Polyester acrylate | Good adhesion, fast curing, and excellent pigment wetting. |
| BM3231 (TMPTA) | Trimethylolpropane triacrylate | High crosslink density, high hardness, high gloss, and excellent wear resistance. |
| BM3380 (3EO-TMPTA) | Pentaerythritol triacrylate | More flexible and less irritating than TMPTA. |
| BM3384 (3PO-GPTA) | Propylene glycol triacrylate | Good flexibility, low irritation, and excellent pigment wetting. |
| BM4241 (DiTMPTA-80) | Bis(2,3-dihydroxypropyl) tetraacrylate | High crosslink density, high hardness, chemical and wear resistance, and water resistance. |
| BM4242 (Di-TMPTA) | Bis-trimethylolpropane tetraacrylate | High crosslink density, high hardness, chemical and wear resistance, and water resistance. |
| BM6261 (DPHA-80) | Dipentaerythritol hexaacrylate | High crosslink density, high hardness, chemical and wear resistance, and water resistance. |
| BM6263 (DPHA-90) | Dipentaerythritol hexaacrylate | High crosslink density, high hardness, chemical and wear resistance, and water resistance. |
| Flexographic ink | ||
| Product Model/English Abbreviation | Product Name/Product Type | Product Features |
| B-113 | Bisphenol A epoxy acrylate | High hardness, high gloss, high fullness, containing 20% TPGDA. |
| B-21 | Active amine photosensitizing promoter | Low color number, benzene-free, antioxidant and polymerization inhibitor, enhances curing rate. |
| B-21C | Active amine photosensitizing promoter | Low color number, antioxidant and polymerization inhibitor, enhances curing rate. |
| B-270 | Aliphatic polyurethane acrylate | Low viscosity, excellent flexibility, good wettability, and excellent leveling. |
| B-296 | Aliphatic polyurethane acrylate | Fast curing, chemical resistance, yellowing resistance, impact resistance |
| B-431 | Cycloaliphatic Specialty Acrylate | Yellowing-resistant, excellent wettability, low viscosity, fast curing |
| B-509B | Polyester acrylate | Good adhesion, excellent flexibility, and superior pigment wetting. |
| B-520 | Polyester acrylate | Low viscosity, high gloss, excellent wettability, and cost-effective. |
| B-522 | Polyester acrylate | Low shrinkage, excellent flexibility, strong adhesion, and high cost-effectiveness. |
| B-546 | Polyester acrylate | Good adhesion, fast curing, and excellent flexibility. |
| B-560 | Polyester acrylate | Fast curing and excellent pigment wetting. |
| B-574C | Polyester acrylate | Low viscosity, low odor, excellent wettability, suitable for LED UV. |
| B-590 | Polyester acrylate | Good adhesion, fast curing, and excellent pigment wetting. |
| BM2223 (TPGDA) | Di(propylene glycol) diacrylate | Good flexibility and low volatility |
| BM2224 (EO-HDDA) | Ethoxylation of 1,6-hexanediol diacrylate | Good adhesion to plastics, excellent dilutability, and low volatility. |
| BM3231 (TMPTA) | Trimethylolpropane triacrylate | High crosslink density, high hardness, high gloss, and excellent wear resistance. |
| BM3380 (3EO-TMPTA) | Pentaerythritol triacrylate | More flexible and less irritating than TMPTA. |
| BM3384 (3PO-GPTA) | Propylene glycol triacrylate | Good flexibility, low irritation, and excellent pigment wetting. |
| BM4241 (DiTMPTA-80) | Bis(2,3-dihydroxypropyl) tetraacrylate | High crosslink density, high hardness, chemical and wear resistance, and water resistance. |
| BM4242 (Di-TMPTA) | Bis-trimethylolpropane tetraacrylate | High crosslink density, high hardness, chemical and wear resistance, and water resistance. |
| Intaglio ink | ||
| Product Model/English Abbreviation | Product Name/Product Type | Product Features |
| B-113 | Bisphenol A epoxy acrylate | High hardness, high gloss, high fullness, containing 20% TPGDA. |
| B-163 | Modified epoxy acrylate | Good flexibility, excellent pigment wetting, and strong adhesion. |
| B-509B | Polyester acrylate | Good adhesion, excellent flexibility, and superior pigment wetting. |
| B-574C | Polyester acrylate | Low viscosity, low odor, excellent wettability, suitable for LED UV. |
| BM2223 (TPGDA) | Di(propylene glycol) diacrylate | Good flexibility and low volatility |
| BM2224 (EO-HDDA) | Ethoxylation of 1,6-hexanediol diacrylate | Good adhesion to plastics, excellent dilutability, and low volatility. |
| BM3231 (TMPTA) | Trimethylolpropane triacrylate | High crosslink density, high hardness, high gloss, and excellent wear resistance. |
| BM3380 (3EO-TMPTA) | Pentaerythritol triacrylate | More flexible and less irritating than TMPTA. |
| BM3384 (3PO-GPTA) | Propylene glycol triacrylate | Good flexibility, low irritation, and excellent pigment wetting. |
| Screen printing ink | ||
| Product Model/English Abbreviation | Product Name/Product Type | Product Features |
| B-113 | Bisphenol A epoxy acrylate | High hardness, high gloss, high fullness, containing 20% TPGDA. |
| B-151 | Modified epoxy acrylate | Low halogen, yellowing-resistant, excellent plating performance, and strong adhesion. |
| B-153 | Modified epoxy acrylate | Good flexibility, excellent pigment wetting, and strong adhesion. |
| B-163 | Modified epoxy acrylate | Good flexibility, excellent pigment wetting, and strong adhesion. |
| B-21 | Active amine photosensitizing promoter | Low color number, benzene-free, antioxidant and polymerization inhibitor, enhances curing rate. |
| B-216 | Aliphatic polyurethane acrylate | Fast curing, high fullness, and excellent toughness. |
| B-27 | Active amine photosensitizing promoter | Low color number, benzene-free, low odor, antioxidant and polymerization inhibitor |
| B-296 | Aliphatic polyurethane acrylate | Fast curing, chemical resistance, yellowing resistance, impact resistance |
| B-371 | Aliphatic polyurethane acrylate | Good surface drying, excellent flexibility, and excellent gloss retention. |
| B-509B | Polyester acrylate | Good adhesion, excellent flexibility, and superior pigment wetting. |
| B-522 | Polyester acrylate | Low shrinkage, excellent flexibility, strong adhesion, and high cost-effectiveness. |
| B-531 | Polyester acrylate | Good adhesion, impact resistance, excellent flexibility, and yellowing resistance. |
| B-535 | Polyester acrylate | Excellent adhesion, fast curing, good flexibility, and yellowing resistance. |
| B-546 | Polyester acrylate | Good adhesion, fast curing, and excellent flexibility. |
| B-590 | Polyester acrylate | Good adhesion, fast curing, and excellent pigment wetting. |
| BM2223 (TPGDA) | Di(propylene glycol) diacrylate | Good flexibility and low volatility |
| BM2224 (EO-HDDA) | Ethoxylation of 1,6-hexanediol diacrylate | Good adhesion to plastics, excellent dilutability, and low volatility. |
| BM3231 (TMPTA) | Trimethylolpropane triacrylate | High crosslink density, high hardness, high gloss, and excellent wear resistance. |
| BM3380 (3EO-TMPTA) | Pentaerythritol triacrylate | More flexible and less irritating than TMPTA. |
| BM3384 (3PO-GPTA) | Propylene glycol triacrylate | Good flexibility, low irritation, and excellent pigment wetting. |
| BM6261 (DPHA-80) | Dipentaerythritol hexaacrylate | High crosslink density, high hardness, chemical and wear resistance, and water resistance. |
| BM6263 (DPHA-90) | Dipentaerythritol hexaacrylate | High crosslink density, high hardness, chemical and wear resistance, and water resistance. |
| Solder resist ink | ||
| Product Model/English Abbreviation | Product Name/Product Type | Product Features |
| B-05 | Phosphate ester acrylate | Enhance adhesion to substrates such as metal, glass, and plastic. |
| B-191A | Phenolic epoxy acrylate | Fast curing and excellent heat resistance |
| B-196S | Modified o‑methylphenol‑formaldehyde epoxy acrylate | Fast curing, excellent heat resistance, and superior development performance. |
| BM3231 (TMPTA) | Trimethylolpropane triacrylate | High crosslink density, high hardness, high gloss, and excellent wear resistance. |
| BM6261 (DPHA-80) | Dipentaerythritol hexaacrylate | High crosslink density, high hardness, chemical and wear resistance, and water resistance. |
| BM6263 (DPHA-90) | Dipentaerythritol hexaacrylate | High crosslink density, high hardness, chemical and wear resistance, and water resistance. |
| UV inkjet | ||
| Product Model/English Abbreviation | Product Name/Product Type | Product Features |
| B-21 | Active amine photosensitizing promoter | Low color number, benzene-free, antioxidant and polymerization inhibitor, enhances curing rate. |
| B-27 | Active amine photosensitizing promoter | Low color number, benzene-free, low odor, antioxidant and polymerization inhibitor |
| B-270 | Aliphatic polyurethane acrylate | Low viscosity, excellent flexibility, good wettability, and excellent leveling. |
| B-271 | Aliphatic polyurethane acrylate | Flexibility, low shrinkage, weather resistance, pigment wettability |
| B-39 | Aliphatic polyurethane acrylate | Low viscosity, good flexibility, and low volatility. |
| B-570 | Polyester acrylate | Low viscosity, benzene-free, low odor, suitable for LED UV |
| B-572 | Polyester acrylate | Low viscosity, low odor, excellent wettability, suitable for LED UV. |
| B-574 | Polyester acrylate | Benzene-free, low-odor, and VOC levels meet cigarette-packaging standards. |
| B-574C | Polyester acrylate | Low viscosity, low odor, excellent wettability, suitable for LED UV. |
| B-609 | Aliphatic polyurethane acrylate | Fast curing, high hardness, scratch resistance, and chemical resistance. |
| B-619W | Aliphatic polyurethane acrylate | Fast curing, high hardness, excellent toughness, wear resistance, and chemical resistance. |
| BM1211 (HPMA) | Hydroxypropyl methacrylate | HEMA-free, high strength, low irritation, and high adhesion |
| BM2223 (TPGDA) | Di(propylene glycol) diacrylate | Good flexibility and low volatility |
| BM2224 (EO-HDDA) | Ethoxylation of 1,6-hexanediol diacrylate | Good adhesion to plastics, excellent dilutability, and low volatility. |
| BM3231 (TMPTA) | Trimethylolpropane triacrylate | High crosslink density, high hardness, high gloss, and excellent wear resistance. |
| BM3380 (3EO-TMPTA) | Pentaerythritol triacrylate | More flexible and less irritating than TMPTA. |
| BM3384 (3PO-GPTA) | Propylene glycol triacrylate | Good flexibility, low irritation, and excellent pigment wetting. |
| Glass protection | ||
| Product Model/English Abbreviation | Product Name/Product Type | Product Features |
| B-503 | Polyester acrylate | Fast curing, excellent flexibility, low viscosity, and minimal irritation. |
| B-52 | Polyester acrylate | Fast curing, excellent flexibility, low volatility, and minimal irritation. |
| B-583 | Polyester acrylate | Fast curing, excellent flexibility, low viscosity, and etching resistance. |
| BM3231 (TMPTA) | Trimethylolpropane triacrylate | High crosslink density, high hardness, high gloss, and excellent wear resistance. |
| Wrinkled Snowflake | ||
| Product Model/English Abbreviation | Product Name/Product Type | Product Features |
| B-100 | Bisphenol A epoxy acrylate | High hardness, high gloss, excellent chemical resistance, and rich body. |
| B-371 | Aliphatic polyurethane acrylate | Good surface drying, excellent flexibility, and excellent gloss retention. |
| B-431 | Cycloaliphatic Specialty Acrylate | Yellowing-resistant, excellent wettability, low viscosity, fast curing |
| B-574 | Polyester acrylate | Benzene-free, low-odor, and VOC levels meet cigarette-packaging standards. |
| BM2223 (TPGDA) | Di(propylene glycol) diacrylate | Good flexibility and low volatility |
| BM2224 (EO-HDDA) | Ethoxylation of 1,6-hexanediol diacrylate | Good adhesion to plastics, excellent dilutability, and low volatility. |
| BM3231 (TMPTA) | Trimethylolpropane triacrylate | High crosslink density, high hardness, high gloss, and excellent wear resistance. |
| BM3380 (3EO-TMPTA) | Pentaerythritol triacrylate | More flexible and less irritating than TMPTA. |
| BM3384 (3PO-GPTA) | Propylene glycol triacrylate | Good flexibility, low irritation, and excellent pigment wetting. |
| BM4241 (DiTMPTA-80) | Bis(2,3-dihydroxypropyl) tetraacrylate | High crosslink density, high hardness, chemical and wear resistance, and water resistance. |
| BM4242 (Di-TMPTA) | Bis-trimethylolpropane tetraacrylate | High crosslink density, high hardness, chemical and wear resistance, and water resistance. |
| Tinplate ink | ||
| Product Model/English Abbreviation | Product Name/Product Type | Product Features |
| B-374 | Aliphatic polyurethane acrylate | Good flexibility, excellent leveling, resistant to abrasion and chemicals, and yellowing‑resistant. |
| B-431 | Cycloaliphatic Specialty Acrylate | Yellowing-resistant, excellent wettability, low viscosity, fast curing |
| B-509B | Polyester acrylate | Good adhesion, excellent flexibility, and superior pigment wetting. |
| B-531 | Polyester acrylate | Good adhesion, impact resistance, excellent flexibility, and yellowing resistance. |
| BM2223 (TPGDA) | Di(propylene glycol) diacrylate | Good flexibility and low volatility |
| BM2224 (EO-HDDA) | Ethoxylation of 1,6-hexanediol diacrylate | Good adhesion to plastics, excellent dilutability, and low volatility. |
| BM3231 (TMPTA) | Trimethylolpropane triacrylate | High crosslink density, high hardness, high gloss, and excellent wear resistance. |
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