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Next-Gen Gravure Technology

Xingxin Gravure Printing Ink

Engineered for high-speed performance and vibrancy. From eco-friendly water-based solutions to robust solvent systems for flexible packaging.

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Eco-Friendly Series

Low VOC & Water-Based

The Gravure Printing Process

Gravure printing utilizes an engraved cylinder to transfer ink onto a substrate. It is renowned for its ability to produce high-density, consistent, and vibrant images for long-run packaging.

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Ink Printability: Controlling the Process

Ink printability refers to the ink's operational performance that matches printing conditions. Success hinges on a precise balance of the following four critical physical characteristics:

  • 1. Viscosity: The internal friction in the ink's flow. Lower viscosity ensures proper cell filling at high press speeds. It is adjustable with varnish or thinner.
  • 2. Adhesion (Tack): The ink film's ability to resist rupture during transfer. Mismatched adhesion causes failures like linting, picking, or poor overprinting. It is measured by an ink tack meter.
  • 3. Thixotropy: The reversible property where viscosity decreases under mechanical shear (stirring) and increases when standing. Poor thixotropy leads to uneven transfer and severe dot expansion.
  • 4. Drying: Gravure inks primarily utilize Evaporative Drying (volatile solvents), making them ideal for non-absorbent materials like plastics and foils. Other methods include Penetration and Oxidative Polymerization.

Printing Failure Prevention:

To prevent issues like "poor ink delivery" or screening, continuous ink agitation is required to maintain thixotropy, and viscosity must be strictly controlled to match the press speed and substrate type.

Ink Technology & Science

The performance of gravure ink relies on a delicate balance of viscosity, adhesion, and thixotropy. Our formulations are engineered using advanced micronized waxes to optimize these properties.

Viscosity Control

Viscosity is the internal friction of the fluid. In high-speed gravure (100m/min+), lower viscosity is required for proper flow into and out of the engraved cells.

  • Measurement: Zahn Cup #3 or #4 is standard, measured in seconds.
  • Adjustment: Use varnish or thinners (Ethyl Acetate, IPA) to adjust flow properties.
  • Impact: Too high = Screening/Missing dots. Too low = Smudging or poor print density.
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Tip: Measure viscosity at running temperature (25°C typically) for accurate readings.

Ink viscosity molecules illustration

Troubleshooting Guide

Cause: Solvent retention, high rewind tension, or insufficient cooling.

Solution: Use faster solvents to ensure drying. Increase cooling drum efficiency. Add wax additives (like PEW-0205B) to improve slip and antiblocking properties.

Cause: Substrate corona treatment level too low (<38 dyne) or ink binder incompatibility.

Solution: Check film surface tension. Use an adhesion promoter (Titanate). Ensure you are using the correct series (e.g., use NT-POC for Polyolefins, not generic paper ink).

Cause: Doctor blade wear, pressure too high, or ink viscosity too high.

Solution: Replace doctor blade. Lower ink viscosity. Check cylinder chrome plating for roughness.

Cause: Ink drying too fast in the cells (Dry-In) or viscosity too high.

Solution: Add retarder (slow solvent like Ethoxy Propanol or Butanol). Lower viscosity to improve flow into cells.