In the industrial printing world, you primarily face two choices: water-based ink or solvent-based ink. Unlike water-based solutions that rely on absorption, solvent-based inks utilize organic volatile solvents (VOCs) to transport pigments and resins.
The term ink solvent refers to the ink containing an oil-based solution. This ink is a relatively inexpensive type of ink that is compatible with inkjet printers. An attribute of solvent inks is that it is waterproof, thus making them resistant to fading and wearing. It is a common ink used to print on different uncoated banners and vinyl because the pigment bonds well with these materials. Normally, the solvent will evaporate or be flashed off with the heaters on the printer, which will leave only the pigment on the material.
The Core Advantage: "The Bite"
Because solvent inks are chemically non-polar, they can "bite" into non-porous plastic substrates like PVC, Vinyl, and PET. This creates a chemical bond rather than just sitting on the surface, making them waterproof, scratch-resistant, and ideal for outdoor longevity (5-7 years).
Components of Solvent Ink
The Carrier (Solvent)
Typically Ethyl Acetate, Toluene, or MEK. Keeps the resin liquid during transport through the anilox or gravure cylinder, then evaporates instantly upon heating.
The Pigment
Powdered colorants ground to micron levels (<5µm). Solvent inks allow for high pigment loads, resulting in the vibrant, opaque colors seen in flexible packaging.
The Resin (Binder)
The "glue." Whether NC, PVB, or PU, the resin remains after solvent evaporation to protect the pigment and bond it to the substrate.
Technical Classification: Which Ink Do You Need?
| Resin System | Best For | Properties | Xingxin Series |
|---|---|---|---|
|
NC (Nitrocellulose) Surface Print |
Paper, Foil, BOPP |
|
Standard |
|
PVB (Polyvinyl Butyral) Lamination |
Food Packaging (PET/NY) |
|
Food Grade |
|
PVC / Vinyl Shrink / Décor |
Furniture Film, Shrink Sleeves |
|
Series 110 |
|
PU (Polyurethane) High Performance |
Retort Pouches (Boil-in-bag) |
|
Custom |
Solvent-Based vs. Water-Based Inks
While water-based inks are growing for porous substrates like paper, solvent-based inks remain the undisputed king for non-porous films and high-speed industrial printing.