Location >> Analysis of the Structure and Properties of UV Flatbed Printer Inks
Date：2025-11-21
Structure and Properties of UV Flatbed Printing Inks
UV printer inks have emerged as some of the most dynamic printing inks on the market in recent years. Their introduction has brought new prospects to the printing industry, marking a significant milestone. The application of UV inks has not only transformed traditional printing techniques but also expanded their use into new areas, solving challenges that conventional methods could not address. So why are UV inks so widely favored? The answer lies in their structure and performance.
Structural Characteristics
In terms of composition, UV inks feature pigment particles with diameters smaller than 1 micron. They contain no volatile organic solvents, exhibit ultra-low viscosity, and are free from pungent odors. These properties prevent nozzle clogging during inkjet printing, ensuring smooth operation. Additionally, UV inks offer fast drying and curing, rich color reproduction, high gloss, strong saturation, and superior color expression. They can be applied to challenging substrates such as glass, ceramic tiles, acrylic, and leather. Beyond their flexible formulation, UV inks are popular for the following reasons:
1. Environmental Friendliness: While traditional printing often contributes to significant pollution, UV inks are designed to be more eco-friendly, aligning with market demands for sustainable development.
2. Rapid Curing: Equipped with LED UV cold light sources during printing, UV inks cure instantly upon exposure to UV light, achieving immediate drying for enhanced efficiency.
3. Strong UV Resistance: With a lightfastness rating of 7–8, these inks can withstand outdoor conditions for at least three years.
Key Properties of UV Inks
· Hue, viscosity, fineness, curing speed, curing energy, and solid content
· Performance and applications of UV inks
· Suitability, yellowing resistance, water resistance, abrasion resistance, flexibility, acid and alkali resistance, adhesion
Notable Features of UV Inks
1. Free from volatile organic solvents, low pollution, non-hazardous to human health, no need for explosion-proof equipment or wastewater treatment systems.
2. Consistent ink film thickness without solvent evaporation issues; stable ink quality without risk of substrate damage from solvents.
3. Short inter-color drying time enables rapid printing production lines, significantly improving efficiency. UV inks can cover 40–50% more printing area compared to conventional inks.
4. No screen clogging, ideal for high-precision printing.
5. Excellent print quality and superior printability.
Limitations of UV Inks
1. May cause allergic reactions in some individuals.
2. Adhesion may be inadequate on certain substrates.
3. Requires specific configurations in the printing workshop.
Storage and Handling Guidelines
UV ink bottles must be made of black opaque material to prevent curing from ambient UV light. Lids should be tightly sealed to avoid contamination by dust or particles. During use, operators should work in shaded conditions, with their backs to sunlight, when transferring ink into the cartridge.
