Can I Use Waterbased Ink for Flexographic Printing?

Water-based flexo printing is gaining popularity as a viable option for producing environmentally friendly packaging.

Environmental concerns are prompting the printing industry to explore alternative ink systems to print more sustainable packaging. Water-based inks are often recognized as a green alternative for a more environmentally friendly product. They are, as a whole, environmentally friendly.

The Growing Popularity of Flexographic Printing

The demand for flexographic printing is growing. The convergence of a number of market factors, including sustainability and environmental effects, cost control and reduction, marketing and product proliferation aligned with increased customer demand, and the expansion of goods and markets served by converters, is influencing how, who and where printed products, especially disposable packaging, are manufactured.

To meet these consumer needs, these drivers are also beginning to challenge and improve which ink and coating technologies are used.

Waterbased Ink Enriches Flexographic Prints

Understandably, there’s an increased interest in the flexographic printing marketplace to appreciate the versatility of water-based inks and coatings. Many have made a shift from outdated solvent-based technologies. In today’s marketplace where innovation and sustainability have become a marketing strategy and consumers are loyal to companies that have shown their responsibility towards the environment.

Water has a high viscosity, which can make mottled or pin holed solids as well as perfect-looking dots. It means that to achieve better print quality and a smooth ink laydown on most plastics, the surface tension must be decreased significantly. This is accomplished by applying an emulsifier or solvent, which instantly contaminates the water. The amount of solvent used can vary from 2% to 20% of the press-ready ink, based on the base, press style, and printing speed.

Water-Based Ink Print Problems

Many printers doubt on the printability and quality of water-based inks. Some common print problems faced by beginners include—

• Difficulty cleaning
• Difficulty re-wetting
• Bad rub and scratch resistance (particularly just after the printing process)
• Somewhat poorer color and lower gloss strength
• Slow curing process, thus need more heat or energy
• Ink sets on the plates, making inconsistent and swelled prints

In reality, water-based inks can deliver good quality performance in the flexible packaging market.

Water-based Ink— Eco-friendly Printing Option

The biggest benefit of water-based inks is that there are no or little volatile organic compounds. This eliminates the need for costly systems such as a Regenerative Thermal Oxidizer to turn harmful pollutants into harmless inert byproducts such as water vapor, carbon dioxide, and usable heat.

Aside from the considerable cost savings, using water-based inks allows manufacturers to work in regions where solvent-based inks are prohibited or restricted, allowing them to continue or start new flexo printing operations.

Furthermore, since water-based inks contain water-soluble polar solvents whose compounds dissolve during processing in such a way that they do not release intense smelling emissions. They also reduce the fire risk associated with solvent-based inks, and do not emit odors.

Final Words

Water-based inks have not only become a preferred option but often also essential, as a result of a growing focus on environmental issues. Thanks to new printing technology, switching from solvent-based inks to water-based inks has never been easier.

Water-based inks are presently a viable choice for flexographic printers, offering better performance comparable to solvent-based inks. However, the adoption of water-based inks is reliant on the printers’ current technology and substrates, as well as the end-use features to which the product would be presented.

Make sure to invest in the best printing machine that can handle all of your printing needs. It will help you print at high speeds with any variety of ink without sacrificing the quality of the end product. Buying from a reputable ink supplier will also ensure a smooth flexographic printing process and give you peace of mind.

DAS Waterbased Ink is an industry-leading ink supplier of a wide range of inks including scratch off ink, textile printing ink, silicone ink and many more. Get in touch with us today to know which ink will best suit your printing needs.