The ink vehicle is the core component of the ink, playing a crucial role as the carrier for pigments and the material for film formation. Its main functions can be summarized as follows:
1. Dispersed and stable pigments
The binder is the carrier of the pigments. During the ink manufacturing process, it wets the pigments and evenly disperses the solid pigment particles to prevent them from re-aggregating, ensuring that the ink has good fluidity and stability. Only in this way can the ink smoothly transfer from the ink tank to the printing plate and then to the substrate.
2. Determine the rheological properties of the ink
The printing suitability of the ink, such as viscosity, adhesion, and drying speed, is mainly determined by the properties of the binder. It is necessary to ensure that the ink can be smoothly transported on the ink roller, while also having sufficient cohesion to ensure that the text and graphics are clear without ink flying.
3. Attachment and Coating
This is the most crucial function of the adhesive. It adheres the pigments to the surface of the substrate such as paper, plastic, or metal. Through methods such as solvent evaporation and oxidation to form a film, or UV curing, it transforms from a liquid state to a solid state, creating a uniform, smooth, and highly durable film layer. This film firmly holds the pigments, giving the printed product durability, glossiness, and protection.
4. Impact on the appearance and performance of printed materials
The type of binder (such as resin oil, solvent-based resin, water-based resin, etc.) directly affects the glossiness, abrasion resistance, flexibility and chemical resistance of the printed products. For instance, a good binder can make the printed marks vivid and with high gloss.