UV ink: principle, use and preservation method
UV ink, or UV-curing ink, is a special type of ink that cures quickly by ultraviolet light to form a strong pattern or text. Since its development in the 1970s, UV ink has gradually become an important material in many industries such as printing, inkjet painting, and cultural creativity with its unique properties and wide range of applications. This paper will discuss the principle, composition, use and preservation of UV ink in detail.
The principle of UV ink
The curing principle of UV ink is based on photochemical reactions. When UV ink is exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light, the photoinitiator in the ink absorbs light energy, triggering a series of free radical reactions that ultimately cause the resin and other components in the ink to cross-link and cure, forming a strong film. This curing process is very rapid, usually taking only a few seconds to a few minutes to complete, greatly improving production efficiency.
The curing process of UV ink has the following significant characteristics:
Fast curing: Because the curing of UV ink is achieved by photochemical reaction, the curing speed is very fast, suitable for high-speed printing and inkjet.
High adhesion: The cured UV ink layer has a high adhesion, can be firmly attached to the surface of various materials, and is not easy to fall off.
Wear resistance and weather resistance: The cured UV ink layer has high wear resistance and weather resistance, which can resist wear, scratching and ultraviolet radiation, and keep the pattern and text clear for a long time.
The use of UV ink
UV inks are favored for their unique properties and wide range of applications. The following are the main uses of UV ink:
Inkjet printing: UV ink is suitable for all kinds of inkjet printing machines and printers, can print metal, glass, ceramics, PC, PVC, ABS and other materials. The cured ink layer has good hardness, adhesion, scrub resistance, solvent resistance, high gloss, suitable for billboards, interior decoration, art paintings and other occasions.
Cultural creativity: UV ink has a wide range of applications in the field of cultural creativity. Through UV digital printing technology, the image can be presented in the way of ink stacking, making the picture more three-dimensional and vivid. Whether it is oil paintings, Chinese paintings or other artworks, they can be permanently collected and displayed through UV printing technology.
Industrial manufacturing: UV ink also has important applications in the field of industrial manufacturing. For example, in the manufacturing process of vehicles such as cars and bicycles, UV ink can be used to print signs, patterns, etc., increasing the beauty and personalization of products. In addition, UV ink can also be used for the shell printing of electronic products, home appliances, etc., to improve the added value of products.
Packaging printing: UV ink also has broad application prospects in the field of packaging printing. Due to the fast curing speed, strong adhesion and good wear-resistant weather resistance of UV ink, it is very suitable for printing packaging materials. Whether it is packaging materials such as paper boxes, plastic bottles or metal cans, high-quality printing results can be achieved through UV printing technology.
Use and preservation method of UV ink
The use and preservation method of UV ink is crucial to maintain the quality and use effect of the ink. The following are some precautions for the use and preservation of UV ink:
Light protection: UV ink is easily cured, so light protection measures must be taken during storage. Unused ink should be stored in time, and use opaque objects to shield the bottle mouth to avoid contact with ultraviolet light. Storage location should choose a backlit, cool site, avoid direct sunlight and high temperature environment.
Constant temperature use: the viscosity of UV ink changes with temperature, so it should be kept at a constant temperature as much as possible during the printing process. Generally speaking, 18-30 degrees Celsius is the appropriate printing temperature. When the ink temperature increases, the viscosity decreases and the film thickness becomes thinner. When the temperature decreases, the viscosity increases and the film thickness becomes thicker. Therefore, during the printing process, attention should be paid to controlling the temperature and maintaining the stability of the ink.
Proper use of equipment: The use of UV ink is inseparable from professional inkjet or printing equipment. Before use, ensure that the equipment is in good working condition, including nozzle cleaning, pressure stability, etc. At the same time, the inkjet parameters should be adjusted according to the requirements of the equipment and the characteristics of the ink, such as the temperature of the nozzle, the inkjet speed, the ink drop size, etc., in order to obtain the best printing effect.
Pay attention to the ventilation environment: Although UV ink is much more environmentally friendly than traditional solvent-based inks, it is still necessary to pay attention to the ventilation environment during use. Operating in a confined space for a long time may lead to an increase in the concentration of harmful substances in the air, affecting the health of the operator. Therefore, it should be ensured that the working area has good ventilation conditions, or use air purification equipment to reduce the concentration of harmful substances.
Cleaning and maintenance: After using UV ink, the equipment and nozzle should be cleaned and maintained in time. Due to the fast curing speed of UV ink, once a curing film is formed on the nozzle, it is difficult to remove. Therefore, the ink in the nozzle should be emptied before stopping, and a special cleaning agent should be used for cleaning. In addition, regular comprehensive inspection and maintenance of the equipment can extend the service life of the equipment and maintain the stability of the printing quality.
Pay attention to fire safety: Some components in UV ink may be flammable, so fire safety regulations should be strictly observed during use. Prohibit the use of UV ink in flammable and explosive places, and keep away from fire sources and high temperature objects. At the same time, the corresponding fire equipment and emergency measures should be equipped to deal with possible fire accidents.
Waste disposal: Waste UV ink and cleaning solution should be properly disposed of in accordance with environmental protection requirements. Do not dump or discharge into the environment, so as not to pollute the soil, water, etc. It is recommended to cooperate with professional waste treatment institutions to dispose of waste safely and environmentally.
Shelf life management: UV ink generally has a long shelf life, but the specific shelf life will vary according to the manufacturer and storage conditions. During use, the shelf life of the ink should be checked regularly and used within the shelf life. For expired or deteriorated ink, it should be treated in time and replaced with new ink.
Training and guidance: For operators who use UV ink for the first time, they should receive professional training and guidance. The training content should include the characteristics of UV ink, the use of methods, precautions and emergency treatment measures. Through training, operators can better master the use of UV ink skills and safety knowledge, improve work efficiency and safety.
In summary, UV ink, as an efficient and environmentally friendly printing material, has a wide range of application prospects in many fields. However, in the process of use, it is also necessary to pay attention to its characteristics and requirements, and take the correct use and preservation method to ensure the quality and use effect of the ink. At the same time, strengthening safety management and environmental awareness is also an important aspect of the use of UV ink that cannot be ignored.
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