The usage method of commonly used defoamers for water-based inks

Compared to some other inks, water-based ink is relatively environmentally friendly, so in industrial production, defoamers are generally added when making water-based ink. So, how should the staff operate when adding them? Below, the editor of Jianyi Chemical will give you a detailed introduction!

The commonly used additives in water-based inks include pH stabilizers, defoamers, fast drying agents, and slow drying agents. If the viscosity of the defoamer ink is too high, the pH value is too low, the printing speed is fast, and the printing technician adds too much water, it is easy to produce bubbles. When the bubbles are relatively large, there may be phenomena such as white exposure and low ink volume in the printed material, which seriously affects the printing quality. YCK generally recommends adding (XC-6381) opalescent water-based ink defoamer (for water-based ink produced by flexo/gravure printing ink, acrylic resin lotion, rosin resin, acetic acid isopropyl ester and other binders, foam has special effect, especially for fine foam, which has small amount, long foam suppression time, good water dispersivity, good compatibility, and will not affect film formation and produce shrinkage, fish eyes and other problems) to solve the problem of water ink blistering. The usage ratio depends on the situation, and the recommended dosage is 0.1-0.3%.

It is best to remember a few tips when using water-based ink: 

1. Ink and solvent ink cannot be mixed for use. Add water appropriately during use, and if it is necessary to adjust viscosity or drying speed, add alcohol or ester additives in moderation.

2. Due to the evaporation of water during the printing process, it can affect the original viscosity and pH value of the ink. It is necessary to regularly test the viscosity and pH value, and if necessary, pure tap water or pH stabilizers should be added appropriately.