What is screen printing inks?

FAQs on Screen Printing Inks

• How Can I Choose the Right Screen Printing Ink for Different Fabric Types?

  Choosing the right screen printing ink involves considering fabric composition, finish, durability, and printing method. Different fabrics may need specific ink formulations for optimal adhesion. Always test on fabric samples to ensure ink compatibility and performance before full production. Talk to us.

• Can You Explain the Environmental Benefits of Eco-Friendly Screen Printing Inks?

  Eco-friendly screen-printing inks, with lower VOC content or VOC-free, reduce emissions, utilize renewable resources, and minimize hazardous chemicals, improving air quality. They aid in lowering carbon footprints and help businesses comply with stricter regulations. Talk to us.

• How Do I Achieve High Opacity with Screen Printing Inks ?

  Choose high-opacity screen printing inks with concentrated pigments for coverage on dark substrates. Lower mesh count screens deposit more ink but may compromise detail. Adjust squeegee pressure and angle for optimal flow and coverage. Use multiple passes for opacity and precise registration.Talk to us.

• What Are the Advantages of UV-Curable Screen Printing Inks?

  UV-curable screen printing inks cure instantly under UV light, offering durability against scratching and fading. They reduce turnaround times, emit fewer VOCs, deliver vibrant colors, and are compatible with various substrates.Talk to us.

• What is Screen Printing Ink?

  A. Screen printing ink is tailored for screen printing, where ink is pushed through a stencil onto a substrate. It comprises pigments, binders, solvents, and additives, with formulations adjusted for substrate, printing method, and quality.Talk to us.

• Can Screen Printing Ink be Used on all Type of Plastics?

  Screen printing ink's compatibility with plastics varies due to surface characteristics. High-energy plastics like polycarbonate adhere better. Some plastics may react adversely with ink solvents, needing specific formulations or pre-treatments. Talk to us.

• Do you have certified inks?

  Yes, our inks are highly compliant with REACH, RoHS, and other industry safety standards. Talk to us.

• Is Screen Printing Ink Toxic?

  Screen printing inks may contain hazardous chemicals. Certain ingredients like heavy metals, phthalates, PAHs etc can be toxic if ingested, inhaled, or absorbed. Spinks India's inks meet safety standards, designed to be minimally toxic and environmentally sustainable.Talk to us.

• How to Cure Screen Printing Ink Properly?

  Curing screen printing ink properly is essential for durability. Different inks require different curing methods, temperatures and curing times. Talk to us.

• What Are the Best Screen Printing Inks for High-Volume Production?

  Spink India’s RUCO, FARBATECH, FARBATONE, MERLIA, JAPAN BELLEVIEW are some of the best screen printing inks for high volume production. Talk to us.

• Are There Special Inks for Outdoor or Waterproof Applications?

  Spink India's inks are specially designed for outdoor or waterproof applications. Talk to us.

• What is the shelf life of screen printing ink?

  A. A shelf life of 24 months is guaranteed when inks are stored in a packed container at adequate temperature and environment. Talk to us.

• Can I use screen printing ink on glass?

  Yes, Spink India’s have an array of screen printing inks that can be used on glassTalk to us.

• What to keep in mind when screen printing on glass ?

  A. When screen printing on glass, ensure the surface is clean and free of contaminants. Specialized glass inks must be used for adhesion and durability. Printed glass must be handled delicately to avoid smudging. Talk to us.

• What should be done for high adhesion of screen printing inks?

  For optimal adhesion in screen-printing inks,remove dust and fingerprints using thinner/IPA, treat material surface with primer or plasma/corona/flame, add precise hardener amounts to ink, and post-treat by heating or UV irradiation for UV curing inks. Talk to us.

• Does mesh count and viscosity of ink

  To choose the ideal screen printing ink, several following factors should be considered.

  • a. Mesh count: Measured in threads per inch (TPI), Higher mesh counts have more threads and smaller holes, while lower mesh counts have fewer threads and larger holes.
  • b. Ink viscosity: Thicker inks require a lower mesh count with larger holes to allow for proper ink flow through the screen during printing. Conversely, thinner inks can work well with higher mesh counts due to their easier passage through the finer holes.

• What are the different types of screen printing inks?

  While Spinks India offers a wide variety of screen printing inks, understanding the various ink types is crucial for achieving the best results on your project.

  • a. By Properties:
    Screen printing inks come in a vast array beyond standard colors. Explore unique options
    like:
    Special effect inks : Create vibrant, attention-grabbing prints with Spinks India’s screen printing inks
    Standard inks:
    all standard screen printing inks are available with us.
    Functional inks:
    Discover inks with special properties like magnetism, conductivity, or even fragrance!
  • b. By Drying Method:
    Ultraviolet (UV) curing inks: UV ink cures instantly with UV light, skipping solvents and drying time. This makes it ideal for fast-paced printing jobs.
    Self-drying inks:
    Air-cure at room temperature, eliminating the need for external heat sources.
    Heat-set inks:
    Available in low or high-temperature options depending on the substrate and desired finish.
    Volatile drying inks :
    the most common type in screen printing, dry quickly through solvent evaporation. This makes them easy to use and popular for various applications.
    Water-based ink :
    ideal for food packaging and toys, uses water and safe additives instead of solvents. This makes it eco-friendly and perfect for products with strict hygiene needs.
  • c. By Substrate:
    The ink selection depends heavily on the material you're printing on. Here's a glimpse into some common substrate-specific inks:
    Fabric inks:
    Choose from water-based, oil-based, or emulsion inks depending on the fabric type and desired feel of the print.
    Wood inks:
    Water-based or oil-based inks cater to various wood projects. Metal inks: Specialized inks are available for different metals like aluminum, iron, or copper, brass, steel etc.
    Glass and ceramic inks:
    Inks designed for heat resistance and durability on glassware, pottery, and other ceramics.
    Plastic inks:
    Specific ink formulations exist for various plastics like PVC, polystyrene, polyethylene, and polypropylene.
    Printed circuit board inks:
    Functional inks with properties like conductivity, corrosion resistance, or plating compatibility are crucial for electronic applications.

  By understanding these classifications and consulting with a reputable supplier like Spinks India, you can select the perfect screen printing ink for your specific needs.

• What factors to consider when choosing silk screen printing inks ?

  • Drying: Ink shouldn't dry on the screen but dry quickly on the material, especially for multi-color printing.
  • No Stringing: Ink shouldn't form threads when lifting the screen (called "stringing") to avoid smudging and printing issues.
  • Fineness: Fine particles (between 15-45 microns) ensure smooth printing without clogging the screen.
  • Plasticity: Balanced ink consistency is key for accurate printing and preventing line expansion.
  • Thixotropy: Less "thickening" over time (thixotropy) means less stirring is needed before printing.
  • Viscosity: Proper viscosity allows for smooth ink transfer and prevents blurry prints.

• What is the difference between plastisol and water-based inks ?

  • Plastisol Ink:

    Base: Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) resin - a synthetic polymer derived from chlorine and ethylene.

    Additives: Plasticizers (phthalates) - low molecular weight esters that increase flexibility and printability.

    Solvents: May contain some organic solvents to help dissolve additives and adjust viscosity.

    Curing: Requires heat (typically 150-180°C) to activate crosslinking between PVC molecules, forming a durable, waterproof film.

  • Water-Based Ink:

    Base: Water-soluble resins - acrylic or urethane based polymers that can disperse in water.

    Pigments: Similar to plastisol inks, pigments provide color

    Additives: Thickeners, binders, and emulsifiers - help control viscosity, adhesion, and stability of the ink mixture

    Drying: Solvents evaporate at room temperature or with low heat (around 80°C) to solidify the ink film.

  • Key Differences:

    Solvent Usage: Plastisol uses organic solvents, while water-based inks primarily rely on water.

    Curing: Plastisol requires heat for curing, while water-based inks dry at room temperature or with low heat

    Durability: Plastisol inks generally offer better wash and abrasion resistance

    Environmental Impact: Water-based inks are considered more eco-friendly due to lower solvent content and easier clean-up.

• Name a good silk Screen Printing Ink Manufacturer

  Spinks India stands out as the most reliable, trusted for quality and service as the best screen printing inks supplier and manufacturer in india, serving to global clients.