RINK Radiation Curable Inks

OVERVIEW:

Varied methods were developed for drying of inks and coatings during the growth and evolution of graphic communications. The following techniques have been generally used for drying the many types of inks: evaporation, oxidation, and polymerization. Each drying technique uses some form of energy to change the liquid ink or coating into a solid:heat, microwaves, electron beam, or ultraviolet (UV) radiation. At present UV energy (200nm to 370nm) is proving to be a practical method for curing or drying. No solvents are given off in ultraviolet curable coats and drying is brought about by photochemical reaction.

COMPOSITION:

Ultraviolet curable inks are specifically and chemically formulated so that they generally consist of such substances as (1) photosensitizable monomers, oligomers, polymers or photoinitiators, (2) inhibitors, and (3) pigments or dyes. A monomer is a single unit (molecule) which joins with other monomers to form a “polymer” The process is called “polymerization.” or curing.

CURING:

The curing of the ink is dependent on its chemical composition, the amount and type of pigment or filling material in the ink, the thickness of the applied coating, the color being cured, and very important-the photosensitizer or photoinitiator. The ink which must be sensitized to respond to UV energy. The curing unit, which takes the place of a conventional oven, consists of a light-tight unit or box, an engineered cooling system, and UV energy lamps, the number of lamps required being proportional to the speed of the conveyor or belt passing through the curing area.]

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