Aluminum foil can also be printed with water-based ink. As a non-absorbent substrate, aluminum foil poses a major challenge to water-based ink printing. However, some aluminum foil products that require food-grade printing cannot be printed with oil-based inks, so water-based inks have become the best choice. However, due to the poor absorption of aluminum foil to water-based ink, many inexperienced printing plants may suffer from fading after printing. Let's break it down below.

First, the quality of the ink itself

Lack of adhesion: The adhesion of water-based ink on aluminum foil is a key factor affecting the printing effect. If the adhesion of the ink is insufficient, it is easy to lead to the fading of the text after printing. This may be related to the formula of the ink, the type of resin and its compatibility with the aluminum foil.

Poor wear resistance: the wear resistance of the ink is also an important factor affecting the fading problem. If the wear resistance of the ink is insufficient, it is susceptible to friction and fading during subsequent processing or use.

Poor drying performance: The drying speed of water-based ink also has a significant impact on the printing effect. If the ink dries too slowly or unevenly, it may cause the ink layer to be contaminated or scratched before curing, resulting in fading.

Second, printing process conditions

Uneven printing pressure: If the pressure is not uniform during the printing process, it will lead to inconsistent adhesion of the ink on the aluminum foil, thus affecting the printing effect. Insufficient pressure may cause the ink to not transfer sufficiently to the aluminum foil, while too much pressure may destroy the ink layer, resulting in fading.

Improper drying temperature and time control: drying temperature and time have a direct impact on the drying effect of water-based ink. If the drying temperature is too high or the drying time is too long, it may lead to excessive drying of the ink layer and cracking; If the temperature is too low or the time is too short, it may lead to the ink layer is not completely dry, easy to fade.

Printing speed: Printing speed is too fast or too slow may affect the transfer and drying effect of the ink, resulting in fading problems.

Third, the characteristics of the substrate material (aluminum foil)

Surface characteristics: The surface treatment and roughness of aluminum foil will affect the adhesion and printing effect of the ink. If the surface of the aluminum foil is too smooth or there are impurities such as oil and oxide, it may lead to insufficient ink adhesion and fading.

Material differences: Aluminum foil produced by different manufacturers may have differences in material, which will also affect the adhesion and printing effect of the ink. Therefore, when choosing aluminum foil, it is necessary to consider its compatibility with ink.

Fourth, environmental factors

Temperature and humidity: the temperature and humidity of the printing workshop have an impact on the drying speed and fluidity of the ink. Improper temperature and humidity may lead to fluctuations in ink performance, thereby affecting the printing effect and fading problems.

Air cleanliness: impurities such as dust and particles in the air may be attached to the ink surface or aluminum foil, affecting the adhesion and printing effect of the ink.

Solution

For the problem of water-based ink printing aluminum foil fading, it can be improved from the following aspects:

Optimize the ink formula: Choose a water-based ink suitable for aluminum foil printing to ensure that the ink has good adhesion, wear resistance and drying properties.

Adjust the printing process:keep the printing pressure uniform, reasonably control the drying temperature and time, and select the appropriate printing speed to ensure that the ink can be fully transferred to the aluminum foil and form a good adhesion layer.

Improve the printing material:choose aluminum foil with proper surface treatment and excellent material as the printing material to improve the adhesion and printing effect of the ink.

Control environmental factors:keep the temperature and humidity of the printing shop appropriate, regularly clean the air and equipment, reduce the pollution of dust and particles.

If you also encounter such problems when printing aluminum foil materials with water-based ink, you can contact us at AnhuisinograceChemical. We have a strong technical service team and stable quality of water-based ink. We look forward to resolving your questions. Contact number: +86 0551 63459511,+8615755193346