How to ensure proper curing of uv ink?

author: Uvink

2022-12-28

How to ensure proper curing of uv ink?The curing of the ink film when it first

passes through the curing unit is very important. Proper curing can minimize

the deformation, over curing, re wetting and insufficient curing of the substrate,

and optimize the viscosity between ink and humor or coating and coating. In order

to test the curing efficiency of uv ink, start printing at the lowest speed allowed by

the substrate, and cure the first printed sample. Then, set the curing lamp power

to the value specified by the ink manufacturer. When dealing with colors that are

not easy to cure, such as black and white, we can also appropriately adjust

the parameters of the curing lamp.

How to ensure proper curing of uv ink?After the printing sheet cools down,

we can measure the adhesion of the ink film with the bidirectional hatching method.

If the sample can pass the test successfully, the paper transfer speed can be increased

by 10 feet/minute, and then printing and testing can be carried out until the ink film

loses its adhesion to the substrate, and the conveyor belt speed and curing lamp

parameters at this time can be recorded. Then, according to the characteristics of

the ink system or the recommendations of the ink supplier, the speed of the conveyor

belt can be reduced by 20-30%.

If the color of uv ink does not overlap, should you care about excessive curing? When

the surface of an ink film absorbs too much uv light, excessive curing will occur. If we

can't find a solution to this problem in time, the surface of the ink film will become

harder and harder. Of course, as long as we do not carry out color overprint, we do

not need to pay too much attention to this problem. However, we need to consider

another important factor, that is, the printed film or substrate. uv light can affect most

substrate surfaces and some plastics sensitive to uv light of specific wavelength. This

sensitivity to specific wavelengths, coupled with oxygen in the air, can lead to degradation

of the plastic surface. The molecular bonds on the surface of the substrate may be damaged,

and the adhesion between the uv ink and the substrate may be lost. The degradation of

substrate surface function is a gradual process, and has a direct relationship

with the uv light received.