COMPARATIVE FLOW PROPERTIES ANALYSIS OF OFFSET CONVENTIONAL INKS AND RADIATION CURABLE INKS
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Abstract
The printing industry is undergoing continuous advancements, with ink technology playing a pivotal role in achieving high-quality output. Offset printing, a widely adopted technique, is particularly reliant on the intrinsic properties of the inks employed. This study presents a comprehensive comparative analysis of the flow properties of conventional offset inks and radiation-curable (UV) inks, specifically focusing on their viscosity, surface tension, ink tack, and wetting characteristics. The research aims to quantify and compare these properties, elucidating their profound influence on critical printing parameters such as ink transfer, spreading behavior, drying, and curing mechanisms. Furthermore, the study evaluates how these flow properties ultimately impact print quality attributes, including resolution, sharpness, and color strength. By defining the precise role of these flow properties in printing presses, this research provides actionable insights for printers and ink manufacturers. The findings contribute significantly to optimizing existing printing processes, reducing production time and energy consumption, and guiding the development of innovative, high-performance, and eco-friendly ink formulations tailored to diverse printing applications. This foundational understanding establishes a crucial baseline for future research into advanced ink technologies and sustainable printing practices.
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