Application scope of screen printing ink leveling agent
Application scope of screen printing ink leveling agent
As a key auxiliary agent to improve printing quality, screen printing ink leveling agent has a wide range of applications covering multiple industrial fields, mainly by reducing the surface tension of ink, improving wettability and leveling to achieve performance optimization. The following are its core application directions and typical scenarios:
1. Substrate type coverage
Plastic substrate
In the printing of low surface energy plastics such as PET, PC, ABS, etc., the leveling agent can significantly improve the wettability of ink to the substrate and reduce shrinkage and pinhole defects. For example, in the printing of mobile phone shells, the leveling agent can make the ink form a uniform mirror effect on the curved substrate.
Metal substrate
For metal packaging printing such as aluminum cans and tinplate, the leveling agent can enhance the adhesion of ink to the metal surface and improve the smoothness of high-gloss ink. Typical applications include beverage can body printing, where the leveling agent improves the edge clarity of the pattern by more than 30%.
Glass substrate
In the printing of glassware and display glass, the leveling agent can eliminate the orange peel texture of the ink and improve the optical transparency. For example, in the printing of car rearview mirrors, the leveling agent increases the ink reflectivity from 80% to 95%.
2. Printing process adaptation
Screen printing
The leveling agent can improve the edge sharpness of thick film printing and reduce the residual pattern. In the solder mask printing of circuit boards, the leveling agent increases the line width accuracy from ±0.1mm to ±0.05mm.
Pad printing process
For printing on curved or special-shaped workpieces, the leveling agent can enhance the transferability of the ink and avoid pattern deformation. For example, in the printing of cosmetic bottle caps, the leveling agent increases the ink coverage from 85% to 98%.
Hot stamping process assistance
The leveling agent can improve the flatness of the hot stamping glue and enhance the adhesion of the gold foil. In the printing of cigarette packages, the leveling agent reduces the hot stamping blistering rate from 5% to 0.2%.
3. Ink system compatibility
Solvent-based inks
The leveling agent can reduce the viscosity of the ink and increase the drying speed. In billboard printing, the leveling agent shortens the ink drying time by 40% while maintaining the clarity of the pattern.
Water-based ink
Leveling agents can improve the water resistance of water-based inks and prevent the pattern from blooming after printing. In corrugated box printing, leveling agents increase the water resistance of inks from 24 hours to 72 hours.
UV curing inks
Leveling agents can enhance the curing depth of UV inks and prevent surface stickiness. In label printing, leveling agents reduce the ink curing energy from 200mJ/cm² to 150mJ/cm².
IV. Special application scenarios
Functional inks
In conductive inks and luminous inks, leveling agents can balance the distribution of conductive particles and improve printing uniformity. For example, in touch screen electrode printing, leveling agents reduce resistance fluctuations from ±15% to ±5%.
High-precision printing
In IC packaging and semiconductor printing, leveling agents can control the ink thickness within the range of ±2μm to meet micron-level precision requirements.
Decorative printing
In imitation metal and imitation marble texture printing, leveling agents can enhance the fluidity and ductility of inks to achieve realistic texture effects.
5. Typical industry applications
Packaging and printing
Improve the printing quality of food packaging and drug labels, and extend the shelf display effect.
Electronic appliances
Ensure the printing reliability of precision components such as circuit boards and touch screens, and improve product yield.
Architectural decoration
Realize personalized pattern printing on glass curtain walls and ceramic tiles to enhance the aesthetic value of buildings.
Automotive industry
Optimize the printing process of automotive interiors and instrument panels to meet high weather resistance requirements.
6. Performance improvement direction
Anti-adhesion
Leveling agents can form a dense ink layer to reduce the risk of adhesion when printed products are stacked.
Abrasion resistance
Enhance the surface hardness of ink and improve the scratch resistance of printed products.
Chemical resistance
Improve the ink's tolerance to acids, alkalis, and solvents, and extend the service life of printed products.
Screen printing ink leveling agents have penetrated into various fields of modern industry by optimizing the physical and chemical properties of inks. Its application is not only limited to improving printing quality, but also becomes a key technical means to promote product innovation and achieve differentiated competition. With the development of materials science, the functionality of leveling agents will continue to expand, bringing more possibilities to the printing industry.