Water-based and solvent-based inks are two different types of inks used for flexographic printing. Here are some differences between them:
Composition: Water-based inks are made from water, resins, and pigments. Solvent-based inks are made from solvents, resins, and pigments.
Drying time: Water-based inks take longer to dry compared to solvent-based inks. This means that printed materials using water-based inks may require more time to dry before they can be handled or packaged.
Environmentally friendly: Water-based inks are considered more environmentally friendly than solvent-based inks because they have a lower VOC (volatile organic compound) content. This means that they release fewer harmful gases into the environment.
Ink penetration: Water-based inks tend to penetrate the substrate more than solvent-based inks. This can be an advantage or disadvantage depending on the type of material being printed on.
Print quality: Both types of inks can produce high-quality prints, but solvent-based inks tend to have better color intensity and clarity, especially on non-porous materials like plastic and metal.
Clean-up: Water-based inks are easier to clean up than solvent-based inks, as they can be cleaned up using water. Solvent-based inks require more care when cleaning up, as they can be harmful if not handled properly.
In summary, water-based inks are more environmentally friendly and easier to clean up, but they take longer to dry and may not produce as vivid colors as solvent-based inks. Solvent-based inks are better suited for printing on non-porous materials and offer more intense color clarity, but they have higher VOC content and require more care during cleanup. The choice between the two types of inks ultimately depends on the specific requirements of the printing application.
