Surface Tension Relationships, Their Significance in the Development of Low Solvent Ink Technology.

There are a number of significant and fundamental differences between printing inks containing organic solvents as a carrier and those employing water. Resolution of these difference is essential before widespread use of water based inks will become a reality. This paper examines one of those physical phenomena wherein widespread differences are experienced between the two types of inks. It discusses the importance of surface energy, its measurement and its control on the performance of Flexo and Gravure inks. measurement and its control on the performance of Flexo and Gravure inks.