Issues of Ink Clogging and Poor Transfer in Gravure Printing

In the gravure printing process, ink clogging and poor ink transfer are two common and easily confused issues. Correctly identifying these problems and taking corresponding measures is crucial to ensuring print quality.

The following is a detailed analysis of the causes and solutions for these two issues

Ink Clogging

Symptoms

The light screen plate cannot transfer, and the ink transfer of the deep screen plate is significantly reduced.

Causes

• Solvent evaporation causes ink viscosity to increase, preventing it from entering fine cells.

• Improper doctor blade settings or hot air affecting the printing cylinder.

• Engraving issues with the printing plate cells.

• High environmental temperature leading to fast solvent evaporation.

• Addition of curing agents causing the ink to cure.

• Unreasonable ink formula design using solvents that dry too quickly.

Solutions

• Adjust the ink drying speed by using slow-drying solvents.

• Add ink oil to improve ink fluidity.

• Clean the printing plate promptly after printing.

• Timely add solvents to maintain ink viscosity consistency.

• Redesign the ink formula to enhance fluidity and transferability.

• Reduce or avoid adding curing agents and check regularly.

Poor Ink Transfer

Symptoms

Insufficient ink transfer to the plastic film, with color density or saturation not meeting requirements.

Causes

• Caused by clogging, with ink drying too quickly on the printing plate.

• Ink not compatible with the plastic film.

• Incorrect ink formula design, resulting in light color or insufficient color saturation.

Solutions

• Analyze and solve the clogging issue.

• Switch to compatible ink varieties.

• Improve the ink formula, using high color saturation pigments and excellent transfer resins.

The above methods can effectively distinguish and solve the issues of ink clogging and poor transfer in gravure printing, ensuring print quality and improving production efficiency. Printing enterprises should take appropriate measures according to their actual situations, equipment characteristics, and production environment to optimize the printing process and reduce printing faults.