What are the advantages and uses of water-based ink? - Rcpbco

01 Sep.,2025

 

What are the advantages and uses of water-based ink? - Rcpbco

Today, they use ink or ink to write, print, paint, mark, etc. Ink is a very practical substance that is used in daily life and in various industries. To use different types of ink, we must choose it according to our own work. Ink must be stored properly to prevent it from drying out, spoiling, or discoloring.

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Apart from ordinary inks, there are inks that are water-based, that is, their main solvent is water, and they have many advantages. Solvent-based inks that started to be used in food packaging were very dangerous and harmful to the environment, and water-based inks replaced them. In the continuation of this article, stay with us from Ronas Chemistry Pergas Business (RCPB) blog to get more information about water-based inks.

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What is water-based ink?

Ink that uses water as its base and solvent is called water-based ink. Compared to other basic inks, this type of ink is non-toxic and suitable for the environment, and it also offers fast printing. Water-based inks are popular as a positive solution for producing sustainable products.

Water based ink compositions

In this type of ink, water is the main base and resin and other additives are formed from pigments. Pigments are solid particles suspended in water, while dyes are colored solutions, resin gives ink adhesion and additives are added to improve ink-like properties, drying speed, water resistance.

The History of Water-based ink

Water-based inks have a long history in human history and have been used for writing and painting for thousands of years.

Ancient Egyptians used water-based inks called “merkab” to write on papyrus.

In the Middle Ages, Europeans used water-based ink called “atramentum” to write on parchment and paper. Also, gouache painting, which uses opaque, thick water-based paints, became popular in Europe during the Middle Ages.

The Chinese used to write on silk and paper.

Early humans used water-based paints to paint on cave walls.

Block printing, which uses engraved wooden plates to print images and text, used water-based inks.

Pottery glazes, used to decorate and protect pottery, can be made from water-based inks.

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Applications of water-based inks

Water-based inks have a wide range of uses in different industries and applications. Some of the uses of this ink are mentioned below.

Water-based inks provide high color stability and good adhesion to the substrate, which are widely used in printing all kinds of graphic products, brochures, catalogs, business cards, posters, etc., in the process of offset, flexo and other printing.

Water-based inks offer excellent fade resistance and print clarity. It is used to print designs and writings on plastic bags of food, garbage and other products.

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Water-based ink is used to print designs and writing on cardboard boxes of food, medicine, cosmetics and other products.

It is used to print designs and writings on plastic bags of food, garbage, and also to print designs and writings on metal cans, food, drinks and other products because water-based inks are environmentally friendly, which is why they are so popular. .

In stationery, it is available in highlighters, pens and other writing instruments due to its fast drying and non-toxic properties.

Digital printing method is used in the textile and clothing industry to print designs on fabric.

Applications of water-based inks

Printing methods with water-based ink

There are different ways to print using water-based ink. Some of the most common methods are:

1. Flexo printing

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In this method, it uses flexible plates to transfer ink to the printing surface. Flexo printing can be used on a wide range of materials, including paper, cardboard, plastic and metal. The advantages of flexo printing with water-based ink can be mentioned as drying speed, high print quality, and environmental friendliness.

2. Offset printing

In offset printing, the image is first transferred to a metal plate, and then they use that plate to print on paper or cardboard. Offset printing is suitable for high-quality printing and high circulation. One of the advantages of offset printing with water-based ink is its high print quality and color accuracy.

3. Digital printing

In this method, the image is sent directly from the computer to the printer. Digital printing is suitable for printing short runs and printing on-demand. The advantages of digital printing with water-based ink include high printing speed, high print quality, and color variety.

4. Inkjet printing

In this method, ink is sprayed on paper or cardboard in the form of tiny droplets. Inkjet printing is suitable for printing high quality images and text. The advantages of inkjet printing with water-based ink include high printing speed, high print quality, and color variety.

5. Gravure printing

In gravure printing, the image is created by engraving on a metal cylinder. This method is suitable for printing on uneven surfaces, such as metal and plastic. The advantages of gravure printing with water-based ink include high printing speed, high print quality, and wear resistance.

Water based ink in flexo printing

The most important part of any print is the ink part. Flexo printing is considered as the most widely used printing technology in industries. These types of inks and printing methods continue to be popular due to their low cost and compatibility with the environment. Solvent-based inks that carry dangerous substances have replaced water-based inks. In addition to creating a high-resolution print, this type of ink makes washing the printing machine easier and faster.

Types of use of water-based ink in flexo printing

1. Water-based inks emit fewer volatile organic compounds that are harmful to the environment, so they can be printed on a wider range of materials, including paper, cardboard, plastic and metal.

2. Packaging printed with water-based ink is easily recyclable, which can be used in flexo printing for magazines and newspapers, books and posters.

3. This type of ink is used for high-volume printing because water-based ink dries quickly and is therefore suitable for high-speed printing.

Advantages of using water-based ink

The use of water-based ink in printing has several advantages that can be divided into several general categories:

1. Economic benefits

Water-based inks are generally cheaper than solvent-based inks. Water-based inks dry quickly, which helps to increase printing speed and reduce costs, and this fast drying causes water-based inks to create less waste than solvent-based inks.

2. Technical advantages

Water-based inks can be printed on a wide range of materials, including paper, cardboard, plastic and metal, and the viscosity and other properties of water-based inks can be easily adjusted. Water-based inks are also available in a wide range of colors.

3. Qualitative benefits

Water-based inks can provide high print quality, especially when printing fine-grained designs and vivid colors, and water-based inks are easily washed off with water, which helps in easy cleaning of printing devices.

4. Safety and environment

These types of water-based inks emit less volatile organic compounds that are harmful to the environment and are safer for humans and food than solvent-based inks. Packages printed with water-based inks are easily recyclable, have less odor than solvent-based inks, and have a lower fire risk due to the absence of flammable solvents.

last word

Water-based inks have been a green alternative to harmful chemical solvent-based inks. This type of ink has a wide variety of applications in all types of printing and printing methods, due to its many advantages. Water-based ink has been used in various ways since the past and is the most widely used in printing today. Due to the numerous advantages, it is expected that the use of water-based inks will continue to increase in the future.

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