The drying time of silicone screen printing ink varies depending on the ink type, printing process and post-processing method. It is usually divided into two situations: natural drying and baking drying:
1. Natural drying time
Surface drying time: Under normal temperature (20-25℃), the surface drying time of silicone screen printing ink is usually 10-30 minutes. At this time, the surface of the ink is initially cured, but the inside is not completely dry.
Complete drying time: If no baking treatment is performed, complete drying usually takes 24-48 hours. The specific time is affected by the ambient temperature, humidity and ink thickness.
2. Baking drying time
General silicone ink:
180℃-200℃: Bake for 5-10 minutes.
150℃-160℃: Bake for 10-15 minutes.
Low-temperature silicone ink:
100℃-120℃: Bake for 10-15 minutes.
150℃-160℃: Bake for 5-10 minutes.
3. Factors affecting drying time
Ink type: Silicone inks from different manufacturers and models have different formulas, and there are differences in drying time.
Printing thickness: The thicker the ink layer, the longer the drying time.
Environmental conditions: Temperature and humidity directly affect the drying speed. High temperature and low humidity environment can accelerate drying.
Post-processing method: Baking temperature and time need to be adjusted according to the characteristics of the ink. Overbaking may cause ink performance to deteriorate.
4. Precautions
Ink selection: Select the appropriate silicone ink type (such as general type, low temperature type) according to product requirements.
Process control: Print and bake strictly according to the parameters provided by the ink supplier to avoid quality problems caused by improper temperature or time.
Safe operation: Pay attention to ventilation during baking to avoid safety hazards caused by the volatilization of organic solvents