What is plastisol ink?
Plastisol Ink, also known as plastic ink or non-drying ink, is a resin-based solvent-free ink primarily composed of PVC resin (polyvinyl chloride), plasticizers (such as phthalates), pigments, and other additives. It typically has a solid content of over 90%, forming a paste-like substance with thixotropic properties-thick when still, but becomes more fluid upon stirring. This ink does not dry at room temperature; it only cures through a cross-linking reaction when heated to a specific temperature (usually between 150°C and 180°C), forming a flexible PVC film that bonds closely with fibers.
Characteristics and Applications:
Versatility: Plastisol ink can produce a variety of printing effects, suitable for both manual and machine printing. It is capable of printing special products such as color separation prints, flat prints, three-dimensional sharp angles, rounded angles, stone effects, bark textures, and more.
Environmental Friendliness: As it is solvent-free, Plastisol ink has minimal evaporation at room temperature, causing no environmental pollution. In recent years, with restrictions on the use of PVC, eco-friendly thermosetting inks have been developed using modified materials, further improving their environmental performance.
Applicability: Plastisol ink is suitable for a variety of fabrics such as 100% cotton, cotton/polyester blends, polyester, light and dark fabrics, and denim. The fabric needs to withstand high temperatures of 150°C to 180°C and possess some breathability to allow ink penetration. However, it is not suitable for non-breathable materials like plastic, metal, glass, or waterproof-treated nylon fabrics.
Curing Process: The curing of thermosetting ink is a heat absorption process determined by both temperature and time. At higher temperatures, less time is needed; at lower temperatures, more time is required, but it should not be below 150°C. Once cured, the ink forms a solid film with strong adhesion and excellent wash resistance.
Types and Colors:
Plastisol ink comes in various types, such as the FH series of eco-friendly thermosetting inks, which includes special white, high-gloss white, rounded transparent, sharp transparent, high-elastic transparent, lemon yellow, medium yellow, golden yellow, orange, bright red, magenta, rose red, peach pink, lake blue, bright blue, navy blue, sky blue, purple, grass green, special green, ultramarine (bright blue), jet black, fluorescent yellow, fluorescent orange, fluorescent pink, fluorescent magenta, fluorescent blue, fluorescent green, and fluorescent purple.
In addition, there is Plastisol metal ink specifically designed for metal printing, composed of thermosetting acrylic resin, pigments, and fillers. It is available in red, yellow, green, blue, black, white, gold, silver, and more colors, and is suitable for screen printing on aluminum nameplates, dials, panels, and baked enamel surfaces for text and graphics.