Solvent-based and silicone-based screen printing inks have significant differences in composition, performance, application scenarios, environmental protection and operation process. The following is a specific analysis:
1. Composition and curing principle
Solvent-based screen printing ink
Composition: Organic solvents (such as toluene, xylene, ethyl acetate) are used as carriers, including resins, pigments and additives.
Curing principle: Drying is achieved by evaporation of organic solvents. After the solvent evaporates, the resin forms a film layer on the surface of the substrate.
Silicone-based screen printing ink
Composition: Silicone is the main film-forming substance, with silicone resin, curing agent and pigment.
Curing principle: It is necessary to cross-link and cure the silicone molecules by heating (100℃-250℃) or ultraviolet irradiation to form a highly elastic and high-temperature resistant film layer.
2. Performance characteristics
Solvent-based screen printing ink
Advantages: fast drying speed, strong adhesion (suitable for plastics, metals, glass, etc.), high color saturation and low cost.
Disadvantages: Organic solvents evaporate to produce VOCs, which pollute the environment and harm health; the ink layer is thick, and it is easy to stick if it is not dried thoroughly; residual solvents may affect the smell and are not suitable for food packaging.
Silicone-based screen printing ink
Advantages: high elasticity, high temperature resistance (above 200°C), chemical corrosion resistance, good flexibility, environmental protection and non-toxic (some products meet ROHS standards).
Disadvantages: high curing temperature or UV equipment is required, which consumes a lot of energy; high cost; strict requirements on the surface cleanliness of the substrate.
3. Application scenarios
Solvent-based screen printing ink
Applicable fields: packaging printing (plastic packaging, labels), electronics industry (housing, buttons), advertising logos (outdoor billboards), textile printing (environmentally friendly solvents are required).
Typical cases: cosmetic packaging, food labels, mobile phone housing logos.
Silicone-based screen printing ink
Applicable fields: silicone products (buttons, sealing rings), high temperature environment components (engine control modules), flexible electronics (wearable devices).
Typical cases: mobile phone silicone buttons, silicone kitchenware logos, medical silicone catheter printing.
4. Environmental protection and safety
Solvent-based screen printing ink
Environmental protection issues: The volatilization of organic solvents leads to VOCs emissions, and ventilation and protection need to be strengthened.
Safety: Solvents are flammable and explosive, and need to be kept away from fire sources; long-term contact may harm the respiratory system and nervous system.
Silicone-based screen printing ink
Environmental protection: Some products are halogen-free and heavy metal-free, and comply with environmental regulations.
Safety: Non-toxic and harmless after curing, but skin contact and inhalation of volatile substances should be avoided before curing.
5. Operation process
Solvent-based screen printing ink
Process requirements: The number of screen meshes, scraper angle and printing pressure need to be controlled; after printing, it needs to be fully dried to avoid adhesion.
Equipment: Ordinary screen printing machine is sufficient.
Silicone-based screen printing ink
Process requirements: The curing temperature and time (thermal curing) or UV light intensity (UV curing) need to be precisely controlled; the surface of the substrate needs to be clean and oil-free.
Equipment: An oven or UV curing machine is required.