In the field of screen printing, the selection and preparation of inks are crucial. Union Ink Plastisol has become the first choice for many printers due to its excellent printing effects and wide range of applications. This article will provide a detailed introduction on how to mix and prepare Union Ink Plastisol, while also exploring its differences from water-based inks, as well as the use of 3M Plastisol Inks including 3M reflective Plastisol Inks, and will also discuss the best mesh count for Plastisol Inks.
I. Basics of Union Ink Plastisol
1.1 Introduction to Union Ink Plastisol
Union Ink Plastisol is an ink composed of resins, pigments, plasticizers, and fillers. It is in a gel-like state at room temperature and softens and adheres to the substrate when heated. Union Ink Plastisol is widely used in clothing, advertising, packaging, and other fields due to its vibrant colors, strong weather resistance, and good adhesion.
1.2 Advantages of Union Ink Plastisol
- Vibrant Colors: Union Ink Plastisol has high color saturation and can produce rich color effects.
- Strong Weather Resistance: Even in outdoor environments, Union Ink Plastisol maintains good color stability and adhesion.
- Good Adhesion: It is suitable for various substrates such as cotton, polyester, nylon, and can provide strong adhesion.
- Good Elasticity: Union Ink Plastisol has a certain degree of elasticity and can adapt to stretching and deformation of the substrate.
II. Differences Between Union Ink Plastisol and Water-Based Inks (Water-Based vs. Plastisol Ink)
2.1 Compositional Differences
Water-based inks are mainly composed of water, pigments, resins, and additives, while Union Ink Plastisol is mainly composed of resins, pigments, plasticizers, and fillers. Water-based inks are more environmentally friendly, but their printing effects may not be as vibrant as Union Ink Plastisol.
2.2 Printing Processes
The printing process for water-based inks is relatively simple and usually does not require heat curing. However, Union Ink Plastisol requires heat curing after printing to achieve the best printing effects.
2.3 Application Fields
Water-based inks are more suitable for absorbent substrates such as paper and cardboard, while Union Ink Plastisol is more suitable for non-absorbent substrates such as textiles and plastics.
2.4 Environmental Performance
Water-based inks are more environmentally friendly than Union Ink Plastisol because they do not contain organic solvents and have lower volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions. However, with the continuous improvement of environmental regulations, the environmental performance of Union Ink Plastisol is also being enhanced.
III. 3M Plastisol Ink and Its Reflective Ink
3.1 Introduction to 3M Plastisol Ink
3M Plastisol Ink is a high-quality Plastisol ink known for its excellent printing effects and weather resistance. 3M Plastisol Ink is suitable for various substrates, including textiles, plastics, metals, and can meet the needs of different fields.
3.2 3M Reflective Plastisol Ink
3M Reflective Plastisol Ink is an ink with reflective properties that can reflect light in low-light or nighttime environments, improving visibility. This ink is widely used in traffic safety signs, reflective clothing, and other fields, effectively enhancing safety.
3.3 Advantages of 3M Plastisol Ink
- Excellent Printing Effects: 3M Plastisol Ink can produce rich colors and detailed patterns.
- Strong Weather Resistance: Even in harsh environments, 3M Plastisol Ink maintains good color stability and adhesion.
- Excellent Reflective Effect: 3M Reflective Plastisol Ink provides superior reflective performance, enhancing safety.
IV. Mixing and Preparing Union Ink Plastisol
4.1 Preparation Work
Before mixing and preparing Union Ink Plastisol, the following preparations should be made:
- Ensure that the working environment is clean and dry to avoid contamination of the ink by dust and impurities.
- Prepare the necessary tools and materials, such as stirrers, measuring cups, and scrapers.
- Check the shelf life and batch number of the ink to ensure its quality meets requirements.
4.2 Mixing Steps
- Measure the Ink: Accurately measure the required amount of Union Ink Plastisol using a measuring cup based on printing needs.
- Add Diluent: Add an appropriate amount of diluent to the ink to adjust its viscosity as needed. The amount of diluent added should be determined based on the consistency of the ink and the requirements of the printing machine.
- Mix Evenly: Use a stirrer to fully mix the ink and diluent until the pigments and resins are evenly distributed. The mixing time should be determined based on the amount of ink and the efficiency of the stirrer.
- Test Printing: Before formal printing, conduct a test print to check whether the printing effect and viscosity of the ink meet requirements. If necessary, further adjust the ink formula.
4.3 Precautions
- When mixing and preparing Union Ink Plastisol, avoid direct contact with the skin to prevent irritation or injury.
- Pay attention to safety during mixing to avoid the stirrer getting caught in clothing or fingers.
- Use the mixed ink as soon as possible to prevent it from deteriorating due to prolonged storage.
V. Choosing the Best Mesh Count
5.1 Impact of Mesh Count on Printing Effects
Mesh count refers to the number of mesh holes per inch in the screen. A higher mesh count means smaller mesh holes, resulting in poorer ink permeability but higher printing detail. Conversely, a lower mesh count means larger mesh holes, allowing better ink permeability but lower printing detail.
5.2 Optimal Mesh Count for Union Ink Plastisol
For Union Ink Plastisol, a mesh count between 80 and 150 is generally recommended. This range provides good ink permeability and printing detail, suitable for most printing needs.
- 80-100 Mesh: Suitable for large-area printing and situations requiring high ink permeability.
- 100-120 Mesh: Suitable for medium-detail printing patterns.
- 120-150 Mesh: Suitable for high-detail printing patterns, such as text and lines.
5.3 Precautions
- When choosing the mesh count, consider the detail of the printing pattern and the viscosity of the ink.
- Different brands and models of screens have an impact on ink permeability, so adjustments may be needed during actual operation.
VI. Conclusion
As a high-quality Plastisol ink, Union Ink Plastisol has broad application prospects in the field of screen printing. By mixing and preparing it properly and choosing the right mesh count, excellent printing effects and adhesion can be achieved. Additionally, understanding the differences between Union Ink Plastisol and water-based inks, as well as the characteristics of 3M Plastisol Inks and their reflective inks, helps to better select and use inks to meet different printing needs.
