Application of waterless offset in label printing

In recent years, with the continuous improvement of ink technology, equipment digitization and printing plate formulations, waterless offset printing has developed rapidly, and even has undergone essential changes. However, in China, especially the packaging and printing companies, there is very little knowledge about waterless offset printing, and few of them have already started waterless offset printing. The following is a brief introduction of why waterless offset printing technology is used, the latest development of waterless offset printing technology, and the application of waterless offset printing in foreign label printing industry. Let’s take a look!
The so-called “waterless” offset printing is relative to the traditional “wet” offset printing. Traditional offset printing consists of two components: oil (ink) and water (dampening solution) through the principle of immiscibility between oil and water to copy graphics and text on the printing press. However, it is more difficult and complicated to process the relative balance of the two liquids on the printing machine, and it is difficult to guarantee the quality stability of the continuous printing products. Moreover, during the printing process, it is relative that the fountain solution repels the ink. As a result, part of the contaminated liquid will remain in the equipment, causing pollution to the environment. Waterless offset printing relies on silicone oil coating to repel ink, does not require fountain solution, and does not use water, alcohol or alcohol-based liquids. It is a green printing technology with high printing quality.
01 Conducive to environmental protection
●Waterless offset printing does not use solvents such as alcohol, and there is no water bucket device on the equipment, so there is no need for waste water treatment and no pollution to the water source;
●The application of solvents and chemicals is reduced or eliminated during the plate making process of the waterless offset printing plate, and the VOCs emission is small;
●Compared with water-free offset printing, the noise of waterless offset printing machine is also lower.
02Good printing quality
●Waterless offset printing has high resolution, suitable for random FM screen printing with small dots;
●Because there is no dampening solution, the dot enlargement decreases, the color density increases, and the overprint is easier;
●Waterless offset printing also increases the color gamut space, making the colors richer and more eye-catching;
●Continuous and consistent ink density can be unaffected by printing speed, and the color density of the printed product is basically unchanged.
03 Improved production efficiency
●Waterless offset printing does not require fountain solution, fountain hopper and water roller system, which reduces printing costs;
●There is no need to adjust the balance of ink and water, it can also save preparation time and improve production efficiency;
●Overprinting and color difference are easy to control, reducing waste in the production process;
●The quality is continuous and stable, and the design requirements can be met within a short time after starting up, reducing paper consumption;
●The equipment has a simple structure and is easy to operate. The operator does not need training, and the operation is quick and convenient.