Water-based ink is an ink used in the printing process. Compared with traditional oil-based ink, its main difference is that it uses water as a diluent instead of an organic solvent. This makes water-based inks have many advantages, such as less harmful gases released during printing, easier to clean, and more environmentally friendly. In addition, water-based inks are also capable of high-quality printing on many different materials and surfaces, including paper, plastic, metal and wood. Therefore, water-based ink has become the first choice for many printing industries.
The performance of water-based inks can be tested and evaluated from different angles. Here are some performance types that may need to be tested and metrics that may need to be recorded:
| performance type | index |
|---|---|
| D | Clarity, color accuracy, gloss, adhesion of printed patterns |
| stability | Ink stability, drying speed, fade resistance |
| Environmental adaptability | Ink adaptability, performance under different temperature, humidity and light conditions |
| printing speed | Length or area printed per minute |
| wear resistance | Abrasion resistance and scratch resistance of ink |
| viscosity | Ink viscosity, coating uniformity |
| Packaging tightness | Sealing of ink packaging, storage time after use |
The method of testing depends on the type of performance and metrics to be tested. Here are some common methods that may be used to test the performance of water-based inks:
Printing effect test: Use a printing machine or sample printing equipment to print according to standard test methods and requirements, and check and evaluate the printed matter. Aspects such as graphic clarity, color accuracy, gloss and adhesion are typically checked.
Stability test: Put the ink under different environmental conditions in the laboratory, such as high temperature, low temperature, humidity, etc., and observe its performance. It is also possible to test the stability of the ink on different media, such as paper, plastic, metal, etc. Evaluate its drying speed, fade resistance and more.
Printing speed test: Use standard test equipment to test the printing speed of the printing machine, and record the length or area printed per minute.
Abrasion Resistance Test: Using standard test methods, the ink is tested for abrasion resistance and scratch resistance on different media. Evaluate its performance against wear and scratches under different conditions.
Viscosity test: Use testing equipment such as a viscometer to test the viscosity of the ink and evaluate its coating uniformity.
Package Leakage Test: Using standard test methods, test ink packaging for airtightness and evaluate its performance during storage time after use.
Before testing, it is necessary to formulate a test plan and test process, clarify test objectives and indicators, select appropriate test equipment and methods, and record test results and data. After the test, it is necessary to analyze and evaluate the test results, propose improvement measures, and continuously optimize and improve the performance of the water-based ink.