Are you dreaming of the perfect white ink laydown? You’re not the only one. This common challenge has been the topic of many industry webinars, roundtables, and conference sessions with many printers still dreaming of the day they will perfect their white printing. At Apex International, we’ve studied the behavior of these highly pigmented inks to provide an innovative anilox technology that delivers that bright, even white laydown the flexo industry has been wishing for.
Why is Opaque White Ink Laydown So Challenging?
It’s no secret that achieving a smooth ink laydown with opaque white inks can be difficult. Many of the challenges stem from the nature of the Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) pigment particles used in white inks. Not only are the particles especially hard and abrasive, but these inks also tend to have a high pigment load to try and provide a full looking and bright opacity that flexo designs require. The high pigment concentration often compromises ink transfer. Anilox cells may struggle to release the ink effectively, leading to ink drying or clogging within the cells. As a result, the ink transfer can often be compromised by the print surface will appear mottled and the most common troubleshooting method is to increase the cell volume of the anilox roll, resulting in higher densities and significantly higher ink usage. This will also affect dry times and adhesion, requiring a reduction in press speed to accommodate a thicker ink laydown.
In our previous blog post we discussed how the desired opacity of white inks can require anilox with high ink volume, but printers must balance that while avoiding the pitfalls of ink not drying quickly enough and uneven distribution. Choosing the most effective anilox engraving can help produce a clean, consistent laydown, without breaking your ink budget.
Why Does White Ink Matter So Much?
Achieving an even white ink laydown is critical to the quality of the final product. Just like a snowy winter landscape, any disruptions to the smooth white surface can disrupt the picture-perfect scene. A compact solid white layer sets the foundation for additional color accuracy, vibrancy, consistency, and more. Print defects like mottling and poor adhesion at the white ink station can lead to disappointing results for the final printed image.
Perfecting Opaque White Printing with Apex’s Expertise
At Apex, we understand the challenges printers face related to successful opaque white printing, and we’re committed to moving the industry forward with advanced anilox technology. Apex anilox rolls have been precision-engineered to help minimize, or even eliminate, the common problems associated with the ink transfer of opaque white inks. Thanks to ongoing research and development efforts, Apex International is proud to offer GTT 2.0 open slalom channel engraving. This technology has been proven to reduce print defects, ink usage and dry times, while increasing the opacity, consistency, and profitability of white ink applications.
The proprietary open channel “S” pattern of the GTT 2.0 anilox removes the liquid turbulence and ink aeration caused by obstructive anilox cell walls, delivering two key benefits:
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GTT allows the hard, abrasive particles found in opaque white ink to flow freely throughout the anilox roll. This free flow allows for a more consistent white ink laydown that optimizes ink usage for ultimate profitability.
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GTT eliminates the micro bubbles created by ALL cell engravings. The open cell geometry of GTT eliminates aeration within the anilox and allows for a more even ink flow throughout the full anilox roll or sleeve.
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It has been proven; with GTT you can save up to 14% in opaque white ink costs while still achieving the same desired level of opacity. Discover more in our video Advancing White Opaque Printing in Flexo.
This holiday season, and all throughout the new year, give your pressroom the gift of the perfect opaque white laydown with help from Apex anilox solutions. Choose the anilox proven to reduce opaque white ink usage and costs, while still achieving your desired opacity levels. Apex is your partner for innovation and market-leading technology that helps advance your flexo printing operations. Contact your Apex representative today to get started.
