Water Washable Lithographic Ink Formulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional offset lithographic printing processes face challenges with high levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and ink/water balance control, particularly in water-based ink formulations, which are not effectively addressed by existing waterless or low VOC solutions.
Innovation Solution
A water-washable offset lithographic printing ink formulation using a modified soybean oil-based resin, pigment, and acid neutralization agent, without humectants, surfactants, or modified linseed oil, which provides improved rheological properties, faster drying, and better water resistance, enabling efficient and cost-effective printing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If water-based ink formulations are used to eliminate VOCs, then environmental safety is improved, but ink/water balance control and printing performance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the ink formulation by using modified soybean oil-based resins with specific acid values (15-30) and molecular weights, replacing traditional oil-based inks with water-based alternatives while maintaining printability through controlled rheological properties
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite ink system combining modified soybean oil-based resins, pigments, and acid neutralization agents in a water-based formulation, achieving both environmental safety and printing performance through synergistic material combinations
2Reliability
If conventional oil-based inks are used, then printing performance is maintained, but VOC levels and environmental harm increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the ink system from oil-based to water-based by changing the fundamental solvent parameter, using modified soybean oil-based resins that can function in aqueous environments while maintaining the rheological properties needed for reliable offset lithographic printing
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the traditionally harmful aspect of oil-based inks (high VOC content) into a benefit by developing water-based formulations that eliminate VOCs while maintaining printing performance, turning an environmental liability into an environmental advantage
3Duration of action of moving object
If water-based inks are formulated without humectants and surfactants, then drying speed and water resistance are improved, but rheological stability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the acid value parameter of the modified soybean oil-based resin to specific ranges (15-30), which provides both rapid drying and water resistance without requiring humectants or surfactants, while maintaining rheological stability through controlled molecular weight and composition
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and eliminates humectants, surfactants, and modified linseed oil from the ink formulation, achieving faster drying and better water resistance by relying solely on the modified soybean oil-based resin system to provide all necessary functional properties
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The ink achieves high-speed printing up to 80,000 impressions per hour with excellent rub resistance and water washability, reducing VOC emissions and eliminating the need for high VOC cleaning agents, while maintaining performance comparable to conventional oil-based inks.
Implementation Method 1
The ink described herein is one which will adhere to hydrophilic materials, but not to hydrophobic materials... contains a dye, water, 5-50% water-soluble macromolecular binder and a hygroscopic liquid
Implementation Method 2
enables the ink to readily disperse in water or aqueous detergent solutions that are commonly used for cleaning
Implementation Method 3
The image area of a waterless planographic plate is a photopolymer similar to that employed for the image area of a conventional plate. However, the non-image area is coated with a polymer such as a silicone which is ink repellant
Implementation Method 4
provides improved rheological properties, faster drying
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a water washable ink for offset lithographic newspaper printing containing: a modified soybean oil-based resin; a pigment; and an acid neutralization agent, wherein the water washable offset lithographic newspaper printing ink does not contain any of the following: a humectant, a surfactant or a modified linseed oil.