Are Flexographic inks resistant to UV Rays?

Resistance of ink to UV rays depends on the kind of pigment contained. With Flexo inks used for Packaging some pigments are highly resistant to light and UV rays, for example:  Process Blue, Green, Black and White. Other colors usually show medium-low light fastness. In these cases to achieve greater resistance, colors must be formulated with specific pigments used in other sectors (e.g.: automotive) which have a considerably higher cost.

Read More

If we realize a color from the Pantone® formula catalogue, why do we not get the correct color?

The catalogue Pantone® Formula Guide used in graphics, is printed by off-set system, therefore, if a different printing method is used (e.g.: flexographic), the employed colors will not have the same pigment type and tint strength. The Pantone formula is a good starting point, however, it is essential to consider that the addition of a basic color rather than another is necessary to obtain the desired shade (as a rule, an addition of 10-20% in respect to the initial quantity).

Read More

Why do some water-based inks have this specific label?

Customarily water-based inks are not classified as dangerous products, nevertheless, in some cases they can be labeled as environmental dangerous. This happens when so-called “fanal” pigments are used. These kinds of pigments are frequently used in the graphics sector for their particular gloss and their intense shade: many colors present in the Pantone catalogue (fuxias, violets, and warm blues) are formulated with such pigments. These substances, being derivatives of aniline dyes, are classified as environmentally dangerous. Alternative products, characterized by less intense shade, are...

Read More