Designed for printing on silicone surfaces (such as buttons, wristbands, kitchenware, and medical devices), this ink is the industry's top choice due to its high adhesion, heat resistance, and elasticity. Proper handling is essential to avoid printing defects and safety hazards.
I. Storage and Preservation
Temperature: Store in a cool, dark place at 10-25°C, away from light and high temperatures.
Sealing: Seal tightly after opening to prevent solvent evaporation.
Check for expiration before use. Expired inks are prone to stratification and precipitation, requiring thorough stirring. Do not use lumpy inks.
II. Pre-Printing Treatment
Thoroughly remove release agents and grease from the silicone surface (plasma treatment or alcohol wiping is recommended).
If necessary, apply silicone treatment to enhance adhesion.
Curing agent dosage: 2-5% by weight of ink (strictly follow the manufacturer's ratio). Use within 1-4 hours of mixing to prevent gelling.
III. Printing Process Key Points
Polyester screen mesh size: 250-350 mesh. Too low a mesh size will cause ink seepage; too high a mesh size will cause blockage. Adjust the squeegee pressure dynamically based on the silicone hardness. Excessive pressure will cause pattern distortion. Ambient humidity: 40-60% RH. High humidity will affect leveling.
Note: For multi-layer printing, wait until the previous ink is dry to prevent color mixing and sticking.
IV. Curing Process Specifications
Temperature/Time: Bake at 120-160°C for 10-30 minutes (depending on manufacturer's specifications)
Equipment Requirements: Circulating hot air oven to ensure uniform temperature.
Cooling: Products must be cooled to room temperature before packaging to avoid damage from high-temperature stacking.
V. Safety and Environmental Protection
Wear a respirator, goggles, and solvent-resistant gloves. Ensure forced ventilation in the work area to avoid inhaling volatile gases.
Dispose of waste ink and cleaning agents according to hazardous chemical regulations. Heavy metal content must comply with RoHS standards.
Ⅵ. Frequently Asked Questions
Poor adhesion: Check substrate cleanliness and curing temperature.
For bubbles/pinholes, add ≤1% defoamer and reduce printing speed.
For ink cracking, adjust the curing agent ratio to avoid over-dilution.
Special Notes
Food/medical-grade applications require verification of biocompatibility certifications such as FDA and LFGB.
It is recommended to test a small sample of a new batch of ink to confirm performance before mass production.
