Ink mixing is critical to achieve a perfect print. Mixing the ink incorrectly, will drastically affect the printing process. This can get difficult and frustrating. This will in turn lead to reduced production time and wasted ink.
To mix ink, you must have the proper equipment. Use a digital scale to mix pad printing inks. We recommend a gram scale that has an accuracy of 0.1grams. Additional recommended supplies are: Unlined mixing cups (no wax), mixing sticks or spatula. Unlined cups are important to reduce the chance of the ink getting contaminated. Contaminated mixed inks will cause the ink to have poor adhesion. Lastly, you need personal protective equipment—gloves and goggles. These are highly recommended.
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After you have gathered all the necessary pad printing supplies and equipment, next is to make sure that you have the ink and the appropriate additives. These additives are hardener (catalyst) and the solvents for 2-component inks, and solvent for 1-component inks. 1-component inks do not use hardener.
Also note that inks must re-thin every 2-3 hours in the ink cup. This helps to replace evaporated solvents. Our pad printing machines have an ink mixing feature which will help the inks stay wet. Please note that Natron™ Inks are highly pigmented and may take more solvent than other inks. High pigmentation leads to high opacity prints. Lastly, never add fresh ink into mixed ink.
These simple steps will help improve your printing process. If you still require assistance, please contact us (+1 (781)-281-2558 and we will be glad to help you.
