Farbatex Additives

Farbatex Additives Enhancing Performance of Solvent-Based Printing Inks

Farbatex offers a wide range of tagless printing inks with excellent adhesion. Solvent-based inks cannot be used in their original form and always require the addition of ink-specific ingredients. It is essential to adjust the printing viscosity before starting the decoration process, and further adjustments may be necessary during printing by adding suitable solvents.
Technical challenges such as difficult substrates, environmental conditions, or unfavorable printing parameters—can be resolved using specific auxiliary agents or additives. These additives should be used carefully to enhance the ink’s performance. Detailed information about recommended additives for each ink series is provided in the corresponding technical data sheets.

Adjustment of Rheological Properties

Viscosity

Viscosity defines the flow characteristics and resistance of ink under shear stress.

High viscosity - Thicker ink with reduced flow
Low viscosity - Thinner ink with increased flow

Before and during the printing process, viscosity must be properly adjusted by adding suitable, agents such as thinners or retarders.

Impact of Viscosity on Printing
Print quality
Ink transfer from the pad
Drying time (influenced by ambient temperature)

For sensitive substrates—such as polystyrene, ABS, acrylic, or molded plastic parts—mild thinners and retarders are recommended to ensure optimal results.

Types of Thinners and Retarders

Standard Thinner: Medium drying time
Standard Thinner X: Short drying time
Slow Thinner: Longer drying time
Retarder: Reduces viscosity and slows drying, suitable for slower printing speeds

Thixotropy

Thixotropy is the property of ink to change its viscosity over time when subjected to mechanical stress, such as squeegee movement or stirring.

Thixotropic Agent: Enhances thixotropy, improving the stability and consistency of ink during the printing process.

Optimization of Ink properties

Ink Flow (Levelling) Improvement

Poor ink levelling or flow can result from bad wetting or unsuitable surface tension of the substrate, causing pinholes or “orange peel” effects. This can be improved by adding additional thinner and/or levelling agents.

Levelling agents containing silicone should be used ≤1%. Excessive silicone can affect adhesion, especially when overprinting.

Hardener

Farbatex ink series are available in 2-component versions.

Adding a hardener enhances mechanical and chemical resistance.