The Amazing Shrink Inks
April 2004
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Shrink substrates are popular for packaging, but they wouldn't be anywhere without the high-performance powers of shrink inks.
by Kate Sharon, Associate Editor
INKS USED FOR shrink applications have to be capable of going above and beyond the call of ordinary ink duties. Shrink inks have to adhere well to film substrates, hold color despite heat, maintain a certain coefficient of friction (COF), and—most importantly—shrink.
"[Shrink inks] need to have superior adhesion, flexibility, be fairly heat resistant because heat is involved in the process, and [be made with] pigments that won't change color or fade with heat application," said Ed Dedman, market development manager for SICPA North America. "They need to be better performers all-around than other inks."
According to Mike Buystedt, Akzo Nobel Inks director of market development, "Currently four chemistries exist for shrink applications—solvent-based, water-based, UV cationic, and UV free radical. Solvent-based technology boasts the highest market demand at this time; next in line would be water-based."
Furthermore, Buystedt said, "UV cationic ink hasn't been widely used for shrink applications due to its higher price; in addition it is more 'difficult' to run in comparison to UV free radical technologies. Not only is UV free radical cheaper, it is user friendly and doesn't require the extensive prep work of cationic chemistry.
But it's solvent-based ink that remains the leading ink for shrink labels and sleeves, Buystedt said. "Big brands are the main players in shrink applications at this time—creating the need for longer running jobs. Currently, solvent gravure inks perform best for long-run applications, making them the most popular options," he said. "However, as interest in shrink applications continue to grow, smaller brands will show increased interest in shrink, increasing the demand for inks that perform for shorter and variable runs." When that happens, converters will invest in the necessary equipment and there will be increased interest in water-based and UV free radical chemistries, Buystedt said.
What to look for
In shrink applications, as in any other kind of package printing, it's important to choose the right ink for the job at hand. To begin, said Tony Renzi, Sun Chemical director of liquid inks, certain aspects of the job have to be determined.
Will it be printed flexo or rotogravure? Is the shape of the container demanding, needing a higher percentage of shrinkability? What conditions will the container have to undergo before, during, and after hitting the store shelf? What COF is required?
by Kate Sharon, Associate Editor
INKS USED FOR shrink applications have to be capable of going above and beyond the call of ordinary ink duties. Shrink inks have to adhere well to film substrates, hold color despite heat, maintain a certain coefficient of friction (COF), and—most importantly—shrink.
"[Shrink inks] need to have superior adhesion, flexibility, be fairly heat resistant because heat is involved in the process, and [be made with] pigments that won't change color or fade with heat application," said Ed Dedman, market development manager for SICPA North America. "They need to be better performers all-around than other inks."
According to Mike Buystedt, Akzo Nobel Inks director of market development, "Currently four chemistries exist for shrink applications—solvent-based, water-based, UV cationic, and UV free radical. Solvent-based technology boasts the highest market demand at this time; next in line would be water-based."
Furthermore, Buystedt said, "UV cationic ink hasn't been widely used for shrink applications due to its higher price; in addition it is more 'difficult' to run in comparison to UV free radical technologies. Not only is UV free radical cheaper, it is user friendly and doesn't require the extensive prep work of cationic chemistry.
But it's solvent-based ink that remains the leading ink for shrink labels and sleeves, Buystedt said. "Big brands are the main players in shrink applications at this time—creating the need for longer running jobs. Currently, solvent gravure inks perform best for long-run applications, making them the most popular options," he said. "However, as interest in shrink applications continue to grow, smaller brands will show increased interest in shrink, increasing the demand for inks that perform for shorter and variable runs." When that happens, converters will invest in the necessary equipment and there will be increased interest in water-based and UV free radical chemistries, Buystedt said.
What to look for
In shrink applications, as in any other kind of package printing, it's important to choose the right ink for the job at hand. To begin, said Tony Renzi, Sun Chemical director of liquid inks, certain aspects of the job have to be determined.
Will it be printed flexo or rotogravure? Is the shape of the container demanding, needing a higher percentage of shrinkability? What conditions will the container have to undergo before, during, and after hitting the store shelf? What COF is required?
Companies Mentioned:
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