All categories
Featured selections
Trade Assurance
Buyer Central
Help Center
Get the app
Become a supplier

About marking system ink

Types of Marking System Ink

Various types of printing inks are used for manufacturing marking system ink. Each ink has features and benefits that suit specific marking requirements.

In recent years, voluntary product labeling has gained momentum. This trend is due to the growing consumer demand for sustainable and environmentally friendly products. As such, new information about marking system inks will likely trend based on new product approvals.

The primary inks used in marking systems include:

  • Water-based inks: These have reduced toxic effect potential and easy cleanup. They are manufactured with resin, pigments, water, and surfactants.
  • Solvent-based inks: These have a strong adhesion capability, making them ideal for various surfaces. Manufacturers make them with pigments, resin, and solvent. The solvents used include acetone, alcohol, and roller.
  • UV-curable inks: These inks use UV light to dry and harden. The resulting inks provide a durable and scratch-resistant surface.
  • Thermal transfer ribbons: These are coated with a resin or wax compound that produces high-quality prints when heat is applied. The printer head melts the wax. This causes the ink to transfer onto the label and solidify as it cools. This process bonds the ink to the label material for high-resolution prints.

Industrial Applications of Marking System Ink

  • Product Labelling and Branding: Marking system inks are used in product labeling to ensure compliance with safety and regulatory information. Moreover, manufacturers also use these inks in branding. They help create visually appealing and easily identifiable products.
  • Packaging Inks: Marking system inks are critical in ensuring the labels and prints on food and beverage packaging withstand storage and transportation. This is because their ink quality directly impacts product appeal, safety, and traceability.
  • Barcode and QR Code Inks: The marking system inks ensure that barcodes and other quick response codes remain visible and scannable. This is crucial for inventory management, supply chain tracking, and sales data processing.
  • Agricultural and Pesticide Inks: Agricultural products have huge marking system inks use. Some of them are in pesticide containers. It is because the inks enable the labeling of hazardous materials. Doing this increases the public's safety and reduces the risk of exposure.
  • Ink for Inkjet Printers: Inkjet printers use marking system inks, making large print runs with high speed and quality efficiency. The printers rely on these inks for their vibrant colors and superior print quality.
  • Destructive and Non-destructive Testing: Marking system inks are ideal for conducting various test markings on products. Users use them to evaluate the integrity and durability of materials and product performance in quality control processes.

What Makes Marking System Ink Useful?

Marking system inks have unique characteristics that improve product appeal and performance.

Here are some of their defining characteristics:

  • Viscosity: This feature determines how easily marking system ink spreads or flows. Low-viscosity inks spread easily. They suit smooth printing surfaces. High-viscosity inks, on the other hand, are ideal for uneven surfaces.
  • Surface Tension: Inks with reduced surface tension effectively spread on substrates. Marking system inks with higher surface tension suit surfaces with higher product marking needs.
  • Printability: This characteristic determines how well the ink is applied using various printing techniques, such as flexography or gravure. It is essential for achieving consistent results.
  • Pigment vs. Dye: Pigment-based inks have improved lightfastness and resistance to environmental elements, making them ideal for outdoor use. Dyes provide vivid colors but fade faster when exposed to sunlight.
  • Opacity: Opacity defines the ink layer needed for complete surface coverage. Marking system inks with higher opacity will hide the surface beneath better than others.
  • Drying time: The drying time is a critical characteristic. Slow-drying inks allow for longer manipulation during printing. However, they can smudge easily if not handled with care. Conversely, fast-drying inks set quickly. They improve productivity but need swift application.

How to Choose Marking System Ink

The preference for marking system inks is influenced by buyer decisions. To cater to this demand, ink manufacturers are diversifying their products. They do this by introducing new marking system ink variations that suit multiple surfaces.

Here are some key considerations iindustry-buyers can make when selecting marking system inks:

  • Industry Needs: Different industries like food and beverage, automotive, and electronics have unique regulatory and safety requirements. Manufacturers should therefore consider which inks meet the laws in their industry when buying these inks.
  • Ink Compatibility: Different marking system inks are compatible with certain substrates. Such substrates include paper, plastic, glass, and metal. To promote product appeal, industry players should get inks compatible with their preferred substrates.
  • Print Technology: Industries have diverse printing technologies, such as inkjet, pad printing, and screen printing. What works for one may not work for another. It is, therefore, important for manufacturers to choose inks suitable for their printing technologies.
  • Environmental Considerations: Eco-friendly inks are gaining popularity in today's world. This is because many consumers are becoming more prone to the inks. Industry players can consider these inks to suit the current market demand.
  • Ink Performance: This factor is majorly determined by the inks' shelf life, color retention, and resistance to ultraviolet radiation and other environmental elements. Marking system inks that have these qualities will ensure long-lasting branding to their users.
  • Cost vs. Quality: Sometimes, the cost can hinder purchasing the ideal marking system ink. However, for quality purposes, manufacturers should understand that high-quality ink can improve user satisfaction and product compliance. This makes it worth the investment.

Q & A

Q1. What are the primary components of marking system ink?

A1. Marking system inks are largely manufactured using pigments or dyes, binders or resins, solvents or water, and surfactants.

Q2. Are marking system inks eco-friendly?

A2. Yes, marking system inks created with renewable resource materials are eco-friendly.

Q3. Can marking system inks be used in food packaging?

A3. Yes, there are water-based marking system inks and others that are safe for direct food contact and comply with food safety regulations.

Q4. Do marking system inks expire?

A4. Yes, most marking system inks have a shelf life of 1-2 years. However, environmental conditions such as temperature can affect them.

Q5. How does labeling ink durability affect brand image?

A5. Durable labeling inks will ensure that the labels remain unblemished for an extended period. This will maintain the product's aesthetic appeal and visibility, directly influencing consumer perception and brand recognition.