Monthly Archives: October 2011







blanket for printing
Although printing blankets may appear similar on the surface, there are a number of factors to consider when selecting the proper blanket for your press and printing application. Printing blankets have many physical properties that vary depending upon the manufacturer and the blanket style. Characteristics such as: print quality release […]

Printing Blanket Characteristics


printing press cleaning
 There are four basic solvent types for washing up the press. In most cases, the same wash can be utilized for both rollers and blankets. Water-miscible washes – the most popular type in the industry, water-miscible (or mixable) washes can generally be blended with 20%-50% water. Featuring moderate drying speeds, […]

Solvents for Washing Offset Press




eco printing inks
Some of the pigments used in ink contain metallic substances which are harmful to human health and the environment such as cadmium, chromium, lead and mercury. Conventional printing inks are petroleum – based and used with alcohol-based solvents. As alcohol and petroleum evaporate Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are emitted. VOCs […]

Ecological Printing – Inks and Coatings


color saturation
Problem:Solids appear to lack density Cause: Improper ink/water balance Improper concentration of fountain solution Non-uniform dampening Loss of image area Improperly set form rollers Solution: Adjust to proper ink/water balance Adjust fountain solution to proper pH/conductivity (pH 4.0-4.5) Clean brushes, flicker blades, etc; replace if necessary Adjust form rollers to […]

Color Too Weak



plate blinding or wear
Problem:Part or all of image on plate does not take ink. Cause: Fountain solution too acidic Excessive gum in fountain solution Plate cleaners and/or scratch removers have dried on plate image Fountain system contaminated by detergent Excessive fountain solution in ink Improperly developed plates; gum adheres to image area   […]

Plate Blinding Chemical