Low Odor UV Flexo Ink
Low Odor UV Flexo Ink is a UV-curable flexographic printing ink formulated with low-volatility monomers and controlled photoinitiator systems to reduce residual odor after curing.
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Product Introduction
Composition and Formulation Structure
Oligomers (30–50%)
Typically urethane acrylates or polyester acrylates. These determine film flexibility and adhesion. Urethane systems are often selected for film applications due to their elongation properties.
Reactive Monomers (20–40%)
Low-odor monomers such as IBOA or TPGDA are used to control viscosity (200–800 mPa·s) and reduce volatile emissions.
Photoinitiators (5–10%)
Low migration/odor types, with absorption peaks matched to 365–395 nm UV lamps to balance curing speed and migration risk.
Pigments (10–20%)
Organic or inorganic pigments (< 1 µm) to ensure stable dispersion and consistent color density in flexo plates.
How It Works (Curing Mechanism)
UV lamps emit energy in the 300–400 nm range.
Photoinitiators absorb this energy and generate radicals.
Radicals initiate crosslinking between oligomers and monomers.
A solid polymer film forms within 0.1–0.3 seconds under 120–200 mJ/cm² UV dose.
Low odor performance is achieved by limiting unreacted monomers and selecting raw materials with lower volatility.
Key Technical Parameters
| Parameter | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Viscosity | 200–800 mPa·s (25°C) |
| Surface Tension Requirement | ≥ 38 dyn/cm (substrate) |
| Curing Energy | 120–200 mJ/cm² |
| Recommended Printing Speed | 50–150 m/min |
| Adhesion Test | Cross-hatch 4B–5B |
| Residual Odor Level | Reduced vs standard UV inks (sensory test) |
Substrate Compatibility
Designed for non-porous materials requiring controlled surface energy:
- BOPP film (treated ≥ 38 dyn/cm)
- PET film (corona or plasma treated)
- PE film (requires primer or high surface treatment)
- Laminated flexible packaging structures
Application Scenarios
Customization Options
FAQ:
1: What causes odor in UV flexo inks after curing?
Residual odor mainly comes from unreacted monomers and photoinitiator fragments left in the ink film after UV curing. If the curing energy is below 120 mJ/cm² or the ink layer exceeds 3 g/m², incomplete polymerization can occur, increasing odor intensity. The selection of high-volatility monomers also contributes to post-print smell.
2: How can odor be reduced during the printing process?
Odor can be controlled by adjusting three key parameters:
Increase UV dose to 150–200 mJ/cm² to improve curing completeness
Reduce ink film thickness by selecting a lower volume anilox roller (e.g. 2.5–3.0 cm³/m²)
Maintain substrate surface energy above 38 dyn/cm to ensure proper ink transfer and uniform curing
Insufficient curing or uneven ink laydown will increase residual odor.
3: Is low odor UV flexo ink suitable for food packaging?
It is typically used for outer layers of food packaging, such as snack bags or beverage labels, where the ink is not in direct contact with food. For these applications, odor reduction is important to prevent sensory contamination during storage. For direct or indirect food contact, additional compliance (such as migration limits) must be verified separately.
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