Carbon Black for Printing Inks
Offset, packaging, newspaper, digital and energy-cured inks. Carbon black for printing inks is both pigment and rheology modifier; print speed and dot sharpness depend directly on dispersion.
Printing inks are one of the oldest and most widespread uses of carbon black. In a black ink, the pigment does more than give color: it also determines the flow behavior of the ink, its drying speed and its transfer to the printed surface.
Requirements by ink type
- Offset inks: Require high viscosity and tack. The structure (OAN) of the carbon black directly determines the rheology of the ink.
- Packaging inks (flexo, gravure): Require low viscosity and fast drying; ease of dispersion comes first.
- Newspaper inks: Cost and fast absorption are decisive; economical grades are preferred.
- Digital and inkjet: Require very fine particles and a narrow size distribution; otherwise the print head clogs.
- UV- and EB-cured inks: Carbon black absorbs UV light and so makes curing harder; the formulation must be adjusted accordingly.
Why high structure matters
High-structure (high-OAN) carbon black produces higher viscosity and stronger thixotropy in the ink. In offset printing this is a desired property; in liquid inks, the same property becomes a disadvantage and lower-structure grades are preferred.
The role of PE wax
Micronized polyethylene wax is used in ink formulations as an additive for rub and scratch resistance. It increases the slip of the printed surface and prevents blocking (printed surfaces sticking to each other), which makes it especially important in packaging inks.
What to Watch For in This Industry
Sieve residue is critical for inkjet
In digital printing, coarse particles or agglomerates clog the print head. Grades with a low sieve residue (ASTM D1514) and fine filtration are essential.
In UV curing, pigment level and cure depth work against each other
Carbon black absorbs UV light; a high pigment level can cure the surface while leaving the layer beneath uncured. Choose the photoinitiator system accordingly.
Toluene extract transmittance indicates impurities
A grade with a low ASTM D1618 value can leave unwanted residue and odor in the ink; take care with food packaging printing.
Recommended Products for This Industry
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Industry-Specific Questions
Which grade is suitable for offset ink?
High-structure grades with a medium-to-high surface area are preferred for offset; they provide the required tack and viscosity. Grades such as N299 are also used in the ink and paint industry.
We have a blocking problem with our packaging ink.
Adding micronized PE wax is the standard solution: it increases the slip of the printed surface and prevents the surfaces from sticking together. Talk to us about choosing the right particle size and drop point.
What criteria should we watch for in food packaging printing?
Toluene extract transmittance, ash content and heavy metal residue are the critical parameters. For such applications, request the product's safety data sheet (SDS) and certificate of analysis.
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