Consumables
Linx launches new fast drying, low odour inks
Tuesday 09. November 2010 - Linx Printing Technologies continues to add to its extensive range of market-leading inks with the introduction of two new black inks, Linx black ultra-fast drying 1405 ink and Linx black ethanol 2035 ink. The new additions complement Linxs existing range of general purpose and specialist inks.
Linxs extensive ink range ensures that whatever needs coding, from cabling and automotive components to pharmaceutical, confectionery, beverage and food packaging, an ink can be supplied that has the right qualities to produce the best code.
The introduction of the new black inks is in response to market demands for fast-drying inks and advanced ethanol inks. Linx black ultra-fast drying 1405 ink is MEK-free, has excellent adhesive qualities and is suitable for a wide range of surfaces including paper, card, metal, glass and many plastics.
Linx 1405 ink was especially developed for customers who require an extremely fast-drying ink that does not contain MEK. The ink is ideal for printing on high-speed production lines, such as flow wrap and bottling lines, where surfaces may come into contact with each other soon after printing. It is also suitable for general packaging, food and cosmetic containers, and mechanical and electrical components.
Linx black ethanol 2035 ink offers a high quality print and good colour intensity on a range of porous and non-porous materials as a result of its unique low-drop spread formulation.
While Linx 2035 ink is suitable for general packaging, the low odour ethanol formulation means that it is particularly suitable for pharmaceutical industries where clean room and closed environments are essential.
Dr Richard Marsden, Ink Development Consultant at Linx, said: “Choosing the most appropriate ink for an application is a critical decision that will ensure the very best message quality and durability is achieved. The new additions to the Linx ink range provide users with more choice, ensuring customers are able to use an ink that meets their specific requirements. “
Many considerations need to be taken into account when choosing an ink, such as print size, colour and resistance to light, heat and chemicals. For example, the ink may need to be removable if a reusable container is coded, or it may need to be applied through a layer of moisture where condensation forms on a product. If the wrong ink is chosen the consequences can prove very costly; down time, poor coding and wasted product are but a few examples. Using the right ink on the right substrate guarantees clarity of code and maintains the integrity of the product being coded.
Dr Marsden concludes: “Linx believes investment and research is vital in ink development. It is a misconception that there is generally only one standard ink. In addition to our specialist ink range, Linx has five standard black inks all offering slightly different properties. The addition of the Linx 1405 and Linx 2035 inks to our black ink range allows us to offer a wider variety of inks to our customers.”