Effect of ink cohesive force on gravure offset printing

Abstract

In order to understand the ink transfer mechanism of contact printing, a novel method for measuring ink cohesive force was designed and a new apparatus was fabricated through replicating a gravure offset printing process. Measured results showed that the cohesive force of Ag ink increased during the printing process due to solvent absorption into a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) blanket material, which enhanced ink transfer from a cliché to a substrate. This enhanced ink transfer mechanism was discussed with the results of changes in ink viscosity and cohesive force and contact angle.