Printing Inks

Ultra fine SOCAL® and WINNOFIL® are surface treated precipitated calcium carbonates used to impart rheological properties to most lithographic and many gravure ink systems. They require no activation unlike conventional rheology modifiers and therefore offer improved control and consistency. They improve the dispersion of problem pigments which leads to higher color strengths being developed without adversely affecting gloss. Similar benefits are also gained in water based flexographic inks.

Fine SOCAL® grades are used in printing inks to enhance their optical properties. In screen inks the use of SOCAL® provides a low sheen surface with excellent brightness, hiding power and printability.

SOCAL® 322 is recommended in offset heat set and cold set printing ink systems. It provides an excellent and reproducible approach for rheology modification to generate a high yield value. Improved elastic properties to the ink improve anti -misting in high speed printing applications. Gloss and transparency are maintained relative to non-filled systems and color strength is enhanced through improved pigment dispersion. Printability is maintained through reduction in plate wear as a result of the high purity of this synthetic surface treated calcium carbonate compared to natural extenders.

Offset	Ultrafine precipitated calcium carbonate can be used to control the rheology of offset printing inks systems. Their incorporation has a positive effect on the runnability of such inks and helps to reduce misting with high speed printing applications.
Other ink applications	Solvay precipitated calcium carbonates are also used in gravure applications where their fine particulate nature reduces any adverse effect on cylinder wear and also allows more flexible formulation changes during long runs.
Screen Ink	Fine SOCAL® grades are used in printing inks for good optical properties. The usage of SOCAL® gives matt surfaces with excellent brightness, hiding power and printability.
Water based flexo	Solvay precipitated calcium carbonates can be used in water based inks for flexographic printing applications.