Adamson University

College of Engineering
Chemical Engineering Department

Technical Electivess 3: Ink Technology

Final Course Output: Current Trends in Ink

Technology

Submitted by:

Manabat, John Christian A.

Megio, Jona E.

Merced, Threistian Mica F.

Sales, Kenmathew Jay Q.

Sta. Catalina, Shaira B.

Submitted to:

Engr. Jerry G. Olay

December 4, 2019
 ASIA INK. CO THAILAND

I. INTRODUCTION

Asia Ink Company Limited was established in 2001 and was located in Ladprao Soi
71 on a 3 rai land. The company initially produced solvent-based ink which was very
successful and broardly well-known in Thai printing ink industry. In 2002, the company
expanded its product lines to include water-based as well as oil-based inks, respectively.
Since 2005, the company has moved its location and expanded its production capacity in
order to correspond to the growing printing ink market. The company is now located in
Salaya-Bangpasi, Puttamonthon, in the province of Nakorn Pathom on a 20 rai piece of
land.

Company's Philosophy
“To continuously improve in quality to exceed customers’ expectations and to further
develop the organization to the excellence together”. This statement acts as the company’s
driving force to constantly supply high-quality products to our customers, as well as
provide before and after sales services along with consultation, regarding all aspects of ink.
As we want to ensure that all customer needs are fulfilled gratifyingly. Knowing this
mindset by heart has enabled the company to grow rapidly and successfully become one of
the top five producers of printing ink in Thailand within less than 5 years

COMPANY LOCATION
Ladprao Soi 71 on a 3 rai land
 COMPANY WEBSITE

II. PRODUCT LINE

Asia Ink's portfolio of products includes printing inks used for Gravure printing and
Flexography, by which each ink comprises of 2 different sub-chemical bases. Different
production process, printer, and material used require distinct formulas for various
applications of each label and packaging. The special characteristic of Asia Ink’s products
is "Food Grade" which is produced by organic pigment, extracted from natural colors of
premium organic ingredients, such as, flowers or plants, and other food grade
chemical ingredients. This feature makes printing inks safe for consumers' health, as there
is no heavy metals compounded. Besides, Asia Ink’s production facilities as well as
finished inks are environmental friendly and certified by various international agencies to
ensure the highest quality and strict standards that are demanded by the industries they
serve.
 1. Gravure Printing Inks

The main application area of gravure printing that Asia Ink produce is in the
flexible-packaging sector. They provide high-quality products that suit wide range of
substrates such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, BOPP, etc. that can be printed
in the gravure press. Their inks are categorized into 4 sub-categories as followed :

 Surface Printing Ink for plastic substrates

 Reverse Priniting Ink for plastic substrates
 Surface Printing Ink for paperboards
 Water-based Gravure Ink

2. Flexographic Ink

Asia Ink produce 2 main types of flexo inks, included water based and alcohol
based inks which are determined by demands of the printing process and the application of
the printed products. Each formulation component individually fulfills a special
function and composition will vary according to the substrate used in the process as
followed:
 Water-based Printing Ink for cardboards
 Alcohol-based Printing Ink for polysacks and plastic substrates
III. MANUFACTURING PROCESS OF THE COMPANY
1. Process of Making Gravure Ink

While the press is in operation, the metal printing cylinder is partially immersed in
the ink tray, filling the recessed cells which are intaglios on the cyclinder. As the cylinder
rotates, it draws excess ink onto its surface and into the cells. The doctor blade removes
the excess ink, leaving in the cells the right amount of ink required before it makes contact
with the paper. Next, the paperboard gets sandwiched between the impression roller and
the gravure printing cylinder. This is where the ink gets transferred from the recessed cells
to the web. The purpose of the impression roller is to apply force to ensure even and
maximum coverage of the ink. Then the inked paperboard goes through a dryer because it
must be completely dry before going through the next color unit and accepting another coat
of ink.
 2. Process of Making Flexographic Ink

Flexography is a direct printing technique, rather similar to stamping. First, the ink
that is located in the ink pan is transferred to the second roller, which is the Anilox
roller. The anilox roller meters the predetermined ink that is transferred for uniform
thickness. This roller is responsible to transfer the inks to the flexible printing plates that
are already mounted on the plate cylinder. A doctor blade or rubber roller scrapes the anilox
roll to ensure that the predetermined ink amount delivered is only what is contained within
the engraved cells. The plate cylinder holds the printing plate, which is soft flexible rubber-
like material. Lastly, the impression cylinder applies pressure to the plate cylinder, where
the image is transferred to the substrate.
 TOYO INK CO.,LTD
I. INTRODUCTION

With the development of digitalization and information technology, a large

number of people today witness high resolution images and pictures. In times of
such transition, there is a high demand for reproducibility of appearance and color
brightness of printed materials.
To achieve printings in higher resolution and precision has always been a
goal for Toyo Ink, an ink manufacturer and seller of printing inks, for printing &
information-related and packaging materials-related.
Sale and servicing of Toyo Ink Group products within certain areas in Japan and
we have accumulated firm technology and development capacity to for over a
hundred years. We have been continuously offering and implementing high
resolution and high precision products and services for various media. "Kaleido
Ink®" is one example in which we achieved wide color gamut by process four
color printing.
Enhancing appearance and faster reproduction in printing newspapers, books,
leaflets, etc. Toyo Ink have always had an innovative approach towards the developing
offset printing industry and have used our latest technology to cover the growing needs.

COMPANY LOCATION
Kyobashi EDOGRAND Bldg., 2-1, Kyobashi 2-chome, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-8378
JAPAN
PRODUCT CATALOGUE
 COMPANY WEBSITE

II. PRODUCT LINE

UV Ink Business
UV inks which are also a "solvent less environment harmonized ink" based on
curing done by energy emitted by UV rays. We at Toyo Ink are forerunners in adopting
and developing inks derived from LED curing technology to Low Energy Consuming UV
inks.
Besides, we have also kept the strict regulations of NL, REACH, RoHS, for both
domestic and global chemical regulation needs. Moreover, we have taken care to improve
the safety standards and at the same time minimizing the CO2 emissions related to ink
manufacturing and handling. We have also enhanced our overcoat varnish which is
designed for high quality cosmetic needs.
Ink Jet Ink Business
Ink jet inks with excellent performance in printing short run jobs. We at Toyo Ink
are continuously striving forward in developing, manufacturing and selling eco-friendly
high quality ink jet inks, hence continuously contributing to develop the digital era.
We have continuously progressed and pursued drastic improvements in printing
techniques such as high density printing in water based inks(which is known for its
difficulties caused by high absorption), our unique know-how of direct printing on
substrates without using an under lacquer, etc. by which we are continually reducing the
impact on environment and at the same time contributing to the development of printing
techniques.
Gravure Ink Business
Gravure ink is used for food products,household goods , medical goods and
industrial goods such as components for computers and mobile phones. We at Toyo Ink,
developed a gravure ink which is applicable to a wide range of products. In the field of
paper and film printing, we promote VOC reduction by offering water-based gravure ink.
Furthermore, we reduce CFP by using naturally-derived raw materials such as bioethanol
and bioethyl acetate. In addition, in the field of functional materials, with our know-how
in the field of specialty chemical maker, we have been continuously raising our product
value to meet customer needs.
Flexographic Ink Business
Flexographic printing displays high reproducibility for cardboards, paperbags,
wrapping paper, food packages, etc - At Toyo Ink, we promote and develop Flexographic
inks which achieve high productivity and elaborated design , with a concern for the
environment. With printing on paper, we reduce CO2 emissions by reducing the ink waste
and ink delivery using an automatic color matching system. In the field of packaging, we
are planning to develop water-based Flexographic laminate inks with high physical
properties aiming VOC reduction and less consumption.
Silk Screen Ink Business
Silk screen ink is applicable to a variety of goods ranging from papers such as posters and
POP displays to toys, stationery, bags, ceramics and other household goods. At Toyo Ink,
along with the development and promotion of conventional silk screen ink, we put efforts
in the development of functional pastes for manufacturing of LCD displays and printed
circuit boards by combining Toyo Ink Group’s core technologies like color/resin
development and dispersion technology.
III. MANUFACTURING PROCESS OF THE COMPANY

Unfortunately, the information about the manufacturing process of Toyo Ink

Company is not available due to data privacy. However, the information below are basic
knowledge about manufacturing process of ink available in the resource materials.

The formulation, equipment and manufacturing steps are "recipes" for the ink
manufacturing process and ink production. The same manufacturing principles apply to the
different types of inks (conventional offset inks, UV inks, flexo / gravure inks), involving
five essential steps that determine the final properties and performance of the inks. It is
therefore useful to be familiar with the main manufacturing parameters and to understand
the key steps. The main important goal in ink manufacturing process is to disperse the
pigment in a vehicle that can transport the colorant to the substrate. For black news inks,
the primary carriers are petroleum oil, soybean oil, or water (for the flexographic printing
process). Resins are also introduced to help disperse the pigment and to bind the pigment
to the paper after printing.

The most obvious role of a pigment is to color the ink. However, pigments can also
provide gloss, abrasiveness, and resistance to attack by light, heat, solvents, etc. Special
pigments known as extenders and opacifiers are also used. Extenders are transparent
pigments which make the colors of other pigments appear less intense, while opacifiers are
white pigments, which make the paint opaque so that the surface below the paint cannot be
seen. The physical properties of pigments, such as particle size and particle surface, are of
great influence in the dispersion process. Primary dispersions for ink production demand
that the pigment particles are thoroughly wetted by the liquid phase. The pigment particle
size strongly affects the color strength since the smaller particle size has the higher surface
area and thus the stronger the color. If this dispersion level is not achieved, printing
problems will arise. To achieve the optimum benefits of a pigment, it is necessary to obtain
as full a reduction as possible to the primary particle size. The primary feature particle size
is 0.5 micron or specific surface area of 30 to 100 m2/g. A number of printing inks are
completed in a one or two-step mixing/dispersing process which is usually carried out on
a high shear mixer to produce ink with acceptable dispersion.
 Busy Inks Imaging Corporation (BIIC)

I. INTRODUCTION

Companies find ways to save on expenses and the expense that can’t be neglected
are your office document printing; may it be offset, laser or graphics printing, these things
cannot be disregarded. But changing brands to save may mean devalued exchange in
quality…and that is why we are here for.

Busy Inks Imaging Corporation (BIIC) is committed in providing economical,

effective and efficient re-manufactured toner and ink cartridges. Our thirteen years of
experience will assure you of a better service as BIIC moves forward by upgrading its re-
manufacturing system and sourcing quality components here and abroad. Our goal is to
cater the needs of the market and establish a lasting business relationship with our existing
clienteles.

Should our clients’ need more savings, our refilling services don’t just refill by
merely punching holes but rather dismantling the cartridge and makes sure that the
cartridge is free from used inks or toner powder or any foreign contaminants. BIIC assures
you that products we’ll deliver are competitive with the OEM or original.

PLANT LOCATION

No. 8 Naga Rd, Las Pinas, Metro Manila, Phillipines

PRODUCT CATALOGUE

Busy inks imaging corporation focuses on the recycling and remanufacturing of

toner inks that covers a wide array of brands such as canon, hp and epson to name a few.

COMPANY WEBSITE:
II. PRODUCT LINE

Remanufactured Toner Cartridges or REMA are remanufactured from

previously used original toner cartridges. The empty cartridges are sent back for
remanufacturing where the cartridge housing is refurbished. Most of the internal
components are replaced and the cartridge is refilled fresh with toner powder based on
model specifications. These are often sold under the retailers “own brand
label”. Marketing misrepresentations such as claims that REMA toner cartridges are far
better than the OEM are all rubbish! Of course it can’t be better; at par? Definitely!

Refill Services we accommodate empty cartridges to refill with the following brands:
III. MANUFACTURING PROCESS OF THE COMPANY

Unfortunately, the formulation of the company’s ink and their manufacturing

process are not available for disclosure on their website or from any other sources.

IV. COMPARATIVE DESCRIPTION OF THE THREE MANUFACTURERS

In the countries overseas, the process of ink making utilizes top of the line
equipment which makes the companies overseas competitive in the ink business and they
are far more popular than the ink makers in the country. With that, they lead us in higher
sales and revenue. These Manufacturing companies mentioned manufactures different
types of inks for different types of use, Asia Ink provides inks that are used in the packaging
industry that is why the inks that they manufacture are food grade inks while The BIIC
company from the Philippines are known for remanufactured toners and inks cartridges
that are used in Printers. The Toyo ink. In Japan is known for producing ink used for
printing newspapers, books, leaflets, packaging, and many more. These are different
companies with different products and services but with the same goal as to provide
consumers the best quality products they need.
V. LEARNING INSIGHTS

Manabat, John Christian A.

The research we have conducted in ink processing was an eye-opener regarding the
inadequate skills and technologies that are used in ink processing. The ink makers we have
here in the Philippines are frankly uncompetitive in terms of ink quality and efficiency of
ink making. If we study more and discover more advanced technologies, it will be useful
to us to transcend us to another level of ink processing; making us competitive.

Merced, Threistian Mica F.

By the use of technology in today’s generation, the ink industries are now
developing and many have developed their products as an environmental friendly. By this,
industries are now being more sensitive in caring for the world. Also, they are not just
helping the surroundings but the people too.

In relevance to our subject course, learning different types of inks and their uses
and applications had been a fun fact for me and helped me understand more about the ink
industry. Ever since, I am fantasized in different kinds colors and curious about where do
they different and what are their uses in applying on materials. Having done a study in inks,
I’ve learned different types of what they use on different products. There are various
chemicals that the ink contains, therefore printing design on things that will be used in
fabrics, papers, containers, stickers, etc. is not consistent. Not consistent on their
ingredients for some may contain toxic chemical that may transfer to the food placed on it,
for example.

Megio, Jona

Technological innovations in process of manufacturing inks are leading to

competitive market and costumer commitment. In times of development of high resolution
 images in information technology and digitalization, consumers have a high demand for
reproducibility of appearance and brightness of printed materials.

Through this course, I have learned that ink manufacturers are concern in offering
innovative yet sustainable products for their valued consumers. Companies are also
offering a wide range of innovations that are focus on environment-friendly product that
preserves the proactive operation of the ink manufacturing business locally and
international. Also, this course offered knowledge about necessity of special type inks,
common processes to produce it, and many more.

Sales, Kenmathew Jay Q.

Based on our research we can say that there are a lot of things that manufacturing
companies here in the Philippines need to improve upon for them to be more globally
competitive. Investing on research would greatly help manufacturing companies to
innovate inks and equipment for them to create a mark in the market as well as to become
an inspiration and challenge for other companies to venture in research. Researches that
would produce eco-friendly products as well as reducing the output of waste materials.

Sta. Catalina, Shaira B.

Ink technology has recently grown worldwide. Many companies invests in research
formulating innovative inks that satisfy the needs of the consumers. From my research on
the manufacturing plant in Thailand, Their special product is the food grade inks that are
made by organic pigments and are safe to human health. They continue in pursuing research
in making inks more environmental friendly and safe for humans. Having been able to attend
an Ink expo and learning basic knowledge about inks in class, I was able to know that
numerous formulated inks contains chemicals that can either be harmful to human or to the
environment. Therefore, it is fascinating to know that companies devote in using less
chemicals in making inks and making it more eco-friendly.
VI. REFERENCES

https://www.asia-ink.com/history-en

http://www.polyma.co.jp/en/
www.hoovers.com/company-information/cs/company
profile.mizutani_paint_co_ltd.e641f3e1eab8fc1a.html?aka_re=1
www.toyoink.jp/en