Definition
The ink toner is a commonly used tool in laboratories, mainly used for physical property testing and sample preparation of inks, coatings and related printing materials. Its core function is to assist in the evaluation of ink fluidity, color spread, uniformity and other characteristics through standardized operation, and provide basic support for subsequent color matching and printability analysis. Although the tool has a simple structure, it plays an important role in quality control and R&D in industries such as printing, packaging, and ink manufacturing.
Principle
The working principle of ink mixer is based on mechanical shearing and stretching. During operation, the quantitative ink is placed on a specific substrate and scraped at a fixed angle and pressure by the ink mixer to form a film of ink with a gradient thickness. This process simulates the ink transfer behavior in printing, and the ink is deformed and spread under the action of the shear force of the knife edge, and its rheological characteristics are indirectly reflected by the uniformity, gloss and color presentation of the film layer. The visual and instrumental observations of the scraped film can be used to infer the dispersion quality, viscosity adaptability and pigment distribution of the ink.
Measurement method
When testing with ink blenders, standardized steps are followed to ensure comparable results. First, place the ink sample to be tested at one end of the substrate, such as standard white cardboard or glass plate. Then, holding the ink mixing knife, the knife body is kept at a specific angle to the substrate (usually a fixed value, such as 60°), and the ink is scraped forward with uniform and stable force and speed, forming a wedge-shaped film layer from thick to thin. After scraping, it is left until the ink state is stable, and then the color continuity of the film layer is observed under a standard light source, whether there are streaks or particles, and the color and density of a specific area can be quantitatively measured with the help of a colorimeter or density meter. The key to this method is the consistency of angle, pressure and speed, so the training and experience accumulation of operators have certain requirements.
Influencing factors
The accuracy of ink blender test results is affected by multiple factors. In terms of operating parameters, the fluctuation of scraping angle, applied pressure and moving speed will directly change the thickness and uniformity of the ink film, which will affect the observation results. Environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity can alter the rheological properties of the ink, resulting in changes in scraping behavior and film formation. The ink's own properties, including viscosity, thixotropy, pigment particle size and dispersion stability, are intrinsic factors that determine the squeeze effect. In addition, the surface smoothness and absorbency of the substrate, as well as the flatness and wear of the ink blender edge, can also interfere with the test. Therefore, testing is carried out in a controlled environment and under standardized conditions, and the tool is regularly maintained.
Applications
The application of ink mixer knives is mainly concentrated in the printing and related materials industry. In ink manufacturing, it is used for batch-to-batch quality consistency checks, leveling and color spreadability evaluation in the development of new formulations. In printing enterprises, it assists in pre-printing ink suitability testing, helping to predict color performance and uniformity in actual printing. In packaging material inspection, it can be used to evaluate the adhesion and presentation of inks on specific packaging substrates. In addition, in scientific research and educational institutions, the tool is also commonly used for printing principle demonstrations and basic material performance experiments.
Key points of selection
When choosing an ink mixer, consider the material, size, and specification adaptability. The knife body is usually made of stainless steel, which requires sufficient rigidity, corrosion resistance, and sharpness of the knife edge. The width of the knife edge should be selected according to the common sample volume and substrate size, and the common specifications can cover most laboratory needs. The flatness of the knife edge is a key indicator, which directly affects the uniformity of scraping, and attention should be paid to its manufacturing accuracy when purchasing. In addition, some applications may require a specific angled design or material coating for the mixer to accommodate the testing of special inks, such as highly corrosive materials. It is recommended to choose based on the recommendations of major test standards (such as ASTM or ISO related specifications), and to combine the actual sample type and test frequency, as well as establish a mechanism for regular calibration and replacement of tools.