How to Solve Foaming Issues in Water-based Inks? Chemi Tech's Three-Step Professional Solution

On high-speed printing presses, the continuous generation and bursting of foam within water-based inks is a hidden challenge for many printing enterprises. These fine bubbles not only cause white spots and pinholes on the printed surface, affecting image clarity and color saturation, but also clog the anilox rollers, leading to production interruptions, directly reducing efficiency and yield. Traditional methods often address symptoms rather than the root cause, or introduce new compatibility issues.

Chemi Tech deeply analyzes this pain point, recognizing that the stable existence of foam stems from surfactant materials in the system and mechanical shear forces. Therefore, relying solely on post-addition of general-purpose defoamers has limited effect. We provide a systematic solution ranging from prevention to eradication.

The first step is accurate diagnosis and selection. Our technical team analyzes the client's specific ink formulation, printing speed, and environmental conditions to match the most suitable product from the Chemi Tech defoamer portfolio. Our products possess the ability to quickly penetrate and disrupt foam films, while maintaining excellent compatibility with the ink system, avoiding craters or gloss issues.

The second step is scientific addition and process optimization. We guide clients to determine the optimal addition point and dosage, typically recommending incorporation during the ink preparation stage for foam control. For existing foam, we also provide immediate treatment solutions. By adjusting the addition method, we ensure efficient dispersion of the defoamer for lasting antifoam performance.

The third step is result verification and continuous follow-up. We assist clients in establishing simple foam observation records, comparing print quality before and after use, such as reduction rate of white spots and continuous printing duration. This ensures the solution is stably implemented and effective long-term.

For instance, an enterprise specializing in label printing experienced severe ink foaming after switching substrate, with considerable daily losses due to cleaning and downtime. After adopting a specific Chemi Tech defoamer recommended and applying the three-step process, the press's continuous run time significantly increased. The solid areas on labels became more uniform and solid, the client expressed satisfaction with color consistency, and overall production costs were effectively controlled.

Facing the defoaming challenge in water-based inks, choosing Chemi Tech means opting for a professional, systematic problem-solving approach. We provide not only products but also the technical support to ensure they perform optimally, helping you overcome foam issues and achieve smooth printing processes and high-quality output.