Information for inkjet printer users
MEK-free ink (alcohol-based ink)
It does not make sense to cite a Japanese ordinance on the US inkjet site. Not necessary to remove but something to consider in the future.
The demand for ethanol ink has quadrupled over the past three years
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Customer needs for alcohol-based ink has been on the increase as a solution to meet the requirements of the new Ordinance.
At the same time, conventional alcohol-based inks have had issues with respect to their printing performance. -
*Based on KEYENCE’s research
Problems with conventional alcohol-based ink
While alcohol-based inks feature easy handling and little or no odor, they also have issues with drying speed and maintenance.
Quick-drying | Maintenance | Easy usability | Odor |
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△ | △ | ○ | ○ |
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- Slow drying makes the ink unsuitable for high-speed production lines and use with plastic bottles and PP/PE films.
- Low volatility makes the ink prone to thinning, which results in unstable text.
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Missing pixels
due to ink thinning -
Satisfactory printing
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Advantages of the new ink MK-14
Conventional ethanol-based ink contains 80% to 90% ethanol. Ethanol has the previously mentioned issues due to its lower volatility compared to MEK. MK-14 is only 50% to 60% ethanol blended with a volatile glycolic solvent, which gives an enhanced quick-drying effect to the ink.
Quick-drying | Maintenance | Easy usability | Odor |
---|---|---|---|
○ | ○ | ○ | ○ |
No problem printing products on fillers, packaging machines, and high-speed production lines!
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Rotary filling machine
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Pillow packaging machine
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High-speed production line
No problem printing on materials on which ink generally does not dry well!
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PP/PE film 1
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PP/PE film 2
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Plastic bottle
No problem printing for customers who worry about MEK odor or odor being imparted on their products!
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Heat sealer
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Printing on the bottom of cosmetic bottles
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Printing on beverage cartons