Studying the use of fountain solution-free Isopropyl alcohol in offset printing technology

Abstract

The offset printing technology utilizes fountain solution to maintain the cleanliness of non-image areas on the offset printing plate, preventing them from receiving offset ink. Typically, the fountain solution incorporates Isopropyl alcohol of a concentration of 10 - 15% by weight as surfactant agent to enhance the wetting ability and shorten drying time of the offset ink. However, Isopropyl alcohol (IPA) is a volatile organic compound with a vapor pressure of 40 mmHg at 25oC, posing harm to the working environment and being flammable. Therefore, reducing the use of IPA in offset printing technology is imperative. This paper presents the results of research on the effects of fountain solution-free IPA on the drying time of offset printing inks. The findings indicate that the ethylene glycol derivative can effectively substitute IPA in the fountain solution, with preferring concentration of 10% by weight. The drying time of the offset printing inks ranges from 420 to 660 minutes, similar to their drying time when using fountain solution with IPA.