1. Why Food Packaging Requires Specialized Ink Food packaging comes into direct or indirect contact with consumable goods, which means that the inks used must comply with strict safety and regulatory requirements. In addition to safety, ink must also: Adhere to plastic, foil, or paper surfaces Dry quickly on high-speed lines Resist smudging and abrasion Remain legible through freezing, heat, or moisture 2. Direct vs. Indirect Food Contact Ink Contact Type Description Ink Requirement Direct Ink touches the food itself Must be fully edible, non-toxic, FDA compliant Indirect Ink touches outer packaging (e.g., sachets, lids) Must not migrate through the material Most industrial inks are formulated for indirect contact. Direct-contact inks are typically used for egg shells, tablets, or bakery products. 3. Regulatory Compliance for Food-Safe Inks Region Standard / Requirement USA (FDA) 21 CFR Part 175.105 for indirect food contact EU Regulation (EC) No. 1935/2004 & Swiss Ordinance China GB 9685 for additives in food-contact materials Global GHS labeling, MSDS, and migration testing ✅ Always verify that your ink supplier provides compliance documentation (MSDS, food safety certificate, test report). 4. Food Packaging Substrate Types and Ink Matching Substrate Ink Recommendation Flexible Film (PE, PP, PET) MEK or ethanol-based fast-dry ink Paper Cartons Water-based or ethanol-based dye ink Aluminum Foil Ethanol or acetone-based ink for strong adhesion Laminated Pouches Pigmented or UV ink for high contrast Glass Jars / Lids MEK-based CIJ ink 5. Ink Properties That Matter in Food Packaging Property Importance Fast Drying Avoids smudging on fast lines

1. Why Ink Consumption Matters Ink consumption directly impacts your production cost, printer downtime, and supply chain planning. Overusing ink increases operational expenses, while underestimating it may result in unexpected shortages and production delays. By understanding your true ink usage, you can: Optimize coding budgets Choose the right printer type Schedule ink purchases more efficiently Avoid unnecessary waste 2. Factors That Influence Ink Consumption Factor Impact on Ink Usage Print size Larger characters use more ink Font type & boldness Bold, wide fonts consume more ink Dots per character High-resolution or logos increase consumption Speed & frequency Faster, frequent prints increase usage Substrate absorption Porous materials may absorb more ink Ink type (dye vs pigment) Pigmented inks are heavier, use more ink 3. Ink Consumption by Technology Type Printer Type Average Ink Usage Notes CIJ 0.5 – 2.0 mL per 1,000 prints Includes continuous ink + make-up usage TIJ ~42 mL cartridge for 300,000–600,000 characters Based on character size, font, and substrate DOD (Large Character) 8–15 mL per 1,000 large characters High drop volume, typically carton coding TTO (Ribbon-based) Uses ribbon, not liquid ink Measured in mm of ribbon per print 4. Sample Ink Usage Calculation (CIJ) Scenario: Print: Expiry date and batch code Characters per print: 20 Line speed: 150 products/min Shift duration: 8 hours (480 min) Total prints:150 × 480 = 72,000 products per shift20 characters × 72,000 = 1.44 million characters Ink usage estimate:1 mL per 1,000 characters →1,440 mL = 1.44 liters per shift 5. Sample

1. Why Adhesion Matters in Industrial Printing Adhesion determines how well an ink bonds to the surface it’s printed on — directly affecting durability, legibility, and resistance to environmental stress. Poor adhesion can result in: Smudged or fading codes Ink flaking or peeling Rejected products or compliance failures Selecting the right ink means matching it to the surface energy, texture, and chemical compatibility of the substrate. 2. Understanding Surface Energy and Wettability Surface energy is the ability of a material to attract and bond with liquids (like ink). It’s measured in dyne/cm. Substrate Typical Surface Energy (dyne/cm) Adhesion Challenge Glass 40–50 Easy (if clean) Metal 42–55 Good PET 40–44 Moderate HDPE/LDPE 30–35 Difficult PP/PE Film 29–33 Very difficult Low surface energy = poor ink spread and poor adhesionHigh surface energy = good ink “wetting” and bonding 3. Ink Types and Their Adhesion Strength Ink Base Suitable For Adhesion Level Drying Time MEK Plastic, metal Strong Fast Ethanol Metal, glass Moderate Medium Acetone Non-porous plastics Very strong Very fast Water-based Paper, cardboard Weak on non-porous Slow Pigment inks Dark plastics, cables High opacity + adhesion Medium 4. Recommended Inks by Material ✅ Plastic (HDPE, PP, PET, PVC) Challenges: Low surface energy, static, flexibilityRecommended Inks: MEK-based CIJ ink (e.g., V420) Acetone-based fast-dry ink Pigmented white/yellow for dark plastic Ethanol ink for less aggressive substrates ✅ Metal (Aluminum, Steel, Coated) Challenges: Oil residue, corrosion, curved surfacesRecommended Inks: Ethanol or MEK black ink Soft-pigment ink for high contrast UV ink for tamper-evident security coding

1. What Are Specialty Inks in Industrial Printing? Specialty inks go beyond standard black and colored inks to meet specific performance or compliance requirements. They offer unique features such as: Invisibility to the naked eye Glow under UV light Heat resistance Chemical resistance Food-grade safety Security traceability These inks are critical in pharmaceuticals, electronics, automotive, food packaging, and anti-counterfeit applications. 2. UV-Visible Inks: Coding You Can’t See Until You Shine Light UV-visible inks (also called invisible UV inks) appear transparent or faint under normal lighting and become visible only under UV light (typically 365 nm wavelength). Feature Value Visible Under UV-A black light (365 nm) Appearance Clear, sometimes with a slight tint Substrate Compatibility Plastic, coated paper, metal, glass Used In Brand protection, promotional codes, pharma traceability ✅ Popular for anti-counterfeit, tax stamps, and hidden information tracking 3. Invisible Inks (Non-UV) These inks remain invisible even under UV light and require chemical development, infrared detection, or laser ablation to reveal. Best used for: Secure document printing Serialized data that’s revealed only after a specific process Covert packaging tracking 4. Heat-Resistant Inks Heat-resistant inks are formulated to withstand elevated temperatures during: Food sterilization (pasteurization, autoclaving) Shrink wrap tunnel processes Cable extrusion lines Property Performance Level Heat Resistance Up to 180–250°C Substrate Types PET, PVC, glass, metal Color Options Black, white, yellow Typically MEK-based or resin-rich pigmented inks 5. Chemical-Resistant Inks These inks resist alcohol, oil, grease, and cleaning chemicals, commonly used in: Engine part marking Lubricant containers Chemical drums Special formulations

1. Why Cleaning Fluids Are Critical for Inkjet Printers Inkjet printers, especially CIJ (Continuous Inkjet) and DOD (Drop-on-Demand) models, rely on uninterrupted ink flow and clean nozzles to function correctly. Over time, ink can dry, clog, or crystallize in key components — leading to print defects, downtime, or even hardware damage. Cleaning fluids are specially formulated to: Dissolve dried ink residue Prevent clogging in printheads and filters Flush ink lines and nozzles Extend the life of expensive components Prepare printers for shutdown or storage 2. Types of Cleaning Fluids and Their Use Cases Type of Cleaning Fluid Base Solvent Best For MEK-Based Cleaners Methyl Ethyl Ketone General CIJ ink cleaning Ethanol-Based Ethanol Food-grade and low-odor inks Acetone-Based Acetone Ultra-fast drying ink cleaning Universal Cleaners Mixed solvents Compatible across various ink types Water-Based Water/glycol TIJ cartridge flushing Important: Always use cleaning fluid that matches your ink base. 3. Cleaning Applications by Printer Type Printer Type Cleaning Fluid Type When to Clean CIJ MEK / Ethanol-based Daily, or during shutdown and ink change DOD Pigment-compatible solvent After long downtime, during ink change TIJ Water-based or alcohol-based If cartridge clogs or poor print quality TTO Isopropyl alcohol (IPA) wipes Periodic cleaning of printhead and rollers 4. Key Printer Components That Require Cleaning Nozzle/printhead → Prevents drop distortion and clogging Ink lines and filters → Removes dried residue or sediment Pump and valve systems → Ensures consistent pressure and flow Wiper blades and capping station (TIJ) → Maintains printhead seal 5. When Should You

1. What Are Solvents in Inkjet Ink? In inkjet printing, solvents serve as the carrier fluid for dyes or pigments. They dissolve other ink components and evaporate after printing, allowing the ink to adhere and dry on the substrate. Key Functions of Solvents: Control ink viscosity and jetting behavior Facilitate fast drying on non-porous surfaces Maintain chemical stability in the ink system Influence adhesion and durability of the printed code 2. Types of Solvents Used in Industrial Inks Solvent Type Characteristics Typical Use Cases MEK (Methyl Ethyl Ketone) Very fast drying, aggressive dissolving power General-purpose CIJ inks Ethanol Moderate drying, lower odor Food, pharma, electronics (low-VOC use) Acetone Ultra-fast drying, highly volatile High-speed production lines, cable marking Water Non-volatile, eco-friendly TIJ inks for porous materials (e.g., paper) IPA (Isopropyl Alcohol) Fast drying, intermediate evaporation rate Cleaner or blended solvent component 3. Solvent Compatibility by Printer Type Printer Type Common Solvent Base Notes CIJ MEK, Ethanol, Acetone Most solvent-intensive; requires regular make-up TIJ Water, Ethanol Lower solvent load; cartridge-based DOD Oil, MEK High-viscosity inks may use non-volatile bases Laser Printers (non-ink) N/A Do not require solvent-based ink 4. What Is Make-Up Fluid? Make-up is a diluted solvent added to CIJ ink systems to: Compensate for solvent evaporation Maintain proper viscosity and conductivity Ensure stable ink drop formation during printing Example: Videojet V420 (Black MEK ink) uses M513 make-up fluid Domino 2BK118 ink uses 4006 make-up fluid Make-up is consumed continuously and must be monitored closely in CIJ printers. 5. Safe Storage

1. What Is an MSDS and Why Does It Matter? MSDS stands for Material Safety Data Sheet (also called SDS under GHS standards). It’s a legally required document that provides critical information on the composition, hazards, handling, and storage of a chemical product — in this case, inkjet ink. Why it’s essential: Ensures safe handling and use of chemical products Supports regulatory compliance (e.g., GHS, OSHA, REACH) Helps buyers and distributors assess health, fire, and environmental risks Required for shipping and customs clearance in many countries 2. Key Use Cases for Inkjet Ink MSDS Documents Who Needs It? Why It’s Important Distributors To verify product safety, ensure proper labeling Buyers To assess risks and compare ink compositions Regulators To confirm compliance with hazardous materials laws Safety Officers For internal workplace hazard training and documentation Shipping Agents To declare dangerous goods properly for air/sea freight 3. Typical Structure of an Inkjet Ink MSDS (GHS Format) Section Purpose 1. Identification Product name, supplier, emergency contact info 2. Hazard Identification GHS symbols, signal words, hazard statements 3. Composition Ingredients and their CAS numbers 4. First-Aid Measures What to do in case of exposure or ingestion 5. Fire-Fighting Measures Extinguishing methods and fire hazards 6. Accidental Release Measures Spill response and cleanup guidelines 7. Handling and Storage Safe storage conditions and handling precautions 8. Exposure Controls/PPE Recommended personal protective equipment 9. Physical and Chemical Properties Appearance, flash point, odor, pH, etc. 10–16 Toxicology, environmental impact, disposal, transport info 4. Example: Key Points in a

1. About Linx CIJ Technology Linx Printing Technologies is a trusted brand for Continuous Inkjet (CIJ) coding systems, used widely in packaging, manufacturing, cable, and electronics industries. Linx printers are known for low-maintenance design, clean refills, and IP-rated enclosures for harsh environments. Their CIJ inks are designed for: Fast-drying performance on high-speed lines Excellent adhesion on a wide variety of materials Low makeup consumption for cost efficiency 2. Common Linx Printer Models and Ink Compatibility Printer Model Ink Compatibility Series Linx 8900 / 8910 / 8940 1240, 1244, 1250, 1280, 1059 Linx 7900 Series 1240, 1210, 1055, 1035 Linx 5900 1210, 1244, 1245 Linx 6200 / 4200 Older legacy inks (available upon request) Linx cartridges are typically identified by 4-digit ink codes and paired with matching solvent (make-up) fluids. 3. Overview of Linx Ink Types and Properties Ink Code Base Type Color Key Features 1240 MEK Black General-purpose, fast-drying ink 1244 MEK Black Enhanced adhesion for oily surfaces 1245 Ethanol Black Low odor, suitable for food packaging 1059 MEK White Pigmented ink for dark surfaces 1014 Ethanol Blue Used in electronics and wire marking 1290 MEK Yellow High-contrast pigment ink 4. Fast-Drying and High-Adhesion Inks Fast-drying inks like 1240 are essential for high-speed production lines, particularly in: Beverage bottling Cable extrusion Plastic bag packaging Adhesion-enhanced inks (e.g., 1244) are ideal for: Polypropylene (PP) Polyethylene (PE) Flexible film Containers with oily or greasy surfaces 5. Pigmented Inks for Dark Surfaces Pigmented inks like 1059 (White) and 1290 (Yellow) use solid particles

1. Domino Printing – A Global Leader in Coding and Marking Domino Printing Sciences is known for its advanced inkjet solutions across a variety of industries. Their printers support CIJ (Continuous Inkjet) and TIJ (Thermal Inkjet) technologies, offering tailored inks for high-speed coding, challenging substrates, and regulatory compliance. Why Domino inks? High-resolution coding Durable and legible marks Engineered for Domino Ax-Series, A-Series, and G-Series Proven in pharma, beverage, electronics, and industrial goods 2. Domino CIJ Inks: Ax and A-Series Domino CIJ printers, like the Ax350i, Ax550i, and A120/A320i, are built for continuous production environments. The inks are specially formulated to offer low maintenance, fast drying, and excellent adhesion. Ink Code Ink Type Features 2BK118 MEK-based black Fast-drying, general-purpose 2YL912 Yellow pigmented High contrast on dark surfaces 6BK108 Soft pigment black Stable pigment dispersion, bold prints 2BL812 Blue dye Visible marking for medical applications 2UV001 Invisible UV ink Security and brand protection codes Make-up fluid (solvent) examples: 4006 for 2BK118 4007 for 6BK108 4010 for pigment inks 3. Domino TIJ Inks: G-Series Printers Domino’s G-Series uses HP TIJ cartridge technology for high-resolution prints at lower startup cost. Ink Code Base Type Features 510BK Water-based Crisp prints on porous substrates 511BK Solvent-based Fast drying on plastic/film 512BK MEK-based High adhesion on non-porous substrates 513UV UV-curable High-security invisible printing Applications: Pharmaceutical cartons Paper-based packaging Medical device labeling Film wrappers and glossy substrates 4. Domino Ink Properties and Substrate Performance Property CIJ Inks (Ax/A-Series) TIJ Inks (G-Series) Drying Time <2 seconds 0.5–3 seconds depending

1. Overview of Videojet as a CIJ Ink Industry Leader Videojet Technologies is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of industrial inkjet printers and consumables. Known for its CIJ (Continuous Inkjet) systems, Videojet provides a wide range of inks designed for various industries including food, beverage, pharmaceuticals, electronics, and automotive. Why Videojet inks? High-speed printing performance Consistent adhesion on difficult substrates Broad selection of inks for unique applications Compliance with global regulatory standards 2. Common Videojet Printer Series and Ink Compatibility Videojet printers support model-specific inks. Below is a simplified matrix: Printer Model Series Ink Compatibility Examples 1000 Line (1210, 1510, 1610, 1620) V420, V423, V705, V411 1860 Series SmartCartridge system, uses V-series inks Videojet 1220/1320 V420, V480, V706, V475 Videojet Excel Series Legacy inks: 16-8200, 16-8400 Always check for ink codes that match your printer model and serial number. 3. Top Videojet Ink Types and Their Properties 🔹 V420 / V423 Black MEK-Based Inks Fast-drying, general purpose Excellent adhesion on metals, plastics, and PET Used in food, beverage, and cable industries 🔹 V705 Soft Pigmented Black High contrast on light surfaces Slightly longer drying time than V420 Great for electronics and plastic pipes 🔹 V411 Ethanol-Based Black Ink Lower odor alternative to MEK Safe for use near food products Slightly longer dry time than MEK 🔹 V485 White Pigmented Ink Used for dark-colored substrates (e.g., cables, bottles) Contains titanium dioxide pigment Requires regular agitation and cleaning 🔹 V393 Invisible UV-Readable Ink Appears invisible under normal light Glows under UV