Domino Printing Sciences (Domino) has launched a complete range of high-performance, methyl ethyl ketone-free (MEK-free), low-VOC inks for its Ax-Series range of CIJ printers, including the new Ax560i.
The new ink range addresses long-standing concerns around adhesion and drying performance with MEK-free solutions, at a time when manufacturers are increasingly seeking alternatives to MEK-based solvents. Domino’s portfolio delivers drying times close to that of traditional MEK-based inks and includes inks suitable for a wide range of product and packaging applications, providing a broad range of options for manufacturers looking to reduce their MEK usage.
“Our new MEK-free ink range has been developed to help ease the compliance burden for our manufacturing customers,” says Karen Davey, Product Manager – Fluids, Domino. “While there is currently no globally unified regulation imposing restrictions on the use of MEK, in some regions the use of MEK-based inks comes with additional administrative and monitoring requirements. Choosing alternative solvent bases can alleviate this workload, but historically alternatives have often included performance trade-offs.”
Achieving fast drying times and reliable performance has historically been a challenge for some MEK-free ink formulations, particularly those with high levels of ethanol within the solvent base. The latest additions to Domino’s new ink range have been developed to include alternative, low-impact pentanone-based solvents, which offer excellent adhesion, reliable print performance, and dry times close to that of traditional MEK-based inks.
Within the range Domino has a selection of inks suitable for a wide variety of product and packaging types. Options include inks designed for industrial applications, and direct and non-direct food packaging applications, with formulations designed to support compliance with the German Printing Ink Ordinance – subject to final migration testing of the finished packaging.
Options within the range include:
- 1BK112 – general purpose black ink, with good adhesion on metal, glass, and some plastics
- 7CL103 – clear fluorescent ink with retort and alcohol resistance
- 7BK107 – black ink with oil and alcohol resistance for more challenging food packaging applications, with strong adhesion across metal, glass, and plastics
Customer field trials have confirmed performance capabilities of the new formulations across a range of real-world manufacturing applications.
“Across our recent customer field trials our new MEK-free formulations have been found to offer excellent adhesion, reliable print performance, and dry times close to that of traditional MEK-based inks,” says Rajesh Saini, Deputy General Manager – Technical Services, Domino Printech India. “Food packaging trials with the new 1BK112 resulted in top-tier adhesion and fast-drying performance – even in demanding freezer-grade flow-wrap environments.”
While compliance is a key driver for many manufacturers seeking MEK-free solutions, the shift can also support broader sustainability objectives. Traditional MEK-based inks are associated with high levels of volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions and can require significant make-up consumption. Domino’s MEK-free ink solutions can help manufacturers to reduce VOC emissions, while also reducing overall make-up usage by up to 35%.
Make-up usage can be further reduced to 50% when the printer is fitted with Domino’s Green Pack solvent recovery add-on, which allows reuse of condensed solvent that may otherwise have been lost (available for Ax350i and Ax550i printers). With Domino’s new Ax560i printer Enhanced Solvent Recovery can be used to lower make-up usage even further. In addition, the new CleanAssist function can reduce wash solvent usage from cleaning the printhead, through an automated cleaning process where make-up is recycled within the ink system.
“At Domino, we are committed to helping our manufacturing customers improve sustainability, reduce waste, and remain compliant, so they can continue serving consumers worldwide,” says Jill Woods, Product Compliance Training Manager, Domino. “Our in-house product compliance team closely monitors the global regulatory landscape and works with our ink development team to anticipate changing requirements. This helps ensure we can continue to provide compliant, reliable solutions that also support our customers’ sustainability goals.”
Find out more information about Domino’s MEK-free ink range.