The application advantages of glass ink defoamers can be developed around its core functions, process adaptability,
cost-effectiveness and environmental protection. The following points are explained and combined with specific cases
to intuitively present its value:
I. Core functional advantages
Fast defoaming, long-lasting defoaming
Principle: Defoamers reduce the surface tension of the liquid to quickly break the bubble film layer. At the same time, its
hydrophobic particles are adsorbed on the surface of the liquid to form a barrier to prevent bubble regeneration.
Case: In glassware screen printing, a large number of bubbles are easily generated when the ink is stirred. After adding
defoamers, the bubbles can be eliminated within 10 seconds, and no new bubbles are generated during the subsequent
printing process, ensuring that the pattern has no holes or white spots.
Does not change the ink performance
Key points: After adding defoamers, the viscosity, fluidity, adhesion and gloss of the ink are not affected.
Data: Experiments show that after adding 0.5% defoamer, the change rate of ink viscosity is less than 2%, and the adhesion
strength remains above 98%, ensuring that the printing quality is not affected.
II. Process adaptability advantage
High temperature resistance, adaptable to complex processes
Scenario: During the tempering process of tempered glass ink at a high temperature of more than 300°C, ordinary defoamers
may fail due to high temperature, resulting in bubble expansion or film cracking.
Solution: Special high temperature resistant defoamers can continuously suppress bubbles in this environment, ensure the density
of the film layer, and improve the strength and light transmittance of the glass.
Compatible with a variety of ink systems
Comparison: Both solvent-based inks and water-based ink systems can be used to avoid shrinkage or turbidity problems caused
by incompatibility of defoamers.
Application: Whether it is glassware printing or automotive glass decoration, the best effect can be achieved by adjusting the
amount of defoamer.
III. Cost-effectiveness advantage
Low dosage, low cost
Data: The amount of defoamer added is usually 0.1%-0.8% of the total ink amount, which is low cost and effective.
Case: The monthly defoamer cost of a tempered glass factory only accounts for 1.5% of the total ink cost, but due to the reduction
of defective rate, the comprehensive cost has dropped by 8%.
Improve production efficiency
Effect: Defoamers can shorten ink drying time and increase printing speed, which is suitable for large-scale automated production
lines.
Comparison: After adding defoamers, printing speed increases by 20%, equipment downtime decreases by 15%, and production
capacity is significantly increased.
IV. Environmental and safety advantages
Compliance with environmental standards
Certification: Some defoamers meet food-grade standards (such as FDA certification) and are suitable for printing on glassware
that comes into contact with food.
Case: In the printing of glass wine bottles, the use of environmentally friendly defoamers can avoid solvent residues, meet export
standards, and reduce VOC emissions.
Safe and harmless
Comparison: Compared with silicon-containing defoamers, silicon-free defoamers are safer and avoid printing defects caused by
silicon residues.
Application: In the printing of high-end glass products (such as cosmetic bottles), silicon-free defoamers can ensure that the
product surface is smooth and flawless.
V. Comprehensive advantages in actual production
Reducing defective rate
Data: After a glassware factory used defoamers, the defective rate dropped from 15% to 3%, saving more than one million yuan
in annual costs.
Reason: Eliminating bubbles can avoid defects such as pinholes, white spots, shrinkage holes, etc. in the printed pattern, and improve
the quality of the finished product.
Extend equipment life
Effect: Reducing bubbles can reduce the wear of equipment such as nozzles and scrapers, and extend the service life of equipment.
Case: After using defoamers in inkjet printers, the frequency of nozzle blockage is reduced by 40%, and the maintenance cost is
reduced by 30%.
VI. Usage suggestions
Add in batches: Add 1/3 to 2/3 of the total amount for the first time, and add the rest in the subsequent process to avoid excessive
local concentration.
Experimental verification: Select the type of defoamer (such as silicone or non-silicon type) according to the ink system, and determine
the optimal dosage through small tests.
Synergistic use: Use with leveling agents to balance defoaming and film surface quality to avoid shrinkage problems.
Conclusion:
Glass ink defoamers have become key additives in glass printing and coating processes through their advantages such as
high-efficiency defoaming, temperature resistance, environmental protection and cost-effectiveness. Its application not only improves
product quality and production efficiency, but also meets the high standards of modern industry for environmental protection and safety.
