A customer recently told me, “Not long ago, a colleague of mine used ultrasonic cleaning on glass at Factory A, and 80% of the ink came off!” This really took me by surprise. While I understand that improper ultrasonic cleaning—too much vibration or extended cleaning time—can cause ink peeling, such a high failure rate still left me stunned.
If you’re an R&D engineer or procurement professional working with glass cover plates, you’re likely aware of how costly and frustrating ink peeling can be. At SZ Claritech, we’ve identified three key causes of ink peeling and practical solutions to help you avoid these issues:
1. Oil or Contaminants on the Glass Surface
When oil, dust, or other contaminants are present on the glass, the ink can’t adhere properly. Even after printing and curing, the ink might peel during cleaning or under friction because it hasn’t bonded well with the glass.
Solution: Ensure thorough cleaning of the glass before printing. Ultrasonic cleaning can be effective, but you must control parameters like vibration frequency and cleaning time. Too much vibration or prolonged cleaning can weaken adhesion. Using specialized cleaning agents or surface treatments like plasma cleaning can further enhance ink bonding.
2. Mismatched Curing Temperature
Ink needs to be cured at the correct temperature. If your oven’s temperature doesn’t match the ink’s curing requirements, the ink may not fully harden, making it more prone to peeling.
Solution: Make sure the oven’s temperature is aligned with the ink’s curing specifications. Monitor internal temperature distribution to avoid uneven curing, and aim to keep the temperature tolerance within ±5°C. Small batch tests can help verify if the temperature control is consistent and meets production requirements.
3. Incorrect Ink Selection
Choosing the wrong type of ink can lead to fading or peeling. Low-temperature ink (160-180°C) is more durable for everyday use, while high-temperature ink (680-720°C) is better suited for extreme environments.
Solution: Select the appropriate ink based on the product’s usage conditions. For products exposed to high temperatures or outdoor environments, high-temperature-resistant inks are a better choice. Communicate closely with your ink supplier to choose the best formula, and if you have specific UV resistance or durability requirements, consider customized ink solutions.
Success Story
At SZ Claritech, we worked with a client who needed ink to remain intact under extreme UV exposure. After recommending a custom low-temperature ink, we ran a 1,000-hour UV aging test using a 0.65W/m²/nm light source, simulating five years of sunlight exposure. The results were excellent—no peeling or fading was detected, and the client was able to apply this solution to more of their production lines.
Testing and Quality Control
To ensure the highest standards of durability and quality, we follow a series of rigorous testing procedures at SZ Claritech. Here are some of the key tests we conduct:
- Cross Hatch Test: We score a grid (typically 6×6 or 10×10 squares) on the ink surface, then use adhesive tape to test for peeling by pressing it on the surface and then quickly pulling it off. The peeling is rated from 0B to 5B, with 4B considered a pass. This indicates that the ink has strong adhesion and will hold up well in real-world applications.
- Abrasion Test: To simulate the wear and tear products experience during daily use, we use a friction tester to apply specific pressure and friction cycles to the ink. By evaluating whether the ink shows signs of wear or peeling, we can assess its durability under regular use conditions.
- Chemical Resistance Test: We also conduct chemical resistance tests by exposing the ink to various chemicals, such as acids, bases, and solvents. After a set period, we observe whether the ink shows signs of discoloration, bubbling, or peeling. This test ensures the ink’s stability and durability in harsh chemical environments.
These testing methods allow us to identify potential issues early and ensure that our products meet the high standards expected by engineers and procurement teams in the industry.
If you’re facing ink peeling issues or want to improve your product’s reliability, feel free to contact our team at SZ Claritech. Visit our website at www.touchtechglass.com for more information.
