Utilisées conjointement avec les encres conductrices, les encres non conductrices sont importantes pour les produits fonctionnels et les applications décoratives.
Ce blog est le deuxième de notre série sur les encres fonctionnelles. In the previous blog, we touched upon the various conductive inks used at Boyd. In this blog, we will explore the different types and applications of non-conductive inks.
Non-Conductive Inks at Boyd
As the name indicates, non-conductive inks do not conduct electricity but are employed in vital functional products and decorative applications including sensors, membrane switches, graphic overlays, and labels. The non-conductive inks used at Boyd include:
Graphic Inks
As a custom manufacturer, Boyd utilizes graphic inks in a wide range of its components and brand identity products such as nameplates, labels, decorative signs, decals, placards, elastomer keypads, and graphic overlays. The various types of graphic inks that Boyd offers include solvent-based inks, water-based inks, UV curable inks, epoxy inks, and air-dry inks. The selection of the appropriate ink for any given application is dictated by a multitude of factors like surface energy and surface tension of the substrate, environmental conditions, and cost. Boyd regularly employs screen printing, digital printing, lithographic printing, UV inkjet printing, and UV flexographic printing for the printing of graphic inks. With decades of experience, Boyd can create an exact color match or provide a color that matches the Pantone matching system.
Dielectric Inks
Dielectric inks are electrically insulating inks that work in tandem with conductive inks by protecting them. In a multi-layer construction of circuitry, dielectric inks prevent the various layers of conductive ink from interacting with each other. By creating insulating barriers, they avert electrical shorting and silver migration. Since most dielectric inks are ultraviolet (UV) curable, they can be used on a broad spectrum of rigid and flexible substrates including bare or print-treated polyester, polycarbonate, and glass. They offer strong adhesion properties, superior flexibility, resistance to moisture, and abrasion and are minimally affected by folds and bends. Dielectric inks are commonly used in membrane switches, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags, antennas, and electrodes.
Specialty Inks
While dielectric and graphic inks significantly dominate the realm of non-conductive inks at Boyd, the use of specialty inks are gradually crawling up in the product development phase. The unique characteristic of specialty inks is finding new functional and decorative applications. The most common types of specialty inks seen today are:
- Thermochromic Inks: These are temperature-sensitive inks that change color when the ambient temperature increases beyond a pre-designated value. They come in many colors like shades of neon, blue, purple, etc. Common applications include labels, print advertising, fabrics, biomarkers, and sensors.
- Photochromic Inks: These inks temporarily change color when exposed to UV light. Similar to thermochromic inks, these photochromic inks also come in several colors. They can be seen in light-sensitive eyewear solutions, body patches to detect exposure to sunlight, and clothing.
- Hydrochromic Inks: These inks change color when they interact with or get immersed in water. Typical applications include packaging solutions, moisture indicators, decorative umbrellas, and clothing.
Boyd relies on industry-leading ink compounders to formulate custom inks for its varied customers. Our long-standing relationships with ink compounders enable Boyd to mitigate price volatility and improve efficiency by reducing production lead times. It also allows Boyd to meet diverse manufacturing needs and remain agile during the product development process. While each application calls for a specific ink and printing process, Boyd works with each customer from beginning to end to determine project requirements and provide effective solutions. To discuss your upcoming projects, schedule a free consultation with Boyd experts today.
