Sun Chemical Reduces Ink and Fountain Solution Use in Offset Printing with SunLit OptiPace

Sun Chemical announces a 10 to 20 percent reduction in dampening water requirements, and this new, higher-pigment sheetfed offset ink also contains up to 80 percent bio-based materials.

Sun Chemical is launching SunLit OptiPace, a new series of inks for sheetfed offset printing. This is the second product developed using its Pace high-speed technology, following SunLit ProPace, which, according to the U.S. manufacturer, is currently its best-selling sheetfed ink line worldwide.

In this new formulation, Sun Chemical has increased the pigment content. Greater color intensity allows for a thinner ink film to achieve the desired color and, consequently, reduces ink consumption.

Use 10 to 20% less water with SunLit OptiPace

Another point highlighted by Sun Chemical: SunLit OptiPace is said to reduce the amount of dampening water needed by 10 to 20 percent. This reduction speeds up drying compared to conventional sheetfed offset ink, allowing for a quicker transition to post-printing operations.

The ink is also said to have low tack, which makes it easier to print on low-grammage or lower-quality papers. According to Sun Chemical, the formulation also reduces the frequency of blanket washes.

SunLit OptiPace is formulated from vegetable oils and contains up to 80% bio-based materials; the ink does not contain PTFE wax.

"ProPace has demonstrated the robustness of Pace technology and has become our best-selling sheetfed ink series worldwide. With OptiPace, we're not just taking the first step?we're advancing a proven technology to its next generation," says James Buchanan, product manager for sheet-fed systems at Sun Chemical.

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