Patent Application
20200040286
U.S. Pat. No. 9,683,205
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U.S. Pat. No. 8,207,103
WO2008141210
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EP2041229
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U.S. Pat. No. 4,829,897
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The key advantage to the press washes of the present invention is improved cleaning power and efficiency over other low VOC (volatile organic compounds) South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCQAMD) compliant washes when cleaning printing ink and paper residue from rollers in the press ink train, the printing plate, and the printing blanket, without the negative effects that inhibit the printing process, such as slow evaporation and drying. The press washes of the present invention advantageously are formulated to inhibit corrosion of the metal parts of the printing press that the wash will come in repeated contact with. In a preferred embodiment, the press washes of the present invention would be used for cleaning offset printing presses.
Low VOC press washes generally refers to 100 grams/liter or less volatile organic compounds.
Typical low VOC press washes comprise up to 40% water, while the press washes of the present invention preferably comprise >45% water, more preferably >50% water and most preferably >55% water.
This technology will enable printers who are either required to comply or choose to comply with South Coast Air Quality Management District's (SCAQMD) 100 grams/liter VOC Regulation to remove materials used in the printing process, including printing ink wet or dried, paper dust and residue, and fountain solutions, as well as materials that are not necessarily part of the printing process but are present in the equipment, such as grease and oils, from surfaces on the printing press, including rubber and metal rollers, printing plates, printing blankets, ink fountains, and other parts and surfaces of the printing press with results similar to washes that do not comply with SCAQMD's Regulation. Corrosion inhibitor(s) are preferably added to reduce or prevent corrosion of the metal parts of the printing press. The advantage to materials that meet SCAQMD regulations is reduced environmental impact and improved workplace safety.
The present invention is drawn to a wash that will effectively clean printing related equipment such as a printing press, including all of its components, of materials used in the printing process, including printing inks, paper, and fountain solutions.
Preferable materials and amounts for the inventive washes are as follows:
A wash comprising a mixture of 10-50% PCBTF [Parachlorobenzotrifluoride]; 0.1-10% of a 100% VOC solvent per EPA CFR Promulgated Test Method 24 with a flashpoint above 100° F., for example Aromatic 100, Mineral Spirits, Aliphatic 142 Solvent, Aromatic 150; 0.1-10% solvent with less than 100% VOC per Method 24, for example mineral oil or paraffin solvent; 0.10-5% surfactants, for example sodium monooleate and dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate; 0.10-5% corrosion inhibitors such as Tinsco EWSci from Marott Graphics or NA_SUL 729 from King Industries; and preferably ≥45% water, more preferably ≥50% water, most preferably ≥55% water.
Physical properties of the wash:
The wash is prepared by mixing the ingredients, preferably for a minimum of one hour, more preferably up to four hours, at a minimum of 500 rpm but less than 1,500 rpm, with a mixing blade sufficient to generate low shear blending at ambient temperature.
The wash is applied, preferably undiluted, to the surface to be cleaned either directly or first poured onto an absorbent rag, towel, or wipe, with an open top or squeeze bottle at a quantity sufficient to clean the surface and wiped until clean. Subsequently drying with a clean dry rag can reduce the time for the surface to be dry. For a printing press roller train, the cleaner is preferably incorporated into the roller train with a squeeze bottle, allowed to break down the ink and residue, then the ink and residue are removed from the rollers with a rubber blade and collected in a pan.
The following examples illustrate specific aspects of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope thereof in any respect and should not be so construed.
Wash Evaporation—Inkometer Test for Heatset Ink
This test is performed using a GO Technologies, Model 101 Inkometer.
Grading: The more similar the final (10 minute) tack is to the established ink tack increase with no wash added, the better the evaporation. Use the difference in tack for comparison of samples.
Table 1 shows that the Example 1 wash has good evaporation properties, nearly identical to the comparative Alpha 8 wash.
Wash Cleaning—Ink Removal Inkometer Test for Heatset Ink
This test is performed using a GO Technologies, Model 101 Inkometer.
Table 2 shows that the inventive Example 1 wash has superior ink removal wash properties vs. the comparative Alpha 8 wash.
Wash Evaporation and Recovery—Little Joe Test
This test is performed on a Little Joe Proofing Press
Table 3 shows that the inventive Example 1 wash has superior wash Evaporation and recovery properties vs. the comparative Alpha 8 wash.
Wash Cleaning, Single Wipe—Little Joe Test
This test is performed on a Little Joe Proofing Press
Table 4 shows that the Example 1 wash has equal cleaning to the Alpha 8 wash on the Little Joe Press for a sheetfed ink at a faster drying rate (as shown in Table 3).
Wash Cleaning, Complete—Little Joe Test for Sheetfed Ink
This test is performed on a Little Joe Proofing Press
Table 5 shows that the Example 1 wash has equal cleaning to the Alpha 8 wash on the Little Joe Press for a sheetfed ink at a faster drying rate (as shown in Table 3).
Mixing Wash into Ink for Sheetfed Ink
This test is meant to observe how the wash will mix into the ink on a regular mixer, which mimics high speed emulsion testing on founts.
Results:
This test indicates the stronger solvency and cleaning power of the Example 1 wash.
The present invention has been described in detail, including the preferred embodiments thereof. However, it will be appreciated that those skilled in the art, upon consideration of the present disclosure, may make modifications and/or improvements on this invention that fall within the scope and spirit of the invention.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62712463 | Jul 2018 | US |
