Visualizing fountain solution droplets in an ink vehicle-fountain solution emulsion by confocal microscopy and 3D image reconstruction

Using a confocal microscope, a suitable fluorescent dye and 3D reconstruction software, 3D images were produced of fountain solution droplets in an ink vehicle. These 3D images showed the shape of emulsion droplets and they were analyzed to produce the average drop volume and the drop size distribution. The technique developed was used to demonstrate the effect of fountain solution concentration, shear rate and instruments used for emulsification on the characteristics of the droplets. Problems associated with the technique are considered and potential applications of the technique in future studies discussed.