Novel Universal Fountain Solution for Lithographic Printing.

A better way to satisfy the fundamental requirements of the lithographic printing process has been found through a novel formulation of fountain solution which can be used on lithographic presses with either a conventional or Dahlgren dampening system and without the addition of isopropyl alcohol. TANSOL fountain solution is formulated without an acid or alcohol in such a manner that the need for pH and surface tension control is minimized. The regime of pH, wettability and solubility in which the new fountain solution successfully preforms is different from that of the majority of press dampening solutions that are used today in the printing industry. The composition and the proper functioning of the new fountain solution is not compatible with low pH systems. For these reasons, the transition from a conventional etch to the newly formulated press runnability and to make available the full advantages of this solution. Major characteristics and an assessment of the performance of the new fountain solution are discussed.