Dye-Based Inks for Flexographic Printing

Certain dyes, when suitably formulated, have an affinity for groundwood paper such that after application the dyes neither smear nor bleed either wet or dry. Inks based upon these dyes have certain advantages in addition to permanence. They remain open on the press for extended periods, yet are instantly dry upon printing. They are available in unusually bright, intense colors, including process blue, yellow, red, and black and are non-toxic, non-volatile, and have no odor. The inks' cost project to be less, or comparable to, current inks so that they may be more than cost competitive.