Alcohol Substitutes

Alcohol substitutes are a critical innovation in modern offset printing, providing an environmentally friendly and safer alternative to traditional isopropyl alcohol (IPA) in fountain solutions. These substitutes perform the same function as alcohol in maintaining the ink-water balance but without the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and hazards associated with IPA. As the industry increasingly adopts sustainable practices, alcohol substitutes are becoming the preferred option for many print shops.

• Ink-Water Balance: The primary function of alcohol or its substitutes in offset printing is to improve the ink-water balance by lowering the surface tension of the fountain solution. This ensures that the non-image areas of the plate remain clean and free of ink during the printing process.
• Improved surface tension control: Alcohol substitutes are formulated to provide consistent surface tension, allowing for better control of ink distribution and ensuring high-quality prints.
• Reduced VOC Emissions: Traditional alcohol-based fountain solutions release VOCs, which contribute to air pollution and are hazardous to workers’ health. Alcohol substitutes, on the other hand, are designed to be VOC-free or contain significantly lower levels, reducing environmental impact and promoting a safer work environment.
• Compliance with environmental regulations: Many alcohol substitutes help print shops meet increasingly stringent environmental regulations regarding VOC emissions, making them an essential component of eco-friendly pressrooms.
• Improved Pressroom Conditions: Substituting alcohol in the fountain solution also reduces the odor and evaporation issues associated with IPA, leading to more comfortable working conditions for press operators.
• Less evaporation: Alcohol substitutes are less prone to evaporation, leading to more stable fountain solutions that require less frequent adjustment during long print runs.
• Compatibility with Modern Press Technology: Alcohol substitutes are often formulated to work seamlessly with modern offset presses, including those equipped with more advanced dampening systems.
• Enhanced press stability: By reducing the drying effects that alcohol can have on the press components, alcohol substitutes can lead to more stable press operation, reducing the need for frequent adjustments.
• Health and Safety Benefits: Alcohol substitutes reduce the health risks associated with long-term exposure to IPA, including skin irritation, headaches, and respiratory issues. Their safer chemical profile makes them a better choice for protecting the health of print operators.
• Non-flammable alternatives: Alcohol substitutes are typically non-flammable, lowering the risk of fire hazards in the pressroom.
• Cost Efficiency: While alcohol substitutes can sometimes be more expensive upfront than IPA, their reduced evaporation rates and the decreased need for frequent adjustments can result in overall cost savings due to higher production efficiency and less waste.