Fountain Additives

Fountain additives are vital chemical compounds used in the offset printing process to enhance the performance and stability of the fountain solution. Fountain solutions are responsible for keeping non-image areas of the printing plate moist, preventing ink from adhering to these areas. By incorporating additives, printers can optimize the fountain solution to improve print quality, maintain equipment, and reduce common printing problems like scumming and plate wear.

• Enhances Ink-Water Balance: Fountain additives are specially formulated to maintain the critical balance between ink and water in offset printing. They help regulate the surface tension of the fountain solution, ensuring even moisture distribution across the plate and preventing ink from emulsifying in the water.
• Improves ink laydown: Proper ink-water balance leads to cleaner, sharper images, with reduced chances of ink smearing or uneven coverage.
• Prevents Calcium Buildup: One of the most common issues in offset printing is calcium buildup on plates and rollers, which can lead to poor print quality and increased maintenance needs. Fountain additives contain calcium inhibitors that prevent this buildup, keeping the press running smoothly and minimizing downtime.
• Reduces roller glazing: Additives also help reduce roller glazing, which is the buildup of dried ink and debris on the surface of the rollers, ensuring smoother operation and better ink transfer.
• pH Stabilization: Maintaining the correct pH level in the fountain solution is essential for optimal printing results. Fountain additives stabilize the pH, keeping it within the ideal range (usually between 4.5 and 5.5). This ensures that the fountain solution remains effective throughout the print run.
• Prevents scumming and toning: A stable pH helps prevent scumming (ink transfer to non-image areas) and toning (grayish areas caused by improper ink-water balance), resulting in cleaner, more consistent prints.
• Reduces Plate Wear: Fountain additives often include ingredients that help minimize plate wear by providing a protective coating on the non-image areas. This reduces friction and abrasion, extending the life of the plates and ensuring more consistent print quality over time.
• Extends plate life: By protecting the plate from excessive wear, additives help reduce the frequency of plate changes, which in turn increases press efficiency and reduces material costs.
• Prevents Bacterial Growth: Fountain solutions are susceptible to bacterial contamination, especially in longer print runs. Additives contain biocides that prevent bacterial growth in the fountain solution, reducing the risk of odors, slime formation, and equipment contamination.
• Maintains pressroom hygiene: Bacteria-free fountain solutions improve press hygiene and contribute to a more stable printing environment.
• Alcohol-Free Compatibility: Many fountain additives are designed to work in alcohol-free systems, providing the necessary lubrication and surface tension control without the use of isopropyl alcohol (IPA). This helps print shops comply with environmental regulations and reduces VOC emissions.
• Temperature and Humidity Control: In challenging pressroom conditions, such as high temperature or humidity, fountain additives can help stabilize the fountain solution to ensure consistent performance, reducing the risk of print defects caused by environmental fluctuations.