In ink production, the uniformity of pigment particle dispersion and the stability of the system directly determine product quality. Ultrasonic dispersion equipment, with its unique technological advantages, has become a key piece of equipment for solving this core problem. From traditional printing to high-end electronic printing, its role in improving ink performance is becoming increasingly prominent.
The core working principle of ultrasonic dispersion equipment stems from the cavitation effect. The equipment converts electrical energy into 20kHz high-frequency electrical energy through a generator, which is then converted into mechanical vibration by a transducer and transmitted to the ink system by a titanium alloy amplitude transformer. This vibration causes the liquid to form countless tiny bubbles. These bubbles rapidly generate, expand, and burst in an alternating pressure field, instantly releasing high temperature, high pressure, and a strong micro-jet. The resulting shear force effectively breaks down the van der Waals forces between pigment particles, disintegrating the aggregated structure. Compared to traditional equipment, this dispersion method eliminates the need for grinding media, avoiding particle contamination at the source.
In the particle dispersion stage, the equipment exhibits precise and efficient characteristics. Optimal results can be achieved by adjusting parameters for different types of inks: water-based inks are suited to a power density of 0.8-1.2 W/cm², while solvent-based and UV inks require a higher energy density of 1.0-1.5 W/cm². After 5-10 minutes of initial dispersion to break up aggregates, followed by 10-15 minutes of stabilization, pigment particles can achieve nanoscale dispersion, with a particle size D50 even less than 1 μm. For special functional particles such as graphene and carbon nanotubes, the dispersion effect is unmatched by traditional equipment.
The equipment improves ink stability in multiple dimensions. Cavitation activates active groups on the pigment surface, enhancing its compatibility with the resin, allowing the dispersant to be more uniformly adsorbed on the particle surface to form a stable protective layer, effectively preventing re-agglomeration during standing, and achieving storage stability without hard sedimentation for 6 months. Simultaneously, the dispersion process removes gases trapped in the pigment suspension medium, reducing bubble defects during printing and improving the ink's printability.
In practical applications, this equipment also boasts energy-saving and environmental advantages, reducing dispersion time to 1/5 compared to traditional sand mills and decreasing solvent and dispersant usage. By incorporating a modern control system and circulating cooling device, temperature and energy output can be precisely controlled, preventing pigment structure damage or resin performance degradation. From high-end printing inks to electronic conductive inks, ultrasonic dispersion equipment, with its irreplaceable performance, is driving the ink industry towards continuous upgrading towards high efficiency, high quality, and environmental friendliness.
