Water accounts for 85% of the fountain solution. The hardness of the water has a great influence on the fountain solution and printing.
Hardness refers to the amount of calcium and magnesium in water, which is represented by HC. Unit °F (1 °F = 10 mg/L calcium carbonate) was measured with a durometer. (It can also be expressed by conductivity)
Soft water, which contains less calcium and magnesium, is hard water. Both purified water and distilled water are soft water, and the water that is too soft is easy to emulsify the ink and accelerate the oxidation of the printing plate, and is not suitable for printing.
There are too many calcium and magnesium ions in the water, which easily combines with carbonate (OH) radicals in the ink to form compounds that are insoluble in water and oil. We often find that there is a layer of white calcium on the surface of the ink roller, which is because of it; The hardness of the water is high, it is also easy to block the pores of the roller, affecting the transmission of ink.
Water in the northern regions is hard and often requires soft water treatment. , hardness will change with the weather, hot and humid weather will become harder. Water quality in the South is more suitable for printing. 0°F (soft) 9°F (printing requirement range) 27°F (hard) 45°F
Some water fountains have the function of softening water and can be used in different areas.