DDGRAF Graphic Additives

Flexography · Calender · Offset · Screen Printing

DDGraf Graphic Additives are high-purity auxiliary products developed to correct, improve, and enhance the performance of inks and varnishes during the printing and finishing process. Each additive is formulated with a focus on compatibility with the DDGraf lines—UV, Water-Based, and Solvent-Based—and the technical requirements of industrial graphic processes.



When used in the correct dosages, additives allow the printer to adjust viscosity, control foam, promote adhesion to difficult substrates, accelerate or regulate curing, and refine surface properties — without compromising the integrity of the original formulation.

Adhesion Promoter

DDGraf Adhesion Promoter is a functional additive developed to increase the adhesion of inks and varnishes to substrates with low surface energy, such as untreated plastic films or those with insufficient corona treatment — BOPP, PET, PE, PP, and PVC. Its addition to the printing system promotes a more efficient chemical bond between the ink or varnish and the substrate surface, drastically reducing problems of peeling, ink run, and adhesion failure in lamination, cutting, and application processes.

Recommended for situations where the substrate has a surface tension below the recommended level, or when environmental and operational conditions of the printing line limit the use of in-line corona treatment. Compatibility: UV Inks and Varnishes · Water-Based · Solvent Applications: Flexography · Offset · Screen Printing Dosage: As per DDGraf technical guidelines — prior testing recommended

Antiespumante

DDGraf Antifoaming Agent is developed to control and eliminate foam formation in water-based and solvent-based inks and varnishes during the printing process. The presence of foam in the system causes problems such as lack of coverage, white spots, ink film irregularities, and viscosity instability—directly compromising print quality and productivity.

DDGraf Antifoaming Agent formulation acts quickly and efficiently, breaking down existing bubbles and inhibiting the formation of new ones, without interfering with the adhesion, gloss, or surface properties of the ink or varnish. Compatible with water-based and solvent-based systems, it is easy to incorporate and allows for precise dosing. Compatibility: Water-based and Solvent-based Inks and Varnishes. Applications: Flexography and Offset Printing. Dosage: As per DDGraf technical guidelines — gradual addition recommended.

Thinner

DDGraf Thinner is formulated to adjust the viscosity of inks and varnishes, allowing the printer to adapt the product to the specific conditions of each process — machine speed, anilox type, ambient temperature, and substrate characteristics. Each version of the thinner line is developed for specific compatibility with UV, Water-Based, and Solvent systems, ensuring that dilution does not compromise the color strength, adhesion, or curing properties of the original formulation.

Using the correct thinner is crucial for process stability: incompatible thinners can cause formulation imbalance, pigment precipitation, loss of gloss, and curing failures. DDGraf offers specific thinners for each product line, ensuring safety and performance in any process adjustment. Compatibility: UV Inks and Varnishes · Water-Based · Solvent Applications: Flexography · Offset · Screen Printing · Calender Available versions: UV Thinner · Water-Based Thinner · Solvent Thinner

Fotoiniciadores

DDGraf Photoinitiators are compounds responsible for triggering the polymerization reaction of UV inks and varnishes upon exposure to ultraviolet or LED radiation. Their function is to absorb the energy emitted by the lamp and convert it into free radicals that initiate the curing of the system, directly determining the speed and completeness of the polymerization of the printed film.

The addition or reinforcement of photoinitiator is indicated in situations of poor curing — identified by a sticky surface, low scratch resistance, or high residual odor — and in cases of replacement or degradation of the machine's UV lamp. DDGraf offers photoinitiators compatible with its UV and LED lines, in the appropriate proportions for each type of system and substrate. Compatibility: UV and LED Inks and Varnishes Applications: Flexography, Offset, Screen Printing, Calendering Dosage: As per DDGraf technical guidelines — excessive dosage may cause yellowing and residual odor

Dryers

DDGraf Driers are additives used in solvent-based and water-based inks and varnishes to accelerate and regulate the solvent evaporation process and the drying of the printed film. They allow the printer to adjust the drying window according to the machine speed, the temperature of the drying chambers, the porosity of the substrate, and the environmental conditions of the printing plant.

Precise drying control is fundamental to avoid problems such as coil blockage, ink transfer on reprints, excessive residual odor, and adhesion failures in subsequent lamination or varnishing processes. DDGraf Driers are formulated to act in a balanced way, without accelerating drying in the inkwell—which would cause fouling—nor delaying it to the point of compromising productivity. Compatibility: Water-based and solvent-based inks and varnishes. Applications: Flexography and offset printing. Dosage: As per DDGraf technical guidelines—gradual adjustment recommended.

Silicones

DDGraf Silicones are surface additives that improve the sliding, leveling, and scratch resistance properties of inks and varnishes after curing or drying. They work by reducing the coefficient of friction of the printed surface, facilitating processing on cutting, folding, packaging, and automatic label application lines, as well as providing a smoother and more pleasant feel to the finished product.

In varnishes, silicones contribute to film leveling, eliminating screen marks, orange peel, and surface irregularities. In inks, they improve the sliding between layers and prevent scratches during stacking and transport. Dosage must be controlled, as excess silicone can impair the adhesion of subsequent layers of varnish, lamination, or printing. Compatibility: UV Inks and Varnishes · Water-Based · Solvent-Based Applications: Flexography · Offset · Screen Printing · Calendering Dosage: As per DDGraf technical guidelines — excess compromises the adhesion of subsequent layers

Important:

All information contained herein is the result of our experience and provided in good faith. We suggest conducting preliminary tests to verify the product's effectiveness in relation to the desired results. For any questions or suggestions, please contact the Technical Department of Ddgraf Ind. E Comércio De Tintas Gráficas LTDA. REMEMBER: The use of all chemical products within environmental and safety standards demonstrates respect for life.