Engineering Headway Vol. 31

Abstract: The increasing demand for offset printing ink and the environmental impacts of petroleum-based materials have prompted a search for alternatives. This study aims to produce offset printing ink using used palm cooking oil as a substitute for petrochemical components. Previous studies have demonstrated the potential of used cooking oil for ink production. The methodology involved collecting and puryfiying oil, converting it into Fatty Acid Metyl Ester (FAME), formulating varnish, and producting ink. The results showed that ink made from used cooking oil (FAME-J) differed in optical density and CIE Lab* values compared to conventional ink. Specifically, FAME-J exhibited a lower optical density than Ink FAME-S and Ink-K, suggesting a thinner ink layer. The CIE Lab* analysis showed that Ink FAME-J had a slightly darker color and a lower lightness (L*) value compared to Ink FAME-S, while Ink-K exhibited a higher yellow component. Overall, used cooking oil demonstrates it’s viability as an alternative for producing offset printing ink, offering a sustainable option to reduce environmental impacts and support waste management efforts.

Abstract: The high demand for cellulose paper made from hardwood (trees) is currently causing environmental damage because the hardwood used comes from logging a very large amount of land. This tree felling, if continuously carried out, will result in natural disasters such as floods, landslides and the extinction of some animals due to homelessness, on a large scale can also result in climate change globally due to an increase in geothermal temperatures. This study synthesised TKKS waste mixed with bacterial cellulose with a combination of 100%, 75%, 50%, and 25% with the addition of CMC additives to strengthen the morphological quality of the resulting paper surface. The purpose of this study is to process cellulose fibres from TKKS waste mixed with bacterial cellulose reinforced with CMC additives to produce environmentally friendly paper. The addition of CMC additives is intended to improve the morphological properties of the paper surface that has been produced. So that the products produced are expected to have the potential to reduce dependence on paper made from hardwood (trees). The target of this research is to produce products that can be implemented as replacement paper that can be used in the graphic industry and society. The methods used in this study are a combination of mechanical processes, chemical processes, and chemical mechanical combinations. Then Next, conduct a paper feasibility test for writing and printing produced. Paper base material characterization test, paper surface morphology test is carried out to determine the quality of the paper produced.

Abstract: This study investigates the rheological and optical properties of sustainable palm oil-based offset printing inks, comparing four formulations with varying pigment concentrations (Palm Ink-15, Palm Ink-16, Palm Ink-17, and Palm Ink-18) against a conventional ink sample. Through rheology testing, we analyzed viscosity, yield value, and shortness to understand ink flow characteristics. Optical density measurements and colorimetric assessments in CIE L*a*b* coordinates were conducted to evaluate ink performance across different film thicknesses. The results indicate that palm-based inks exhibit a superior balance between viscosity and yield value, allowing for effective ink transfer and enhanced color saturation. Palm Ink-17, in particular, demonstrated the most rapid color intensity buildup with increased thickness, making it optimal for applications requiring rich, saturated blue tones. These findings suggest that palm oil-based inks are not only environmentally friendly but also exhibit performance characteristics suitable for high-quality offset printing applications.

Abstract: This study evaluates the effect of a starch-calcium carbonate coating on the quality of paper produced from empty fruit bunches (EFB) of oil palm. The primary objective is to assess the changes in water absorbance of the paper before and after the coating process. Samples of EFB paper were coated and subsequently tested using a Cobb tester to measure their water absorbance. The results indicate that the coating application significantly reduced the paper’ water absorbance. These findings suggest that a starch-calcium carbonate coating can improve the quality of paper made from agricultural waste. The implications of this research may lead to new opportunities for utilizing agro-industrial waste in the paper manufacturing industry.

Abstract: Since offset printing machines are crucial to the printing process, numerous industry participants take different steps to ensure that offset machine prints are high caliber. Keeping the offset machine's blankets and rollers free of metal contaminants from printing inks is one of the efforts made. Industry participants typically utilize chemical fluids that can clean offset machine blankets and rollers to maintain their cleanliness. However, because these chemicals oxidation with time, using chemical fluids continuously can harm the blankets and rollers. To Impacts the printing outcomes, causing the paper to deteriorate more easily, the blanket to get sticky, the print to be uneven, and the density to drop. Furthermore, the cleaning agents that are employed may pollute water and harm the ecosystem. In this study, an eco-cleaner that can be used in place of current chemicals is created by a fermentation process of organic waste strengthened with a catalyst. To enhance the printing quality of offset machines, this research aims to create an environmentally friendly solution that can lessen metal contaminants on rollers and blankets.An experiment utilizing the fermentation synthesis approach was employed in this study. Additionally, the eco-cleaner is evaluated for feasibility and characterisation in accordance with SNI requirements. The physical characteristics and organic plating tests are conducted, and the test results are analysed to determine whether the eco-cleaner is feasible. Because the eco-cleaner is non-corrosive, the final product efficiently removes metal contaminants without causing harm to the blankets and rollers. Both the printing industry and the general public can use the final products.

Abstract: Screen printing consists of various types, including glow in the dark screen printing. This study aims to determine the effect of the phosphorus-to-transparent rubber ratio on the final results of glow-in-the dark screen printing. This type of research is an experiment, which has independent variables, namely the ratio of phosphorus and rubber 2: 5, 3: 5, 4: 5, and 5: 5, the dependent variable is the final results of glow-in-the dark screen printing which includes three aspects, namely sharpness, texture, and adhesion, control variables, namely screen, cliche, coating technique, squeegee, base ink color, phosphorus color, fabric used and the person who made the screen printing. The data collection method involved observations conducted by 10 observers. Data analysis was performed using mean value data. The analysis shows a significant effect of phosphorus-to-rubber ratios of 2:5, 3: 5, 4: 5, and 5: 5 on the final results of glow in the dark screen printing which includes aspects of color sharpness, texture, and ink adhesion. In terms of color sharpness, the 2:5 ratio produces the sharpest color compared to the 5:5, 4:5, and 5:5 ratios. In terms of texture, the 2:5 ratio produces the glossiest texture compared to ratios of 3:5, 4:5, and 5:5. In terms of ink adhesion, the 2:5 ratio produces the most adhesive ink compared to ratios of 3:5, 4:5, and 5:5.

Abstract: This study compares the printability, optical, and mechanical properties of two types of coated papers: Magno Satin (MS) and Art Carton (AC). The evaluation includes grammage, thickness, bulk, brightness, opacity, Cobb60 value, oil penetration, tensile properties, tearing strength, and printability using offset ink. Printability tests measured optical density, CIE Lab* values, hue error, and grayness with varying ink film thicknesses from 0.8 to 9.6 microns. The results indicate that MS offers higher brightness and optical density, making it ideal for vibrant, high-quality printing. MS also demonstrated lower Cobb₆₀ value compared to AC, indicating superior water resistance. Additionally, MS exhibited higher tensile strength and stiffness, suitable for applications requiring rigidity, such as brochures. Oil penetration values for both papers were comparable, ensuring effective ink transfer. In contrast, AC showed greater tear strength, tensile energy absorption, and elongation, making it more suitable for packaging due to its robustness and flexibility. The optimal ink film thickness for both papers was around 8.0 microns, beyond which optical density improvements were minimal, and print quality declined due to over-inking. Overall, MS excels in applications requiring superior color vibrancy, detail, and water resistance, while AC is ideal for packaging with its durability and flexibility. Selecting the appropriate paper type based on specific printing requirements ensures optimal print quality and material efficiency.