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This paper aims to analyse the tack stability measurement readings of thermochromic offset inks. For this purpose, three reversible leuco-dye formed thermochromic inks were used to evaluate their tack. The used inks differ in their activation temperature, colour, drying mechanism, viscosity and chemical content. Thermochromic offset inks differ from conventional inks in formulation and size of colourants due to the presence of the microcapsules.

Printing inks in offset lithography must have sufficient tack so they can be transported from a reservoir onto the substrate. The ink transfer takes place through the ink splitting by inking rollers, printing plate and blanket transport. An IGT Tackoscope device was used to produce the dynamic readings of ink tack as a function of distribution and splitting time. The data can be used for prediction of the ink press stability under controlled settings, such as temperature.

This research explains the temperature and velocity influence on the tack stability measurement readings of thermochromic inks. It also gives an insight of the chemical compounds that dictate the tack measuring reading results.

Development of new printing inks, such as thermochromic printing inks, may affect the printing of different products. The research was conducted due to a lack of available data for the tack of thermochromic inks.