BLUE OCEAN INKS
FAQ
Who are these formulations for?
Our formulations are for professional ink formulators, R&D teams, and technical entrepreneurs who already understand ink chemistry basics and want production-ready formulations. Ideal for startups and small manufacturers who are still building their R&D team.
How do I know if your formulas will work for me?
Every formula we offer has been designed and printed in real industrial settings. They’re formulated to meet the demands of the real world. These are working systems, not classroom examples.
What printing processes do you develop formulations for?
Our formulations generally cover four core categories:
Inkjet Inks – UV, aqueous, solvent, and hybrid systems
Gravure Inks – solvent and water-based types
Flexographic Inks – UV, solvent, and water-based systems
Screen Inks - UV, Solvent and water-based systems
Other specialty ink formulations are available upon request.
Are the raw materials easy to find?
Yes. Every formulation lists commercial trade names for all raw materials and links to recognized global suppliers, making sourcing straightforward.
I'm just getting started and don't know much about making inks. Can you help me?
Yes. We can advise at each stage of setting up an ink factory, including acquiring ink formulations, finding the right equipment, manufacturing techniques, laboratory testing and quality control procedures. Think of us as your partners and advisors.
I need some help with an existing ink formulation. Is this something you can help me with?
Yes. We frequently provide our expertise to help our clients modify or improve their existing formulations. Everything we do for you remains confidential and is covered by an NDA and our code of conduct.
Do you provide samples for testing?
If needed we offer small trial batches for qualification before full-scale production
Do you offer toll manufacturing or private labeling?
Yes — Blue Ocean Inks offers both toll production and private-label solutions for companies seeking North American manufacturing access.
Do you provide technical support?
Yes — our chemists and technicians are available to assist with press trials, troubleshooting, and product optimization.
What kinds of Projects have you worked on before?
Some of our past projects include the following:
Conventional Inks
· Bio-based ink formulations
· Developing solvent & water based ink systems for gravure and flexography.
· Creating Specialty expandable inks for tactile effects.
· Water based packaging ink for surface printing and lamination.
· U.V /E.B curable inks for screen printing and flexography.
· U.V./Water hybrid inks.
· Specialty Metallic inks.
· Gel Pen, Marker, and Fluorescent pen inks.
· Conductive inks for PCBs, Membrane switches, Z-Axis, (PTF and Nano-technology).
· Developing functional coatings/fugitive security inks.
· Formulating water-based Inhibitor inks for expandable foam flooring.
· Digital Inks and toners (solvent, water and UV curable).
Digital Inks
· Dye sublimation inks for Mutoh and Mimaki.
· Water based (LATEX) inks for the HP 330 and 360 Printers and Mimaki's JV400LX series.
· Water based direct to garment inks, including Reactive inks for cotton, viscose, silk and blends.
· Acid inks for polyamide, silk and wool.
· ECO-SOLVENT for Roland, Mutoh and Mimaki printers.
· UV inks for HP SCITEX FB500 and FB700 Printers, Mimaki's UJF-6042, UJF500-160, Durst's Rho P10 200/250.
· Aqueous Packaging inks for SAMBA, RICOH and XAAR 5601 print heads.
· UV LED for the Mimaki JFX200-2513 and JFX500-213.
· UV inks for EFI R3225 UV roll/roll printer and the VUTEk GS3250LX LED/UV.
· Development of UV inks for Roland VersaUV LEC Series Printer.
