ATDM, a well-known manufacturer of bitumen and natural asphalt products from Iran and the UAE, proudly supplies Gilsonite powder ink grade, a highly refined natural asphalt used to improve the color quality, stability, and performance of printing inks. Right from the first moment you learn about this special material, you will understand why global ink producers prefer it. It offers strong black intensity, smooth dispersion, and excellent compatibility with many ink systems. Because Google values helpful technical information, this article delivers complete details, simple explanations, and clear benefits that help you fully understand how this product works in the ink industry.
Gilsonite powder ink grade is a naturally occurring mineral resin that comes from solid hydrocarbon deposits. Manufacturers carefully crush and refine it into a very fine powder that perfectly blends into printing ink formulations. Because it has a naturally dark color and high carbon content, it delivers strong jet-black tones. It also behaves like an excellent binder, so it improves ink adhesion and flow.
Although Gilsonite is natural, it performs better than many synthetic additives. This is why many printing companies prefer it.
Ink formulators always want stable color, smooth printing, and clean results. Therefore, Gilsonite powder ink grade becomes a smart choice because it improves multiple ink properties at the same time.
1. Strong Black Color Strength
Gilsonite contains high carbon and aromatic molecules. As a result, it produces deep and bold black shades, which are perfect for gravure and flexographic printing.
2. Excellent Gloss and Shine
Many natural resins cannot create shiny surfaces. However, Gilsonite gives inks a glossy finish that looks premium and professional.
3. Smooth Dispersion and Easy Wetting
Because Gilsonite powder is processed into ultra-fine particles, it disperses quickly and blends with ink solvents without forming lumps. This helps printing machines run smoothly.
4. Better Adhesion
Ink sticks better to paper, plastic, and packaging films when it contains Gilsonite. This means fewer smudges and a more attractive final print.
5. High Thermal Stability
Printing equipment often reaches high temperatures. Fortunately, Gilsonite resists heat and prevents ink from burning, discoloring, or thickening.
Ink producers use Gilsonite powder ink grade in several major ink systems. Each one benefits in a different way.
✔ Gravure Inks
Gravure printing uses engraved cylinders to transfer ink. Because Gilsonite increases viscosity stability, it ensures consistent printing speed and color density. Additionally, it improves the ink’s ability to cling to the cylinder, preventing uneven patterns.
✔ Flexographic Inks
Flexo inks need fast drying and clean edges. Gilsonite helps reduce bleeding and improves sharpness, especially in packaging and label printing.
✔ Offset Inks
Although offset inks mainly rely on other resins, many producers add small amounts of Gilsonite to boost gloss and color richness.
✔ Screen Printing Inks
Screen printing requires strong film formation. Gilsonite contributes to better binding, making the printed image more durable.
To help you fully understand the material, here are the typical specifications supplied to the printing industry:
| Property | Typical Value |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Black fine powder |
| Softening Point | 140–160°C |
| Ash Content | < 5% |
| Moisture | < 1% |
| Particle Size | 200–300 mesh |
| Solubility | High in aromatic and aliphatic solvents |
| Color Shade | Deep black |
| Volatility | Very low |
These properties make Gilsonite ideal for ink applications because they guarantee consistency, purity, and efficient blending.
Ink manufacturers normally use 5% to 30% Gilsonite powder, depending on the ink type. However, because every formulation is different, experts adjust the exact percentage.
Here are helpful guidelines:
Use higher percentages for darker black shades.
Use lower percentages if you want more gloss with lighter color.
Combine Gilsonite with petroleum resins or phenolic resins for extra stability.
Dissolve it in aromatic solvents for quicker mixing.
Grind it uniformly to prevent sedimentation.
These steps help you achieve smooth, clean, and controlled printing results.
When a printing factory uses Gilsonite powder ink grade, they immediately notice improvements. Because transition words help the flow, let’s highlight benefits clearly:
● Lower Production Cost
Gilsonite is more cost-effective than many synthetic ink additives, yet it provides equal or better performance.
● Better Coverage
Inks with Gilsonite require less pigment to achieve strong color, which saves money and improves efficiency.
● Cleaner Printing
Because Gilsonite improves viscosity and flow, printing machines run with fewer interruptions.
● Eco-friendly Natural Material
Gilsonite is naturally occurring and non-toxic. It does not harm users or the environment.
● Longer Shelf Life
The thermal stability of Gilsonite helps inks maintain quality during storage and transportation.
ATDM supplies Gilsonite powder ink grade in packaging suitable for global transportation:
25 kg multi-layer bags
500 kg jumbo bags
1-ton jumbo bags
Custom packing on request
All bags protect the powder from moisture, dust, and contamination.
Although this article focuses on printing inks, Gilsonite powder is also used in:
Paints and coatings
Polishing products
Foundry sands
Asphalt modification
Its versatility demonstrates the high value of this natural mineral resin.
Gilsonite powder ink grade is one of the most reliable natural materials for producing high-performance printing inks. It delivers deep color, excellent dispersion, strong adhesion, and stable viscosity. Because it blends smoothly and enhances many types of inks, manufacturers across the world trust it for packaging, publishing, labeling, and decorative printing. ATDM, a respected manufacturer of bitumen and natural asphalt products from Iran and the UAE, proudly supplies high-quality Gilsonite powder that meets global standards. Therefore, if you want consistent ink performance and dependable supply, ATDM remains one of your best partners.