What is Temperature Sensitive Ink?
Temperature sensitive ink, also known as thermochromic ink, is a specialized printing material that changes color in response to temperature fluctuations. This dynamic technology creates interactive experiences and provides functional benefits across various industries.
These inks contain microcapsules with heat-sensitive pigments that become transparent or change color at specific temperature thresholds, creating reversible or irreversible visual transformations.
How It Works
Thermochromic inks utilize leuco dyes or liquid crystals that alter their molecular structure when exposed to temperature changes. When the temperature reaches the activation point, the ink's color shifts, disappears, or transforms completely.
Key Applications
Used on documents, tickets, and products to verify authenticity through temperature response.
Activation: 28-35°CCreates interactive marketing materials like mugs, packaging, and labels that respond to touch.
Activation: 30-40°CUsed on food packaging, medical supplies, and industrial products to monitor temperature exposure.
Custom ranges availableIntegrated into clothing and accessories that change color with body temperature or environmental conditions.
Activation: 30-38°CTypes of Temperature Sensitive Inks
Reversible Thermochromic Ink
Returns to original color when temperature normalizes. Ideal for promotional items and interactive applications.
Irreversible Thermochromic Ink
Permanent color change after reaching activation temperature. Used for safety indicators and quality control.
Temperature Range Options
Available in various activation temperatures from -15°C to 70°C, with color options including colorless to colored, colored to colorless, or color-to-color transitions.
Experience advanced temperature sensitive ink technology with our Ceres thermochromic series. Available in multiple activation temperatures and color options for diverse applications.
Our inks offer excellent printability, durability, and consistent performance across various substrates including paper, plastic, glass, and textiles.
Printing Considerations
Temperature sensitive inks can be applied using screen printing, offset, flexographic, and gravure methods. Special attention is needed for drying temperatures to avoid premature activation during the printing process.
Proper substrate preparation and compatible topcoats can enhance durability and protect the thermochromic properties from UV degradation and chemical exposure.
Since 2004, Printarea has specialized in advanced printing ink R&D and production. Our Ceres series includes innovative temperature sensitive inks for security, packaging, and promotional applications.
With over 160 countries served and upcoming Thailand production facility (2026), we provide cutting-edge printing solutions worldwide. We led China's "all-vegetable oil ink" industry standard development in 2024.
Committed to "Printarea products are always premium," we deliver reliable, high-performance inks for diverse industrial applications.