Introduction
Water-based thermochromic ink (heat-sensitive ink, temperature-indicating ink) is a specialty functional ink whose color changes reversibly or irreversibly with temperature. As temperature rises or falls, the ink can develop, disappear or change color — intuitive and easy to use in anti-counterfeiting, warning, packaging, toys and cultural products.
Features
- Triggered by hand warmth, hot water or body heat — no equipment needed
- Obvious color change instantly recognized by consumers
- Trigger levels: low 5/18°C, ambient 28/31/37/40°C, high 65/70/80°C+
- Reversible or irreversible options
- Water-based eco formula, RoHS/REACH compliant
Processes
Compatible with screen, gravure, flexo and pad printing.
Applications
- Temperature-sensitive beverage labels & novelty packaging
- Tamper-evident seals and medicine temperature indicators
- Cultural products, toys and promotional items
Customization & Printed Proofs
Color, trigger temperature and reversibility are all customizable. Free printed proofs. Tel: 13510998453.
Frequently Asked Questions
Selection, detection, printing and ordering — answered.
Can the color-change temperature be customized?
Yes. Common trigger temperatures are 28°C, 31°C and 45°C, and any point within 5–80°C can be customized: a hand-warmth version that reacts to a palm (about 32°C), or high/low-temperature versions that change only with hot water or freezing.
Is the color change reversible or irreversible?
Both are available. Reversible types return to the original color as the temperature falls or rises, allowing repeated color changes for interactive security; irreversible types change permanently once the trigger temperature is reached, suiting one-time security and cold-chain temperature records.
Is this thermochromic ink water-based? How about environmental compliance?
This product is water-based with low VOC and low odor, meeting RoHS, REACH and EN71.3 requirements — suitable for packaging, stationery and toys where environmental and odor sensitivity matters.
Which printing processes and substrates does it suit?
Mainly water-based screen printing, on paper, card, plastic and fabric. We recommend a proof first to confirm base-color opacity and color-change contrast, adding a white base or barrier layer if stronger contrast is needed.
What are typical applications?
Temperature-indicator labels for frozen food and beverages, tamper-evident caps and seals, interactive patterns on children stationery and toys, hand-warmth promo cards, and cold-chain temperature indication. Free printed proofs are available.
