PIGMENT YELLOW 12/ HP YELLOW 1455

What Is PY12 / HP YELLOW 1455

Pigment Yellow 12 (PY12) is a diarylide yellow organic pigment classified as a disazo pigment. It is characterized by its intense green-shade yellow hue, high tinctorial strength, and good transparency in printing ink systems. As a workhorse pigment in the graphic arts industry, PY12 offers a cost-effective balance of color intensity and application performance, making it a standard choice for high-volume printing processes where vibrant yellow shades are required.

Why Choose HP YELLOW 1455

This specific grade, HP YELLOW 1455, is engineered to deliver exceptional gloss in sheet-fed offset inks, where surface smoothness and reflection are critical for sharp image reproduction. Its high-strength formulation allows printers to achieve the required color density with lower pigment loading, reducing ink viscosity issues common in high-speed offset presses. In water-based inks, the pigment’s optimized particle size distribution ensures stable dispersion in aqueous systems, preventing settling or reagglomeration during storage. For flexographic and gravure water-based applications, this grade provides the high color saturation needed for packaging and publication printing without sacrificing flow properties. The balance of gloss elevation and strength retention makes HP YELLOW 1455 a reliable choice for formulators who need consistent color output across both solvent-free and solvent-based ink vehicles.

Key Features

• The pigment’s controlled crystallinity and particle surface treatment produce mirror-like gloss in offset varnishes, enhancing print appearance on coated substrates without requiring excessive wax additives.
• Its high tinctorial strength in water-based systems reduces the total pigment needed per kilogram of ink, enabling formulators to maintain cost efficiency while meeting color specifications.
• Excellent chemical resistance to common offset fountain solution additives prevents color shift or precipitation during extended press runs, ensuring batch-to-batch consistency.
• The product’s narrow particle size distribution improves rheology in water-based flexo inks, allowing higher printing speeds without splashing or misting at the anilox roller.
• Superior dispersibility in both alcohol-containing and alcohol-free water-based vehicles eliminates the need for aggressive grinding steps, preserving resin integrity and reducing production time.

What Is PY12 / HP YELLOW 1455

Pigment Yellow 12 (PY12) is a diarylide yellow organic pigment classified as a disazo pigment. It is characterized by its intense green-shade yellow hue, high tinctorial strength, and good transparency in printing ink systems. As a workhorse pigment in the graphic arts industry, PY12 offers a cost-effective balance of color intensity and application performance, making it a standard choice for high-volume printing processes where vibrant yellow shades are required.

Why Choose HP YELLOW 1455

This specific grade, HP YELLOW 1455, is engineered to deliver exceptional gloss in sheet-fed offset inks, where surface smoothness and reflection are critical for sharp image reproduction. Its high-strength formulation allows printers to achieve the required color density with lower pigment loading, reducing ink viscosity issues common in high-speed offset presses. In water-based inks, the pigment’s optimized particle size distribution ensures stable dispersion in aqueous systems, preventing settling or reagglomeration during storage. For flexographic and gravure water-based applications, this grade provides the high color saturation needed for packaging and publication printing without sacrificing flow properties. The balance of gloss elevation and strength retention makes HP YELLOW 1455 a reliable choice for formulators who need consistent color output across both solvent-free and solvent-based ink vehicles.

Key Features

• The pigment’s controlled crystallinity and particle surface treatment produce mirror-like gloss in offset varnishes, enhancing print appearance on coated substrates without requiring excessive wax additives.
• Its high tinctorial strength in water-based systems reduces the total pigment needed per kilogram of ink, enabling formulators to maintain cost efficiency while meeting color specifications.
• Excellent chemical resistance to common offset fountain solution additives prevents color shift or precipitation during extended press runs, ensuring batch-to-batch consistency.
• The product’s narrow particle size distribution improves rheology in water-based flexo inks, allowing higher printing speeds without splashing or misting at the anilox roller.
• Superior dispersibility in both alcohol-containing and alcohol-free water-based vehicles eliminates the need for aggressive grinding steps, preserving resin integrity and reducing production time.

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C.I.NO.: PY12

Advantage: Good gloss, High strength

Main Application Recommended: Offset inks, Water based inks

Product Description – PY12

HP YELLOW 1455 (PIGMENT YELLOW 12) is medium shade yellow pigments,it used for water based or offset inks are usually formulated at high pigment concentrations; most contain more than 15% pigment. These depend on good rheology,which determines the flow behavior of a material in a high-speed printing press.

Recommended Application：

Coatings: water based paints
plastics: PE, PP, PS, PVC, EVA
Printing inks: offset ink, water based ink

Technical Data:

• Light fastness: Light fastness rating is assessed on 1 to 8 Blue Wool scale where 1 = ‘Poor’ and 8 = ‘Excellent’.
• Heat Stability : Heat stability values given indicate the maximum temperature at which the pigment can be stoved for 10 min. on the full shade and in reductions without undergoing any significant change in shade.
• Oil absorption: The oil absorption is determined on the basis of EN ISO 787-5 and given in g linseed oil per 100 gm. pigment.
• Solvent bleeding: The bleeding in solvents is tested using the powder grades and the visual rating given on 1 to 5 Grey scale
  where 1 = ‘Heavy bleeding’ and 5 = ‘No bleeding”

Technical Note — The data and recommendations provided are based on HONOR Pigment’s internal testing and manufacturing experience. They are offered in good faith to assist customers in evaluating product suitability for their specific applications. As processing conditions, formulations, and end-use requirements vary widely, customers should conduct their own validation under actual use conditions. HONOR Pigment makes no warranties, express or implied, regarding the accuracy of this information or its fitness for any particular purpose. Nothing herein shall be construed as a license or recommendation to infringe any patent. HONOR Pigment’s standard terms and conditions of sale apply.oduct contains particles < 0.1 μm. Any user of this product is responsible for determining the suitability of Honor Pigments’s products for its particular application & to ensure that any proprietary rights & existing laws & legislation are observed.

Frequently Asked Questions About PIGMENT YELLOW 12

How does HP YELLOW 1455 (PY12) compare to PY13 or PY83 for offset ink cost and strength?

HP YELLOW 1455, based on PY12 chemistry, delivers a greener, slightly lower chroma shade compared to the redder, stronger PY13 or the more transparent, high-strength PY83. In offset inks, PY12 traditionally offers a better cost-per-kilogram but at a lower tinctorial strength, meaning you may need a higher loading to match the color intensity of PY13. However, HP YELLOW 1455 is specifically refined for high-contrast efficiency in sheet-fed offset, achieving excellent mileage per pound due to its fine particle dispersion. For budget-conscious runs where exact shade matching to a European yellow standard is not critical, PY12 provides reliable economics. The key takeaway for HP YELLOW 1455: it is the most cost-effective workhorse for non-critical yellow base printing, maximizing value in high-volume offset jobs.

Is HP YELLOW 1455 (PY12) chemically compatible with common water-based ink resin systems?

Yes, HP YELLOW 1455 exhibits excellent compatibility with acrylic and styrene-acrylic resin emulsions typically used in water-based inks. This PY12 grade undergoes a specific surface treatment that minimizes re-agglomeration in aqueous systems, preventing viscosity drift during storage. However, it is not recommended for highly alkaline or amine-rich letdown vehicles above pH 9.5, as excessive alkalinity can cause the pigment to bleed or shift color toward a dull brown. For flexographic or gravure water-based inks, this pigment works best in neutral to mildly alkaline formulations. The takeaway: HP YELLOW 1455 is fully compatible with standard water-based ink bases, but always verify your system’s pH and resin chemistry before bulk incorporation.

What performance differences can I expect when using PY12 in offset inks versus water-based inks?

In offset lithographic inks, HP YELLOW 1455 provides fast setting and good dot sharpness due to its lower oil absorption, which reduces emulsification with fountain solution. In water-based inks, the same pigment offers moderate transparency and fair lightfastness—sufficient for packaging applications not exposed to prolonged sunlight. The main performance gap is in heat stability: PY12 sublimates above 180°C, making it unsuitable for high-temperature drying ovens in water-based applications. Offset drying (oxidative or IR) poses no such risk. The takeaway for HP YELLOW 1455: it excels in offset pressroom efficiency but requires careful thermal management in water-based printing processes to avoid vapor loss or shade change.

What are the recommended storage conditions for HP YELLOW 1455 (PY12) to prevent strength loss or caking?

HP YELLOW 1455 powder should be stored in a cool, dry environment at temperatures below 30°C (86°F) with relative humidity under 60%. PY12 is prone to moisture absorption, which can lead to hard caking and poor dispersion strength in both offset and water-based inks. Avoid storing near heat sources or direct sunlight, as elevated temperatures accelerate crystal growth and reduce tinctorial strength over six months. For best results, keep containers sealed and use a FIFO system. The takeaway specific to HP YELLOW 1455: this pigment is hygroscopic; strict climate-controlled storage preserves its original strength and dispersion characteristics for both offset paste and water-based liquid inks.

Can HP YELLOW 1455 (PY12) be substituted directly into an existing offset ink formula without reformulation?

Generally, yes—if your current offset yellow is also a standard PY12, HP YELLOW 1455 is a drop-in replacement. However, if you are switching from a stronger pigment like PY13, expect a 10–15% reduction in color strength, requiring loading adjustments. In water-based inks, direct substitution without re-testing rheology is not recommended, as HP YELLOW 1455 may alter viscosity and shear thinning behavior due to its specific dispersant package. Always perform a 1-kg trial before full production. The takeaway for HP YELLOW 1455: it is engineered for smooth direct integration in offset systems; for water-based lines, plan for minor formulation tweaks to maintain print performance and color consistency.

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