Those in the equipment consumer goods packaging industry know inkjet printing is essential for labeling products. But choosing the right kind of ink for industrial-grade machines can be challenging given the variety now available on the market. To help you make an informed decision and get the best results, let’s look at some different types of ink used in industrial thermal inkjet printers. We’ll also explain how they can benefit your business needs.
Solvent Inks
Solvent inks are a great choice for printing on difficult substrates, such as fabrics, plastics, and metals. These substrates often require inks with a higher level of adhesion than conventional water-based inks can provide. Solvent inks can penetrate into the substrate more deeply, so they hold better and last longer. The ink molecules are small enough to stick to the substrate, which is especially important when printing on fabrics and other porous materials. However, one downside of solvent inks is that they are flammable due to the presence of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
UV-Curable Inks
UV-curable inks are popular for decorating glass products because they provide a higher level of adhesion than solvent inks. The ink molecules cure quickly and strongly when you expose them to UV light, creating a durable bond that can resist fading from sunlight and other environmental conditions. These inks offer superior colorfastness and are also scratch-resistant, making them an excellent choice for glass bottles, windows, and other products that will be exposed to wear and tear.
Water-Based Inks
Water-based inks are a great choice for printing on porous substrates such as paper and cardboard. These inks have the advantage of being environmentally friendly since they contain fewer hazardous solvents than solvent inks. The ink molecules are also larger so that they don’t penetrate the substrate as deeply, making them less likely to crack or peel off. Additionally, water-based inks are a great choice for printing on recycled materials because they don’t contain any heavy metals that could leach into the substrate and create additional environmental issues. Water-based inks also have a wide range of colors, producing high image resolution with minimal fading over time.
Pigment-Based Inks
Pigment-based inks can be solvent or water based. They are made up of large particles of color that don’t dissolve in water. They’re like little pebbles that don’t dissolve in water. When you use pigment-based ink to write or print on paper, the color particles sit on top of the paper fibers and form a layer. This creates a more durable and long-lasting color. Because of the larger pigment particles, pigment ink prints have high durability and weatherability.
Dye-Based Color Inks
Dye-based inks can also be solvent or water based. They are made up of tiny particles of color that dissolve in water. They’re like sugar crystals that dissolve in water to make sweet water. When you use dye-based ink to write or print on paper, the color dissolves into the paper fibers and spreads out, creating a bright and vibrant color. In dye ink, particles dissolve in water at a molecular level, so they have less effect on nozzles and print heads. Dye inks also last longer and are more water-resistant than pigment-based inks but have less color depth and are more expensive.
These five types of ink used in industrial thermal inkjet printers offer different benefits. You should consider the needs of your printing application carefully when choosing between them if you want optimal results. With the right type of ink in hand, you can rest assured your industrial prints will be of excellent quality that meets all your requirements.
At Tourmaline Enterprises, we understand how important it is for businesses to have reliable printing solutions. That’s why we offer a wide range of thermal inkjet printers that can help you get the job done efficiently and effectively. Our printers use a variety of inks, including solvent-based inks and water-based inks, to suit your unique needs. We also provide ongoing support so you can be sure you’re getting the best results possible from your inkjet printers. Visit us today to learn more about our products and services and see how we can help you streamline your printing process.