Different Types of Inks: When and Where We Use Them

Before you shop for ink cartridges, you must learn about the different types available. Different types of cartridges are used to fit a specific printer or a specific family of printers. They may come in combined or single colors, depending on the device. The most important factor you need to consider is the compatibility of the cartridge with the machine. Keep in mind that replacement cartridges can cost as much as a whole new printer, so you need to make your purchase wisely.

Pigment Inks

A pigment is a dry powdery substance that has to be mixed with a liquid agent, like water. Epson was the first printer brand that used pigment ink, made up of tiny dry encapsulated particles instead of traditional dye-based inks, which were incredibly popular in inkjet printers. Pigment ink has high color sustainability and print life that prevents it from fading away. Other advantages of using pigment-based ink include:

• Color longevity, unlike other inks. Pigment-based inks are unlikely to fade over time and produce more detailed and vibrant results.
• Produces better results on fine paper
• The use of commercial printers that use pigment-based inks reduces the costs of printing in the long run

When and Where to Use

Pigment-based inks are better suited for printing on slicker surfaces, such as stickers and transparencies. However, pigment-based inks do not produce as brilliant results as dye-based inks and may cost you a lot, so if you want to print a high-quality image, you should opt for dye-based printers. Still, if you want to print an image or document that you want to last for a longer period of time, you should opt for pigment-based inks.

Dye Based Inks

When it comes to printing, dye-based inks tend to be much cheaper but produce high-quality results. The advantage of dye-based inks is color vibrancy. Colors are brighter because of the various optical compounds used to enhance the color of the dye. However, big brands, such as Epson, HR, and Brothers, have improved the fade resistance quality, offering high quality, longer-lasting results. Some advantages of using dye-based inks include:

• Cost-effective solution
• Fading can be an issue if your printed document is exposed to the sun

When and Where to Use

Dye-based inks are ideal for commercial use because they offer cost-effective printing. If you are still unable to decide on the kind of ink you should use, rest assured that your printer manufacturer has already made this important decision for you in most cases. Whatever you choose, make sure you head over to Wink Printer Solutions for the best Premium ink dyes.

Sublimation Inks

Before we jump into the specifics of what sublimation inks are, you must learn about the process of sublimation. Sublimation is when a substance changes from a solid to a gas without going through the liquid phase.

Sublimation inks are made up of solid color dye particles that are ground into powder form and then dispersed and suspended in a liquid carrier. Rest assured, these colored particles do not deform or melt in the liquid carrier. When it comes to using sublimation inks, you have to use paper designed for sublimation transfer. The paper should have an easy release surface so the individual color components of the dye particles can separate easily when they turn into gas.

When and Where to Use

Sublimation inks are ideal for printing on synthetic polyester-based substrates. This includes rigid polyester films, textiles, and lycra.

C2S

C2S means coating on two sides. This term refers to the coating applied to paper by the paper manufacturer. Both C1S and C2S yield different results. Head over to Wink Printer Solutions and invest in premium quality Elite C2S inks.

When and Where to Use

C2S inks are specifically designed for printing applications that require printing on both sides of the substrate.

Direct-to-Garment Inks

Direct-to-garment ink, also known as DTG, is used for printing on fabrics and garments with the help of specialized or modified inkjet technology. DTG inks are applied to the material directly and are absorbed by the fibers.

When and Where to Use

A digital printer’s performance depends on the use of DTG inks. The quality of inks determines the effects of ink flow. Purchase high-quality DGT inks. This will reduce the time needed for printer maintenance, printer results, and color fidelity.

Solvent Inks

Solvent ink is a relatively inexpensive option when it comes to inkjet printing. Solvent ink is a term used to describe any ink made with a water base. There are mainly three components of solvent ink:

• Carrier fluid
• Resin
• Pigment

When and Where to Use

Solvent ink’s greatest application is in printing products that are to be used outdoors. Solvent inks adhere to non-absorbent materials. Unlike water-based inks, solvent inks have the added advantage of being waterproof, scratch-resistant, and are genuinely fade-proof. All these properties enhance its usefulness in outdoor printing.