The main types of ink for inkjet printers

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Ink for an inkjet printer differs in chemical composition. The type of dye is selected depending on the equipment and the task at hand. If an inappropriate one is used ink for an inkjet printer, this will affect the quality of the print.

Types of ink

There are 5 main types. They are used for printing photos and documents. Designed for professional and everyday use.

Water-soluble

Solid particles are completely absent in these dyes. They are inexpensive and allow to achieve good color rendering. But they are vulnerable to ultraviolet light and water.

Water-soluble ink is recommended for printing on photo paper or special paper intended for inkjet printers. The latter has a coating that fixes drops when applied. This prevents them from penetrating inside the carrier and spreading.

Suitable for printing photos and documents. Provided that suitable media are used.

Pigment

Opaque ink of bright poisonous color. The dye consists of small solid particles less than 0.1 μm in size. For comparison, the size of the nozzle of the printing head of the printer is from 15 to 50 μm.



In the process of printing, the pigment is applied to the surface of the paper. As a result of a chemical reaction, i.e. contact with air, the dye turns into an insoluble state. The resulting print has high resistance to moisture.

Ultrachromic

Ink on a pigment basis. Produced specifically for wide-format printers. Unlike simple pigment dyes, they are available in a larger number of colors.



Designed for professional use. Shades that are resistant to ultraviolet radiation and moisture transmit well.

Sublimation

They are used for printing on dishes, clothes and other objects. The dye turns into gas, which applies the image to special paper or thermal film. Then a thermopress transfers the image to a solid surface.

The print is resistant to any impact. The picture is bright and realistic. To use the ink, equipment supporting the corresponding printing technology is required.

Solvent

The basis of these dyes are solvents. They are made for wide-format printers. They are used in the field of advertising and interior printing. The last, fourth generation of solvent inks is made from organic raw materials. Its composition does not include solvents hazardous to health.

Ink compatibility

Manufacturers recommend using original dyes. For example, if printing is done on a Canon printer, then ink is also needed from this company. These dyes are manufactured taking into account the technical features of the equipment and undergo testing.

You can buy pigment ink on this site. The product has been tested for compatibility with the equipment.

Using ink that has not passed the tests increases the risk of equipment damage. If this happens, the manufacturer has the right to refuse free warranty service, since the user did not observe safety precautions.