From the mail in our mailbox to the clothing that we wear to all of our food packages, ink is found everywhere. We use it for writing, printing and decorating, and thousands of businesses depend on ink for at least some part of their production. While this is all true, few people really know much about this all-important product. Here are some general facts about ink.
In general, while the actual formula might vary, ink contains three different components. The first component is the colorant. Colorants are either pigment inks or dye inks, depending on what you need. Each one has its advantages and disadvantages. Dyes are stronger than pigments and have a bigger color range and generally are less expensive than pigments. However, they are highly water soluble so if you drop a tiny speck of water on a piece of paper with dye ink, it can ruin the entire page. In addition, dye inks tend to fade more quickly.
Pigments are costlier and have fewer color options, but they do dry very quickly, are less water soluble and last longer. Pigment inks are often favored by those printing on a glossy surface and by photographers who work with black and white imagery. These days, dye inks dry faster and last longer than they did in the past, so they are used more frequently, especially when you want deep and rich colors.
The binder or vehicle is the second component of ink, and it servers several different functions. The binder provides viscosity which helps the ink flow onto the substrate, which is the object on which the ink is placed. This could be paper, fabric, plastic or some other surface. The binder, typically made from different kinds of resin, also helps get the ink to adhere to whatever you are printing on.
While there are many different additives placed in ink, all of these additives together are grouped as a third component of ink. They are added because the colorant and vehicles can do all the necessary work, and these additives are the components that improve the flow of the ink and the lubrication as well as improving the drying time of the ink. Waxes, either wet or dry, will keep inks from marring. Different types of oil also are added, including linseed oil, flax seed oil and soybean oil, as well as oils based from petroleum. To improve the oxidation and the drying times, substances such as manganese and also cobalt are added.
While you might think that all inks are in liquid form, some also are a dry powder or an ink paste. Many companies that use industrial coders mix the ink base with make-up fluids and then add it to their printers. For some printers, such as id coders, you can purchase lower cost inks and make-up from a product id company that creates generic versions of Altima ink, Domino ink, Imaje ink and other major brands. This is an excellent way to save money on ink, which can be a big expense.
In general, while the actual formula might vary, ink contains three different components. The first component is the colorant. Colorants are either pigment inks or dye inks, depending on what you need. Each one has its advantages and disadvantages. Dyes are stronger than pigments and have a bigger color range and generally are less expensive than pigments. However, they are highly water soluble so if you drop a tiny speck of water on a piece of paper with dye ink, it can ruin the entire page. In addition, dye inks tend to fade more quickly.
Pigments are costlier and have fewer color options, but they do dry very quickly, are less water soluble and last longer. Pigment inks are often favored by those printing on a glossy surface and by photographers who work with black and white imagery. These days, dye inks dry faster and last longer than they did in the past, so they are used more frequently, especially when you want deep and rich colors.
The binder or vehicle is the second component of ink, and it servers several different functions. The binder provides viscosity which helps the ink flow onto the substrate, which is the object on which the ink is placed. This could be paper, fabric, plastic or some other surface. The binder, typically made from different kinds of resin, also helps get the ink to adhere to whatever you are printing on.
While there are many different additives placed in ink, all of these additives together are grouped as a third component of ink. They are added because the colorant and vehicles can do all the necessary work, and these additives are the components that improve the flow of the ink and the lubrication as well as improving the drying time of the ink. Waxes, either wet or dry, will keep inks from marring. Different types of oil also are added, including linseed oil, flax seed oil and soybean oil, as well as oils based from petroleum. To improve the oxidation and the drying times, substances such as manganese and also cobalt are added.
While you might think that all inks are in liquid form, some also are a dry powder or an ink paste. Many companies that use industrial coders mix the ink base with make-up fluids and then add it to their printers. For some printers, such as id coders, you can purchase lower cost inks and make-up from a product id company that creates generic versions of Altima ink, Domino ink, Imaje ink and other major brands. This is an excellent way to save money on ink, which can be a big expense.
About the Author:
Keren Kipfer loves researching products for industrial manufacturers such as ink jet printers. For more information about VideoJet fluids for your printers or to find a CIJ inkjet printer, please visit the PrintJet site now.
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