Solvent Inks
Solvent inks are a type of printer ink used in commercial inkjet printers, and they are distinct from the water-based inks commonly used in office and personal inkjet printers. These inks are composed of pigments for color, resin to adhere the color to surfaces, and a carrier fluid to keep the pigments and resin in a liquid state until applied by the printer. The carrier fluid, which determines the type of solvent ink, evaporates during the drying process.
What are the types of Solvent Inks?
There are two main types of solvent inks:
Eco-solvent ink: This type produces fewer fumes during drying, making special ventilation less necessary. However, printers using eco-solvent ink typically require heaters for proper drying, which might limit its use on heat-sensitive surfaces.
Hard solvent ink: This type is considered more durable for outdoor use. While it produces more fumes during drying, it doesn’t require heaters. Hard solvent ink is suitable for various surfaces, including those sensitive to heat.
Advantages of Solvent Inks
Solvent inks, particularly hard solvent ink, offer advantages for outdoor applications due to their durability and ability to adhere well to materials like vinyl and plastics. Their non-polar nature allows them to bond effectively with non-absorbent surfaces. In contrast, water-based inks, although suitable for some outdoor uses, generally require special coatings to adhere to surfaces like vinyl and plastics and are considered less durable than solvent inks