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The Ingredients In Ink

By Keren Kipfer


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 next component in inks is the binder, which also is known as the vehicle. This binder is what helps the ink adhere to the surface on which it is being placed. The binder also helps the ink flow from the press or cartridge onto the surface on which you are printing. Typically, different types of resins are used to make these binders, and each is carefully formulated. Many resins are oil based.

Additives are another component of ink, and while this is all grouped into one single category, there are many different additives used in inks. For example, manganese and cobalt are commonly added as drying agents, and these substances improve the oxidation of ink. Waxes are added to prevent marring. Other substances are adding to improve ink flow and the lubrication. These days soy-based additives often are used because of environmental concerns, but petroleum oils also are still used, as well as other oils.

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.




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