Pigment-Based Ink

October 5, 2023

Pigment-based ink is an alternative type of ink used in some desktop inkjet printers. It contains microscopic solid pigment particles suspended in a liquid carrier. Pigment-based inks offer distinct advantages, such as increased durability and resistance to fading, making them suitable for documents and prints intended for archival purposes.

Key characteristics of pigment-based ink:

Fade Resistance: Pigment-based inks are more resistant to fading, water, and UV light exposure compared to dye-based inks. This makes them ideal for producing long-lasting prints that retain their colours over time.

Water Resistance: Pigment-based inks are water-resistant and less likely to smudge when exposed to moisture, making them suitable for printing on a wider range of media, including glossy photo paper.

Surface Bonding: Pigment particles sit on the surface of the paper rather than being absorbed into the fibres, resulting in prints with enhanced sharpness and clarity.

Longer Drying Time: Pigment-based inks generally have a longer drying time compared to dye-based inks, which can lead to slower print output, especially on glossy or coated papers.

Colour Saturation: While pigment-based inks offer excellent colour stability, they may have slightly less vibrant colour saturation compared to dye-based inks.

The choice between dye-based and pigment-based ink depends on the specific printing requirements. For photo printing and vibrant graphics, dye-based ink may be preferred. On the other hand, for documents, text, and prints requiring higher durability and resistance to fading, pigment-based ink is a better option. Many modern inkjet printers allow users to choose the ink type based on their printing needs, giving them more flexibility and control over print quality and longevity.

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