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Choosing the suitable industrial printer ink for your thermal inkjet printer is crucial. However, the diverse range of available inks on the market can make this decision challenging, especially if you are unsure how to compare different industrial ink types and determine which option best supports your printing applications. To optimize print quality, manufacturers must also consider factors such as drying method, adhesion strength, and compatibility with high-speed industrial printers. These elements significantly affect production efficiency and long-term durability.
In addition to the substrate, other factors such as operating environment (temperature, humidity), print speed, and regulatory requirements should also influence your ink selection. Evaluating these conditions ensures that the chosen ink performs consistently, reduces print defects, and minimizes downtime especially in industries with strict traceability requirements such as food, beverage, and pharmaceuticals.
The selection may depend on the substrate material or your printing needs, but understanding the strengths and limitations of each industrial ink type will help you make a more informed and cost-efficient decision. To help you navigate through the options and make an informed choice, let’s explore seven types of inks and understand their unique characteristics for industrial printers.
7 Types Of Industrial Printer Inks
It is important to note that the choice of ink plays a pivotal role in determining the printed materials’ quality, durability, and applicability. Industrial printer inks are engineered to meet different performance needs from fast-drying solutions for non-porous substrates to eco-friendly formulas for sustainable packaging. Understanding these variations helps businesses align output quality with operational demands. Here are the most common types of inks for industrial printers and the details:
Solid Ink
Solid ink stands out as a versatile choice for both porous and non-porous substrates. These wax-like inks solidify when cooled and melt at higher temperatures.
Their low volatile organic compound (VOC) levels make them environmentally friendly and safe for human health.
Commonly found in flexographic, offset, and digital printing, solid inks consistently produce vibrant and durable images with a prolonged lifespan.
UV Ink
UV ink is created from a comprehensive blend of oligomers, monomers, and pigments. That’s why it offers remarkable versatility.
When exposed to ultraviolet light, a photochemical reaction occurs, resulting in a solid film on the substrate.
Known for sharp and bright images, UV inks also exhibit resistance to heat, chemicals, and water. Their applicability extends to various materials, including heat-sensitive ones. Because of their instant curing capability, UV inks are highly favored in production lines that require rapid turnaround without compromising clarity or adhesion. This makes them ideal for coding on packaging materials used in cosmetics, electronics, and personal care products.
Oil-Based Ink
The next commonly used industrial printer ink is oil-based ink, containing solvents derived from mineral or vegetable oil.
It excels in printing on non-porous materials like glass, plastic, metal, and glossy paper. Moreover, these inks produce durable and vibrant images resistant to sunlight and water.
However, caution is advised due to their high VOC content, which can potentially impact human health and the environment. Despite the VOC considerations, oil-based inks remain essential in applications where long-term legibility and resistance to harsh environments are critical, such as industrial components, automotive parts, and chemical containers.
Solvent-based Ink
As the name suggests, solvent-based inks comprise a thorough combination of solvent, resin, and pigments, suitable for applications in quick-drying scenarios.
Ideal for non-porous materials such as metal, glass, and plastic, these inks create enduring images through evaporation.
However, users should be mindful of the high VOC levels in solvent-based inks, necessitating careful handling.
Water-based Ink
If you want an eco-friendly option suitable for porous materials like paper, cardboard, and fabrics, a water-based industrial printer ink is the answer.
It incorporates a solvent, binder, and pigments, and drying through absorption and penetration. That’s why these inks produce softer and clearer images without releasing harmful VOCs.
Their quality makes them an excellent choice for various applications, including printing on recycled materials. As sustainability becomes a priority across industries, water-based inks continue to gain traction for companies seeking eco-conscious solutions without sacrificing print readability or consistency.
Dye-based Ink
Dye-based inks, whether solvent or water-based, consist of tiny particles that dissolve in water. These types excel in providing bright and vibrant colors.
Furthermore, dye inks have minimal impact on nozzles and print heads due to their molecular-level dissolution in water.
However, while offering longevity and water resistance, they may have less color depth and come at a higher cost.
Pigment-based Ink
Compared to dye-based inks, pigment-based variants are more resistant to light and moisture, making them suitable for long-term outdoor use. These inks, whether solvent or water-based, feature larger color particles that do not dissolve in water. By creating a durable layer on the substrate, these inks ensure high durability and weatherability.
It actually contributes to long-lasting prints. However, a pigment-based ink may have less immediate color vibrancy compared to dye-based inks.
Tips On Choosing Industrial Printer Inks
Selecting the wrong ink could lead to smudging, fading, or even printhead clogging all of which can slow down production and increase costs. Selecting the right formulation also ensures compatibility with the printhead technology of your thermal inkjet (TIJ), continuous inkjet (CIJ), or high-resolution case coding printers, preventing clogging and extending equipment lifespan. That’s why understanding the application is critical.
So, it is clear that the type of ink for industrial printers is diverse, offering options tailored to specific printing needs. Understanding the characteristics of each ink type is crucial for businesses aiming to achieve optimal results in their printing applications.
Now, here are three tips to guide you in selecting the most suitable inks for different applications:
Inks In Labels
When it comes to printing labels, the choice of ink plays a vital role in conveying information effectively.
For labels made of cardboard or paper, environmentally friendly water-based inks are an excellent choice. These inks, composed of a solvent, a binder, and pigments, dry through absorption and penetration, producing softer and clearer images.
Additionally, water-based inks are suitable for porous materials like plastic, providing versatility in label printing.
On the other hand, for labels requiring high resistance to adverse weather conditions, UV-cured inks are ideal. UV inks create sharp and bright images that can withstand heat, chemicals, and water. Industries that require regulatory compliance such as food labeling, nutritional information, and pharmaceutical packaging also benefit from inks designed to resist smudging and maintain readability throughout distribution.
Inks In Rigid Packaging
In terms of rigid packaging, such as metal cans, corrugated boxes, paperboard containers, and sturdy plastic containers, the choice of industrial inks is tailored to specific needs. Here are the examples:
Paperboard Containers
Inks for paperboard containers must exhibit good adhesion and be suitable for direct food contact, given their prevalent use in the food and beverage industry.
Corrugated Boxes
For corrugated boxes, the inks must be water-resistant and able to endure rough handling, ensuring the durability of the packaging and shipping processes.
Rigid Plastic Containers
Industrial inks for sturdy plastic containers should offer excellent adhesion, preventing chipping and peeling while also adapting to the expansion and contraction of the container.
Metal Cans
Meanwhile, in the food and beverage industry, where metal cans are extensively used, inks must resist rust and endure extreme environmental conditions. Choosing the right ink for rigid packaging ensures that product information, batch codes, and expiration dates remain intact even under pressure, abrasion, or fluctuations in temperature during storage and transportation.
Inks In Flexible Packaging
Flexible packaging, commonly employed for food and beverages (FnB), and pharmaceutical products, requires careful consideration of the packaging material to determine the suitable ink, such as:
Plastic
For flexible packaging made of polyester, polyethylene, or polypropylene, solvent-based inks are recommended. UV inks are particularly effective for polyester, providing vivid prints.
Film
Films made of polyester, polyethylene, or polypropylene can benefit from solvent-based inks and water-based inks, depending on the specific material.
Solvent-based inks are suitable for polyester film. Meanwhile, water-based inks are ideal for polypropylene and polyethylene film.
Because flexible packaging often runs on high-speed form-fill-seal (FFS) machines, selecting inks with fast curing and strong adhesion is essential to prevent smearing and reduce production line interruptions.
Aluminium Foil
Solvent-based inks are commonly used for printing on aluminum foil, offering durability and long-lasting prints.
Applications and Standards of Industrial Printer Inks
Printer inks play a crucial role in various applications across different industries. Different methods are also used to apply industrial inks in various situations, including:
- Film drying or air setting
- Laser marking
- Multicomponent coating
- Thermoplastic or thermoset coating
- UV or radiation-cured
Furthermore, industrial inks must meet strict standards for adhesion, resistance, liquidity, and volatility. One of the standards is the A-A-208 standard, specifically for Ink, Marking, Stencil, and Opaque (Porous and Non-porous Surfaces).
Whether you’re printing on pharmaceutical blister packs or beverage bottle caps, choosing the right ink will improve print clarity, reduce downtime, and maintain brand consistency. Ink performance is just as important as printer hardware.
In conclusion, understanding the standards and characteristics of different industrial printer ink types is essential for making informed decisions based on your specific needs. For your reliable printing solutions, visit Markcom Global now!
Many industries also require inks that comply with international standards such as FDA, EuPIA, or ISO safety guidelines, particularly when printing on surfaces that may come into indirect contact with food or pharmaceuticals.
Read About: Best Industrial Printers that You Should Use
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