Introduction
Your printer ink can make or break your print job! Good ink means quality printing with vivid photos and crisp documents. Every type of ink, whether White ink or DFT ink, is designed for different printing needs. So, each type of ink has its results regarding color accuracy, durability, and printing speed.
Knowing the key differences between ink types can get you through if you want optimal results. With a sea of options after you, you must be backed up with some essential knowledge to make a good choice.
Different Types Of Ink
Ink is basically a liquid or gel containing dyes and pigments. In printers, the ink used is designed to transfer text or images onto paper or other materials. Here, we have categorized different types of inks based on chemical composition and application method:
By Chemical Composition
- Water-based Inks: The Primary solvent for these inks is water. They dry fast and are quite eco-friendly, and they are used in inkjet printers and paper products.
- Solvent-based inks use solvent as their base component, which is typically acetone or alcohol and are known for their durability and water resistance properties. They are excellent for printing onto porous surfaces such as plastics and vinyl due to their solvent-based nature.
- UV-curable inks are hardened by ultraviolet (UV ) light. Work well for printing colors onto plastic and glass surfaces.
- Oil-based Inks are Known for their rich colors and quality. They are used predominantly in offset printing. They dry faster and are good for high-end printing jobs.
By Application Method
- Film Printing uses DTF (direct-to-film) Inks to transfer a design from a special film to fabrics. These inks are very cunty, and there is a wide application in the textile industry.
- Dye sublimation printing is based on the prints where the applied Sublimation Inks turn into gas when heated and is then transferred to the Polyester-coated fabric or other surfaces. Such items are often used to decorate garments, or they could be used to decorate such items as mugs or promotional products.
- Screen printing inks are used on surfaces such as textiles or promotional products with the assistance of a screen. They are known to resist scratching and fading, making them very accurate color matching.
- Digital Printing Inks are designed to meet rapid printing system drying times. They are used mostly in inkjet, as well as laser, printers on various kinds of paper and media.
- Offset Printing Inks- the most common types of inks used in those printed techniques, with the transfer of ink from a plate to a rubber blanket and finally to paper. It prints very well, and the prints are always the same, so it is really very suitable for mass printing.
UV ink vs. DTF ink vs. Thermal sublimation ink
Since you already know what each ink type is, now is the time to discover just how they differ. Direct-to-film (DTF), Ultraviolet (UV) ink, and thermal sublimation ink are each specialized for different uses and benefits.
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Process Characteristics
DTF ink prints the design onto a special transfer film, which is then applied to fabrics or other materials using heat and pressure. This process is versatile and ideal for custom apparel, offering vibrant, durable prints.
UV ink is cured instantly under ultraviolet light and is therefore suitable for printing on nonporous materials, such as plastic, metal and glass. The prints cure quickly and are high-quality and durable, with no dry time.
Thermal sublimation ink is heated, and ink turns to gas and bonds with polyester fabrics or coated materials. It’s great for custom apparel and promotional items like mugs and banners because it produces vibrant, long-lasting prints.
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Print Media
DTF ink is versatile. It can be applied to materials such as fabrics, ceramics, and metals when used with the appropriate transfer film. This flexibility makes it an ideal choice for orders in sectors like textiles and fashion.
UV ink is incredibly adaptable because it can be used on a range of surfaces. From plastic and metal to wood and glass. This versatility makes it a top pick for producing items, like signs and packaging, that need to stand the test of time with notch printing quality.
Unlike most inks, thermal sublimation ink uses heat. It turns the ink into a gas, which then bonds to polyester fabrics or coated materials. The ink itself is vibrant and long-lasting, making it well suited as a custom apparel ink and for promotions like mugs and banners.
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Heat Transfer Temperature
The DTF ink transfers the design onto the material by a heat transfer. It uses temperatures of 160°C to 180°C (320°F to 355°F) for 15 seconds. This range is moderately warm compared to sublimation. They play an important role in ensuring that the print adheres effectively to the fabric or surface.
UV ink doesn’t dry with heat. It hardens fast when hit by UV light. The other methods are slower, less energy efficient, and can damage delicate materials. They use heat.
Thermal sublimation ink needs 180°C to 200°C (356°F to 392°F) for durable prints on polyester. It securely binds with the polyester fabric for vibrant and enduring results.
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Cost and Efficiency
DTF printing is cost-effective for small to medium print runs, with low material costs and quick turnaround times.
Due to specialized equipment, UV printing can be more expensive initially, but it is highly efficient for large-volume production.
Thermal sublimation ink is affordable but requires a higher investment in equipment. It efficiently produces high-quality, durable prints, especially on fabric and promotional items.
About White Ink
White ink is a kind of ink that is specifically used to print such things as white text or designs on dark, colored or transparent materials. It is opaque – a feature that differentiates it from regular inks – so white prints will be visible on surfaces where other inks won’t.
White ink is commonly used in UV, screen, and digital printing. It helps create vibrant prints on dark fabrics, acrylic, glass, and vinyl.
White ink is also important for under-base printing in apparel. It provides a solid background for other colors, ensuring bright and vivid designs on dark fabrics or surfaces.
Ink Maintenance And Operation Precautions
- Daily Printer Use: Keep the printer on every day to prevent clogs. Use RIP software to clean the printhead before printing.
- Post-Operation Cleaning: Clean any visible ink or liquid residue from the printer after daily use.
- Monitor Ink Levels: Regularly check and refill ink and cooling water based on your print jobs.
- Protect the Printhead: Ensure ink and other liquids do not reach the printhead cables to avoid damage or burnouts. It will ruin print quality & cause damage to the printhead permanently, requiring expensive repair or replacement.
- Keep Nozzles Clean: Regularly clean the nozzles to avoid ink residue buildup and ensure smooth operation. This will help prevent clogs that can derail the entire print process, produce poor image quality, and cause system failures during long print runs.
- Maintain Internal Components: Clean the waste ink pump. Wipe the grating strips with a dust-free, alcohol-free cloth. Lubricate the ink car’s guide rails.
Which Ink Is Easy To Clog The Nozzle?
Expired ink, low-quality ink, and mixing different ink types can all lead to nozzle clogs. Low-quality or old ink may thicken or contain particles that block the printhead. Additionally, using incompatible inks together can cause chemical reactions that disrupt printing and cause clogs.
How To Choose The Right Ink?
When choosing the right ink, keep these factors in mind:
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Application Scenario
Pick the ink according to the printing application. DTF inks are ideal for transferring designs to fabric. Sublimation inks work best on polyester-coated surfaces. Textiles and promo materials are good for screen printing inks. Inkjet and laser printers are great for digital printing inks.
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Production Scale
For high-volume printing, use solvent-based or offset printing inks for durability and consistency. Water-based or UV-curable inks are better for small projects and for vibrant, eco-friendly prints.
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Cost Budget
Rich colors and high-quality prints but more expensive than water-based inks. Water-based or digital printing inks are a good quality, less expensive option.
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Technical Requirements
Match your printer and surface with the ink. UV inks are good for plastic and glass, while solvent-based inks are good for vinyl. Offset printing inks are best for high-quality prints, especially large runs.
Why use LINKO ink?
LINKO DTF Ink is the first DTF system solution supplier known for its high-quality and vibrant colors. This premium ink uses Epson-based materials for garments, accessories, and other materials that prevent clogging and provide smooth performance.
LINKO’s DTF pigment ink has received an “ECO PASSPORT” certification from the Swiss OEKO-TEX International Association. LINKO DTF ink is smooth and has a long shelf lif,e and is compatible with all DTF printers on the market. We offer a wide range of ink options, so find one that precisely fits your needs. If you’re in search of high-quality DTF ink, Contact us today!
