What is Inkjet Printing?
Ink jet printing is a non-impact printing process whereby a liquid ink is squirted through very fine nozzles and the resultant ink droplets form an image directly on the substrate
Ink jet can be conveniently divided into two main technologies, continuous and drop-on-demand.
Continuous inkjet technology ejects drops continuously (Picture 2-A). These drops are then either directed to the substrate or to a collector for recirculation and reuse. Drop-on-demand technology ejects drops only when required (Picture 2-B).
Until a few years ago, the key advantages of dye-based inks was a wider color range and lower cost, while its disadvantages were that it was water soluble (a single drop of water could ruin a print) and that prints would fade faster. Pigmented inks, conversely, lasted longer and were more water-resistant, but had less color depth and were more expensive.
Today, however, there is little difference between current dye-based and pigmented inks, with the slight edge going to pigmented inks. Steady improvements in the inks’ formulas have addressed the shortcomings of both types, and current generation inks produced by name-brand manufacturers are generally claimed to be fade-resistant to last a lifetime when used with the recommended paper.
Generally, pigment inks are marketed towards pro users, while lower cost dye-based inks are marketed towards enthusiasts. Black and white photographers tend to prefer pigmented inks. However, a casual look at side-by-side prints will reveal only subtle differences that may only be appreciated by professional and serious amateur photographers. Even so, many pro printers are more than satisfied with dye-based prints.
Comparison - Dye vs. Pigment Ink
Some inkjet printers use dye based ink, some use pigment based ink and some has both as option, like the well-known HP DESK JET 1280 Printer (Dye Based INK) and LX500e. Using a label printer with both options you have the opportunity to choose between dye-based and pigment-based ink.
Which type of Ink Best for Print ?
Dye ink uses colour substances that are dissolved in a liquid while pigment ink uses small colour particles that are held in a suspension. The water soluble dye can be seen as sugar that dissolves in water and the pigments as sand mixed in water.
Dye based inks are able to provide a wider colour space for more vibrant and colourful prints, but will come off when getting in contact with water unless printed on special coated label material. The print is water-resistant as long as the label does not rub against any-thing disturbing.
Initial print quality between dye and pigment ink is virtually the same. Both the vibrancy and colour reproduction look very similar. It is hard to tell the difference between dye and pigment ink when comparing quality not looking side by side.
All inks, whether dye or pigment, will begin to fade over time. Dye ink, generally, is recommended for indoor use on products that will be consumed in less than a year. If exposed daily to direct sunlight or bright indoor lights, dye inks may start to fade quickly.
Pigment ink has a superior UV resistance and therefore is selected when many years of indoor use or up to two years of outdoor life is required with little fading.
The majority of inkjet printers used by photographers, designers, businesses, and homes use aqueous (water based) inks that are dye or pigment based. Dye-based inks use a colorant that is fully dissolved in a carrier liquid. With pigment ink, color comes from very fine solid particles that are suspended in the carrier fluid. A good analogy is salt water vs. tomato juice. Once salt is dissolved in water it will not settle out. The solids tomato juice, like pigment colorants, will eventually separate and settle out.
Epson makes both dye-based and pigment-based inks. Its UltraChrome Hi-Gloss, used in its high-end Stylus Photo R1800 printer, is pigment-based and is rated to last 250 years, while Epson’s Claria Hi-Definition, which is used in printers like its Epson Stylus Photo 1400, is claimed to last 98 years. Canon and HP also offer both dye and pigment-based inks and compatible printers.
Life Of INK Life
How long do you need your prints to resist fade? Is it 10 years, 20 years, 70? Put another way, do you want the prints to resist fade like a professional quality lab print? If your answer to the second question is yes, and if your timeline exceeds 25 years, then you need pigment inks. The science behind pigments allows prints to resist fade for the longest possible time. When you pair pigment inks with high quality inkjet paper and display prints away from bright light, your chances of seeing significant fade before the 50 year mark are low.
Advantages of Dye Ink
Dye inks are able to provide softer colours which look more vivid and brilliant than the pigment ink. They may come off when get-ting in contact with water unless printed on special coated label material. The print is water-resistant as long as the label does not rub against anything disturbing. When it comes to quality generally spoken dye ink wins.
Advantages of Pigment Ink
Pigment inks tend to be lighter in colour than dye they are more water-resistant while producing a truer solid black than dye. Specially when the label is exposed to UV light for many months, the pigment ink holds its colour, quality and vibrancy better than dye. Speaking of water resistance and long life durability plus colour consistency the winner is pigment ink.
Usage of Paper
With either ink, the type of inkjet paper used affects fade resistance. Your rule of thumb is that non-reflective papers resist fade longer than ones with reflective surfaces. For example, a matte photo paper print will fade slower than a print on a resin coated photo glossy. This maxim is true regardless of paper's brand name or manufacturer.
