Introduction

When it comes to inkjet printers, the type of ink used can significantly affect the functionality and performance of the printer. This article aims to clarify the types of ink used in inkjet printers, specifically Continuous Inkjet Printers (CIJ) and Thermal Inkjet Printers (TIJ). Understanding the differences can help you choose the right printer for your needs.

Continuous Inkjet Printers (CIJ)

Continuous Inkjet Printers (CIJ) do not use water-based ink, contrary to popular belief. Instead, they employ a variety of inks that are either MEK (Methyl Ethyl Ketone) based, ethanol-based, or dye-based. These specialized inks are formulated to withstand the high-frequency vibration and electrostatic fields involved in the printing process.

In a Continuous Inkjet printer, ink is continuously pumped from a reservoir and forced through a nozzle. The resulting jet of ink is broken into a series of droplets using high-frequency vibration. Select droplets are then charged with electricity, which is a process that cannot be achieved with water-based ink due to its conductivity. These charged droplets then pass through deflector plates, which produce an electrostatic field, and are eventually deflected to adhere to the product surface, forming the desired text or graphics. Uncharged droplets are not deflected and are recirculated back into the ink system.

Thermal Inkjet Printers (TIJ)

Thermal Inkjet Printers (TIJ), on the other hand, can use both water-based or light solvent-based ink. The choice depends on the specific requirements and performance needs of the printer.

In a Thermal Inkjet printer, the ink is heated and vaporized, creating a bubble that pushes the ink out through a nozzle. This process is controlled by the printer’s thermal printhead, which heats the ink in chambers just before it is ejected. Water-based ink can be used in some TIJ printers, but light solvent-based ink offers better adhesion and durability on various surfaces.

What Makes Inkjet Ink Different?

Inkjet ink is not merely water. The basic components of ink used in these printers are often a blend of various oils, solvents, and pigments. Here’s a breakdown of the key ingredients:

Petroleum distillates: These are used to solubilize the pigments and other ingredients. Linseed oil: This helps in improving the flow properties and ink viscosity. Organic pigments: These provide the color and are usually made from natural or synthetic dyes. Soybean oil: This is a vegan alternative that can be used in some ink formulations. Inorganic pigments: These are not commonly used in water-based ink but can be used in some specialized applications. White pigments (Titanium Dioxide): These are often combined with carbon black to create black ink. Additives: These include waxes, oils, and drying agents to aid in printing and design.

The choice between a linseed oil or alcohol-based ink base depends on the desired drying mechanism. A linseed oil base will dry through air oxidation, while the presence of alcohol will cause the ink to dry through evaporation.

Experimenting with Plain Water

To better understand why water alone is not suitable for inkjet printers, try this experiment: take a fountain pen that requires dipping into an inkwell and dip it into plain water instead. Writing with it will likely result in a wet sheet of paper rather than a legible print. This illustrates the crucial components and chemistry involved in inkjet ink.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the ink used in inkjet printers is not a simple mixture of water and pigments. It is a complex formulation designed to work optimally with specific printer technologies. Whether you are using a CIJ or TIJ printer, understanding the type of ink is crucial for achieving the best results in your printed output.

Keywords: inkjet printer ink, CIJ printer ink, TIJ printer ink