Do You Know about Pigments And Dye Inks?

In terms of digital printer technology, inkjet is the preferred type for photographers and laboratories. Under the same type, two different inks made of dyes and pigments need to be distinguished.

Dye ink

Made from dyes from natural sources (such as certain plants) or synthetic sources dissolved in water.

There are two advantages. One is that very little light is diffused, so the colors of the printed work are full and vivid. The other advantage is that the ink can be better dispersed in the paper coating to maintain the gloss of the same type of paper.

Although manufacturers have made progress in many aspects, dyes are sensitive to light, humidity and oxidation, which has a very negative impact on the durability of the work that people often pursue.

The production cost of dye ink is not high and it is generally used for office printing or amateur photography printing.

Pigment ink

This ink contains pigments (organic molecular raw materials) encapsulated in synthetic resin and then suspended in a liquid. The molecules of pigments are much larger than those of dyes.

The advantage is that due to the size, structure and complexity of the pigment molecules, pigmented inks are more resistant to light, moisture and oxidation (including ozone).

Pigment ink also has its drawbacks. Its molecules are larger than dye molecules. The ink cannot fully adhere to the coating and can change the original surface appearance of some papers (mainly glossy papers).

Adverse effects on metamerism and foil stamping are another drawback of this ink technology. Pigment inks are complex and expensive to produce, so most of the time they are only used by professional or semi-professional printers for prints where preservation is important.

Understanding the above knowledge will help you choose textile auxiliaries. When you choose a textile auxiliary supplier, it is recommended to consider the following points:

1. Credibility and word-of-mouth: Check out other customers’ reviews and feedback.

2. Product quality: Ensure that products comply with relevant quality standards and certifications.

3. Price and service: Compare the prices and after-sales services of different suppliers.

4. Delivery time: Understand the supplier's delivery time and logistics services.

If you are interested in textile auxiliaries, please contact us for consultation and ordering.