Pigment ink and dye ink performance comparison and purchase

I don't know if the manufacturer's promotion is because pigment inks are more expensive than dye inks. Many users think that pigment inks are better than dye inks when they choose inks to add ink to their expensive ink cartridges. In fact, pigment inks and dye inks have their own strengths, and they cannot be said to be better than anyone else. For users who use inkjet ink cartridges, adding dye inks is a more appropriate choice.

why? First of all, we need to distinguish clearly what is the pigment ink and what is the dye ink.

1, pigment ink

Pigment ink is a collection of molecules. Its smallest unit is much larger than the molecular diameter of the dye ink, ranging from 50 to 200 nanometers. It usually exists as an opaque liquid. Pigment ink is said to be the powdery ink. Of course, this is just an image statement and it is not accurate enough. To be precise, it is to grind the solid pigment into very fine particles and dissolve it in a special water solvent. It is a suspension solution or semi-solution, which is the same as the nature of the pigment of our dyeing clothes. In contrast to the principle of the dye ink penetrating into the medium and forming a color, it is colored by the color material attached to the surface of the medium (such as copy paper or printing paper). Therefore, under the influence of external corrosion, only the outermost molecular structure will be destroyed first, and the inner structure will not be easily damaged. After the outer layer of molecules is destroyed, discoloration and other phenomena will occur. For the print color, due to the polymer of the outer layer of the pigment ink, it will not be able to display the color hue and vividness of the color well, and even if it is printed on glossy paper such as glossy paper, it will not be able to print glossy. This is why images printed with pigment ink are generally not shiny.

Advantages: Waterproof and lightfast.

Disadvantages: large particles, it is easy to cause plugging, the printed image color is not good, not bright.

2, dye ink

Dye ink is a molecular-level fully dissolved ink, the general diameter is 1 to 2 nanometers, Dan Jun supplies INKOOL brand carbon technology ink will be closer to zero in diameter; this ink is a complete solution, the probability of blocking the ink head Small, easy to be absorbed by the material after printing, and printed on a smooth and smooth paper, the radiation of the light is very good, so the ability of color reproduction is relatively strong, the printed image is colorful, and the cost is low; but due to Dye inks are not protected by a layer of polymer on the surface like pigment inks. Therefore, under harsh conditions, the molecules are easily decomposed and cause discoloration.

Advantages: Do not block the print head, print colorful eye-catching.

Disadvantages: Fading easily in direct sunlight or when immersed in water.

How to choose

After introducing the characteristics of the two types of inks, let's analyze how to choose between adding ink when using ink cartridges with nozzles.

First of all, we need to consider the maintenance of the print head. For the use of pigment ink, the probability of clogging of the print head will be much greater than that of the dye ink. This will most likely cause the user who wants to use ink to reduce the cost. The cost;

Secondly, in terms of printing pictures, dye inks have obvious advantages in terms of color performance than pigment inks. Individuals believe that if the life cycle of pictures is not long, bright colors are more valuable than dim!

Once again, the problem of inability of waterproofing dye inks can be solved by other methods, such as applying a layer of clear plastic on the picture, or direct laminating (usually provided in a print shop or photo shop). Waterproof and save for a long time.

Therefore, for ink users, dye ink is the best choice. However, it is necessary to remind everyone that the quality of the dye ink on the market is also uneven, select a good dye ink, is the protection Your ink cartridges and printers get better image colors and more economical!