Buying Guide_ 5 Types of Printer Inks - STSInks

1. Buying Guide: 5 Types of Printer Inks The type of ink you use for your printouts and projects matter especially when it comes to large format printing. After all, you want to make sure that the results come out vibrant, crisp, and clear. Moreover, you want to ensure that the print will last long—particularly if it will be exhibited outdoors. There’s a wide range of large format printer ink options these days, and each will have its own unique selling point. The selection includes OEMs and compatible cartridges. How do you even begin to choose the right ink? To avoid the guesswork, here is a list of inks available from a range of ink manufacturers:

2. 1. Pigment-based inks Well-known brands like Epson and HP are at the forefront of the competition when it comes to ink technologies and formulations. Their offerings include the Durabrite inks (Epson) and Vivera inks (HP). Both are pigment-based inks, which are practical for professional and large format printing. They are highly resistant and can make photos last up to 110 years, depending on the formulation and the medium. 2. Compatible inks Third-party ink manufacturers produce compatible inks that can be cost-effective to use, especially for print shops looking to save money. They key is to buy them from reputable replacement ink manufacturers. 3. UV inks UV large format printer ink is designed to dry by exposing the printed material to UV rays. It is suitable for shrink sleeve printing and packaging decoration. Its biggest selling points are superb adhesion and fast curing. 4. Dye-based inks This large format printer ink is made from coloration dissolved in liquid like glycol or water. The dye easily flows from the print head to the page, and dries quickly upon application. Most conventional inkjet printers use this type of ink, but the results are not waterproof and are likely to fade in a few years. 5. Solvent-based inks These inks are made of resin (a binder) and pigment diluted with a solvent. They are practical for applications that must have high heat resistance and low lamination strength. Need large format printer ink? For affordable large format printer ink, don’t hesitate to browse the selection at STS Inks. We carry high-quality replacement cartridges for most ink manufacturers, so you should be able to find the products that suit your printer series, brand, or model. We’ve been manufacturing high-quality inks in the US for more than 20 years now, and that makes us among the leading sources for reasonably priced and high-quality replacement inks for large format printers by Epson, HP, and other leading brands.