Factors that affect ink quality

The ink cartridge is the "heart" of the ink jet printer. When the ink in the ink cartridge is used up, many of the friends will inject ink into themselves. However, not all inks are suitable. If a friend is selected, even the ink is compatible with the printout. Comparable with original ink cartridges. Below, briefly introduce some common sense of ink.

Ink classification

Compatible inks are differentiated according to solvents, and are mainly divided into two types. First, dye inks, which are dye-based inks, are currently used by most inkjet printers. The second is a pigment ink, which is a pigment based ink.

According to the difference of the solvent, it is also divided into two types. First, the aqueous ink uses water and a water-soluble solvent as the main ingredients of the dissolving color base. Second, oily inks use water-insoluble solvents as the main component of the dissolving color base.

It is worth noting that some pigment inks may be water-based or oil-based. However, water-based inks and oil-based inks must not be mixed in the same printhead because of their nature and the actual requirements of the printer.

Factors that affect ink quality

Viscosity: The resistance to liquid flow, the viscosity of the ink is too high, and the ink supply will be interrupted during the printing process; the viscosity is too small and ink flow will occur during the printing process.

Surface Tension: Can influence whether the ink can form droplets, the ink with better quality is low viscosity, high surface tension.

pH: refers to the liquid pH, the more acidic the solution, the lower the pH, and vice versa, the higher the pH, the more alkaline the solution. To prevent the ink from corroding the print head, the pH should generally be between 7-12.

Conductivity: This value is used to reflect the level of salt content. For better quality inks, the salt content should not exceed 0.5% to avoid crystallization at the nozzle.

Dispersing agent: It is a kind of surfactant. Its function is to improve the physical properties of ink surface and enhance the affinity and wettability of ink and sponge. Therefore, the ink stored and transferred through the sponge generally contains a dispersant.

Ink quality

At normal room temperature, the ink can generally be stored for two years. Its preservation requires sealing and avoids direct sunlight. The temperature should not be too high or too low.

Editor's summary: The majority of domestic compatible inks use dye ink because of their low price and simple process. The production process of pigment ink is relatively difficult, and although it can make pigment ink for general supplies manufacturers, the price is higher.