Characteristics of Pigments Compared to Dyes

How Pigments and Dyes Differ What is the difference between pigments and dyes? The easy answer is that dyes are soluble, while pigments are insoluble. So much for easy answers! When we scratch beneath the surface, differences between these two classes of colorants are much more complex. Read more »

Pigment Ink Versus Dye-based Ink for Digital Printing.

Digital printing inks are similar to other inks and paints. All of these products consist of two basic components:  a colorant (dye or pigment) and a liquid carrier or vehicle.  The varieties of digital printing inks include aqueous inks, solvent inks, ecosolvent inks, latex inks and UV-curable inks.  With so many choices available in wide […] Read more »

The Advantages of LED UV Curing Lamps

Jim Hingst explains how UV inkjet systems utilizing LED curing lamps differ from inkjet printers utilizing traditional UV curing lamps.  UV ink cures when it is exposed to UV light. In this curing process, the photo initiators in the ink absorb the UV energy and break down into reactive components that initiate the polymerization process. […] Read more »

What Is Post Cure of UV Curable Inks?

Exposure to UV light initiates the chemical reaction that causes the ingredients of a UV curable ink to bond together.  Exposure in the curing unit doesn’t a completely cure the ink though. In fact, only about 90% of the chemical reaction is complete.  This chemical reaction that the UV light initiates can continue and the […] Read more »

Supply55, Inc. announces the release of UV-PRO an Ocè IJC256 compatible ink for Arizona printers

Supply55, Inc. is pleased to announce the release of UV-PRO an Ocè IJC256 compatible ink for use with Ocè Arizona printers. UV-PRO ink from Supply55 is specially formulated to meet or exceed the performance specifications of Ocè IJC256; provides superior adhesion, is fully color matched and is plug-n-play compatible making conversion a snap.  PRINTER COMPATIBILITY: […] Read more »

Avoiding Edge Curling When Printing Full Bleeds

Why the Simplest Solutions are Generally the Best Printing heavy concentrations of ink to the edges of some films can result in edge curl. But there is a simple solution.  Read more »

Screen Printing Acrylic Sheet

Painting is not the only solution for decorating plastic signfaces. For high-volume jobs, screen printing with either solvent or UV curable inks is an economical solution. In selecting an ink system, ask your screen print supply distributor for a recommendation. The ink manufacturers’ technical bulletins will give you printing specifications. The type of mesh, squeegee, […] Read more »

Getting Past the Gatekeeper

Gatekeepers can block you from speaking to prospects. Learn how to improve your sales prospects in Jim Hingst’s article… Read more »

Painting Blake’s Red Dragon

In reverse painting on glass learn which types of paint were used to paint William Blake’s Red Dragon…. About William Blake. Artistic genius is generally not recognized until long after the artist has passed away. Such was the fate of one of Britain’s greatest printmakers, painters and poets, William Blake. During his lifetime (1757 – […] Read more »