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 »

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 »