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Ink is present everywhere from school textbooks, cookbooks to our favourite pen, but did you know that it has a unique composition and goes through a lengthy process until it can serve its final purpose?
In this article, the ZEBRA team collected all the information you need to know about the various types, properties and production of ink.
This is a complex mixture, containing a variety of substances such as resins, solvents, alcohol, lubricants, carbon, pigments, dyes, aniline, dextrine, glycerine, fluorescents and other materials.
Pigments are finely ground solid particles that provide color and opacity to ink. Generally, pigments are defined as coloured, black, white, or fluorescent organic or inorganic solids that cannot dissolve in, or be affected by the substrate or vehicle they are incorporated into.
Pigments are responsible for the visual appearance. They help in covering the underlying surface by blocking light transmission. They can improve the lightfastness and resistance to fading of the product. Derived from carbon-based compounds, organic pigments offer a wide range of vibrant colors. Made from minerals or metals, inorganic pigments provide excellent lightfastness and stability.
Metallic pigments include metallic flakes or powders, such as aluminum or bronze, which add shimmer or metallic effects. Specialty pigments are unique pigments with special properties, such as fluorescent or phosphorescent pigments.
Solvents are generally in liquid form, and are used to dissolve, extract or suspend other materials, usually without chemically changing either the solvents or the other material.
Solvents dissolve pigments to make a homogenous mixture to create dissolving pigments. By adjusting viscosity they control the flow and thickness. Facilitating drying means solvents evaporating during the drying process, allowing the ink to adhere to the surface.
Common solvents used in production:
There are several types of additives used in the manufacturing of ink. Viscosity modifiers are additives like thickeners or rheology modifiers that adjust the flow properties and viscosity. Wetting agents are substances that reduce the surface tension, enabling better spreading and adhesion on the substrate.
Anti-foaming agents are additives that prevent the formation of bubbles or foam during manufacturing and printing processes. UV stabilizers protect it from degradation caused by exposure to ultraviolet light, enhancing its colorfastness. Drying accelerators are additives that promote faster drying by facilitating solvent evaporation. pH modifiers are used to adjust the pH level, ensuring optimal performance and stability.
Examples of common additives and their functions:
Pigment clusters are broken down into individual particles through mechanical means and dispersion agents. Proper dispersion ensures consistent color, stability, and prevents clogging.
Ink components can chemically interact with substrates, affecting adhesion, penetration, and degradation. Chemical interactions affect performance, durability, resistance to fading, water, light, and chemical exposure.
Emulsion: The suspension of liquid in a liquid. As of today, this is the 4th generation ink formulated by ZEBRA Pen. Though “hybrid” products have been introduced to the writing instrument market, none of the formulations have produced the full emulsion type properties now offered in the emulsion refill from Japan.
It has various applications as it became part of our daily lives.
There are various inks that differ from what people most commonly use. These are present in different professions and art forms allowing creative freedom.
Ink is a complex mixture carrying a variety of substances. There are many types on the market, and they all have their own unique characteristics. Although there are many varieties, the applications are fairly similar. It forms part of our everyday life. At ZEBRA, we aim to create good quality, long lasting pens that can help you with your work or your personal tasks.
ZEBRA PEN (UK) LTD. Magyarországi Fióktelepe
H-1039 Budapest, Pünkösdfürdő u. 52. (Hungary)
Phone: +36 1 630 91 73
Email: order@zebrapen-eu.hu
ZEBRA PEN (UK) LTD. Magyarországi Fióktelepe
H-1039 Budapest, Pünkösdfürdő u. 52. (Hungary)
Phone: +36 1 630 91 73
Email: order@zebrapen-eu.hu
Ballpoint pen | Mechanical pencil | Roller pen | Gel pen | Fountain pen | Marker | Refill | Other
© 2021 ZEBRA PEN (UK) LTD. Magyarországi Fióktelepe (Hungary) All rights reserved | Privacy Policy | Sitemap