Types of inkjet ink


In today’s rapidly evolving inkjet printing technology, ink—being the core component of the printing process—directly determines the print quality and application scope through its variety and performance. As market demands become increasingly diversified, inkjet ink systems have grown ever more diverse, giving rise to a coexistence of various types, including water-based inks, solvent-based inks, and UV-curable inks. This article provides a detailed analysis of these ink types, exploring their characteristics and applications.

I. Solvent-based ink

Solvent-based inks stand out in the inkjet printing industry thanks to their exceptional weather resistance and adhesion. These inks contain organic solvents that enable rapid drying and the formation of a durable ink film on a variety of non-absorbent material surfaces. In applications such as outdoor billboards, vehicle wraps, and signage, prints made with solvent-based inks are highly resistant to abrasion and corrosion, maintaining vivid colors and clarity even under harsh weather conditions. However, the issue of volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions from solvent-based inks cannot be overlooked. These VOCs can have certain impacts on both the environment and human health; therefore, when using these inks, it is essential to ensure adequate ventilation and to implement appropriate protective measures.

II. Water-based ink

Water-based ink has established a significant presence in the inkjet ink market thanks to its environmentally friendly characteristics and vivid color performance. Using water as the primary solvent, it not only reduces environmental pollution but also produces prints with high color saturation and rich tonal variations. In office printing applications, water-based ink can meet the basic requirements for sharp text clarity and vibrant chart colors. In indoor advertising production, its brilliant hues are particularly effective at capturing attention and enhancing promotional impact. However, water-based ink has relatively weaker water resistance and lightfastness, which limits its use in outdoor or humid environments. Therefore, when selecting water-based ink, it’s essential to carefully consider the environmental conditions of the intended application scenario.

III. UV-Curing Ink

UV-curable ink, a type of ink that has seen rapid development in recent years, has attracted widespread attention due to its unique curing mechanism and outstanding performance. This ink contains a photoinitiator that enables it to rapidly solidify into a film upon exposure to ultraviolet light, significantly shortening the printing cycle and boosting production efficiency. At the same time, UV-curable ink boasts excellent adhesion, chemical resistance, and vivid, long-lasting colors, allowing for high-precision printing on a wide variety of materials. In the field of high-end packaging printing, UV-curable ink ensures that packaging designs remain exquisite and durable, enhancing product quality and brand image. In the decoration of electronic product casings, its high precision and durability also meet the industry’s stringent requirements for print quality. Moreover, the UV curing process does not require heating, thereby reducing energy consumption and minimizing damage to the substrate—making it particularly suitable for printing on temperature-sensitive materials.

IV. Conclusion

Each multi-ink system in inkjet technology has its own unique advantages. Water-based inks, with their environmental friendliness and superior color performance, are particularly well-suited for indoor applications. Solvent-based inks, on the other hand, excel in outdoor printing and printing on non-absorbent surfaces thanks to their weather resistance and strong adhesion. UV-curable inks, with their high efficiency and durability, have become the ideal choice for high-end printing and printing on special materials. In practical applications, it’s essential to select the appropriate ink type based on specific requirements, thereby fully leveraging the advantages of inkjet technology and meeting the diverse printing needs across different fields.

Bo Xing Related Product Recommendations

UV inkjet

Product Model

Product Features

Application fields

BM3231/TMPTA
(Trimethylolpropane triacrylate)

Fast curing, high cross-linking density, high hardness, high gloss, and excellent abrasion resistance.

UV coating, UV varnish

BM3380/3EO-TMPTA
(Bis(2-hydroxyethyl) trimethylolpropane triacrylate)

More flexible and less irritating than TMPTA.

UV coatings, UV inks, UV inkjet, 3D printing

BM3384/3PO-GPTA
(Propoxylated glycerol triacrylate)

Fast curing, excellent flexibility, low irritation, and good pigment wetting properties.

UV coatings, UV inks, UV inkjet, 3D printing

BM4241/DiTMPTA-80
(2,3-dihydroxypropyl tetraacrylate)

Fast curing, high cross-linking density, high hardness, chemical resistance, abrasion resistance, and water resistance.

UV offset printing ink, UV inkjet, 3D printing, UV transfer adhesive, wood furniture coatings

BM4242/Di-TMPTA
(Bis(trihydroxymethyl)propane tetraacrylate)

Fast curing, high cross-linking density, high hardness, chemical resistance, abrasion resistance, and water resistance.

UV coatings, UV inks, UV adhesives

BM6261/DPHA-80
(Dipentaerythritol hexaacrylate)

Fast curing, high cross-linking density, high hardness, chemical resistance, abrasion resistance, and water resistance.

PCB ink, UV offset printing ink, hardening solution, plastic UV coating, PVC hardening coating

BM6263/DPHA-90
(Dipentaerythritol hexaacrylate)

Fast curing, high cross-linking density, high hardness, chemical resistance, abrasion resistance, and water resistance.

UV hardening liquid, PVC hardening coating, PCB ink, UV offset printing ink, plastic UV coating

B-153 (Modified Epoxy Acrylate)

Good flexibility, excellent pigment wetting, and strong adhesion.

Metal/Plastic UV Coating, UV Ink

B-530 (Polyester Acrylate)

Fast curing, excellent pigment wetting, low viscosity, good hydrophobicity, thixotropy, and improved ink misting.

Offset UV Ink

B-536 (Polyester Acrylate)

Good adhesion, fast curing, and excellent pigment wetting.

UV offset ink

B-560 (Polyester Acrylate)

Fast curing, good pigment wetting.

Offset UV Ink

B-590 (Polyester Acrylate)

Good adhesion, fast curing, and excellent pigment wetting.

Screen-printing UV ink

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