Printing Ink

Modern inks are divided into two basic types, printing inks and writing inks. Printing inks are used for either conventional or digital printing. Conventional printing uses a mechanical plate that transfers an image by coming in contact with paper or other media. Digital printing includes ink-jet printers, laser printers, and copy machines.

Composition of Printing Inks

All inks have the same two basic parts – a vehicle and a colorant. The vehicle is water, oil, or other liquid, and the colorant is any chemical that imparts color to the fluid. Other substances are added to give the ink proper consistency, absorption, drying rate, long shelf life, and other desirable qualities.

By Carla Wakeman