UV Curable Inks | High-speed digital printing on rigid materials (e.g., signs, displays) | Curing Speed: 3-5 seconds (under UV lamp, ▲ 5x faster than solvent inks) VOC Content: 0g/L (RoHS compliant) Durability: 1000+ hours UV resistance (ASTM G154) | No drying time, eco-friendly (zero VOCs), durable prints | Requires UV curing equipment, higher cost per liter ($60-$80/L) |
Eco-Solvent Inks | Indoor/outdoor signage, banners | VOC Content: 50-100g/L (ASTM D3477) Outdoor Durability: 1-3 years (ISO 12097) Cost: $40-$60/L | Lower emissions than solvent, versatile substrates | Moderate drying time (5-10 mins), moderate environmental impact |
Latex Inks | Eco-friendly indoor/outdoor graphics | VOC Content: <50g/L (SCS Indoor Advantage Gold) Biodegradable Binder: 98% water-based (ISO 14024) Odor: Minimal (no strong chemical smell) | Ultra-low emissions, water-resistant, safe for indoor use | Limited outdoor durability (6-12 months), printer-specific compatibility |
Solvent Inks | Outdoor signage, vehicle wraps | Outdoor Durability: 3-5 years (ASTM D523) Adhesion: 100% on uncoated vinyl (ASTM D3359) VOC Content: 150-300g/L (ASTM D3477) | Extremely durable, strong adhesion on rigid surfaces | High VOCs requiring ventilation, slower drying (10-15 mins) |
Water-based Inks | Textile printing, eco-conscious projects | VOC Content: <50g/L (Oeko-Tex Standard 100) Wash Fastness: 4-5/5 (AATCC 61) Cost: $20-$30/L | Eco-friendly, soft-hand feel on fabrics | Limited outdoor durability (<6 months), humidity-sensitive |
Dye Sublimation Inks | Custom apparel, promotional products | Color Gamut: 95% Pantone Matching (ISO 12647-7) Transfer Temp: 200°C (▲ Optimized for polyester fabrics) Fade Resistance: 1000+ hours (ASTM G155) | Vibrant, permanent prints on polyester-based materials | Requires heat transfer process, limited material compatibility |