Learn All About Printer Ink from a Printer Outlet in Phoenix, AZ

Learn All About Printer Ink from a Printer Outlet in Phoenix, AZ

September 8, 2017

Almost everyone comes in contact with ink in some form or another during everyday life. From the print in newspapers and magazines to the advertisements that you see on billboards, ink is almost everywhere. Even though everyone sees or handles some form of printed media on a daily basis, it can be easy to take the actual printing process for granted. Even if it isn’t a common topic of conversation that comes up very often, you shouldn’t underestimate the prevalence of the printing industry. In fact, printing ink is an industry worth $10 billion in value and it is projected that its worth will double by 2020. Take some time to learn a thing or two about ink to give you a little bit of extra appreciation for this incredibly important medium.

The basics of printer ink

At the most basic level, ink is a medium that is made from different types of dyes and pigments, along with some sort of solvent. These pigments can be derived from either natural and organic sources or artificial or inorganic sources, depending on the specific application. The components used to create ink have experienced a major shift over time.

Inks have been used for thousands of years by people across the world. Early ink solutions were made from plant and animal material ranging from berries and bark to secretions from cephalopods. These inks were used for all sorts of art and writing that can be traced back to about 2000 B.C.E.

Thankfully, we’ve come a long way since the ancient methods of ink making, and we have been able to implement a plethora of different materials, sources and solutions to create inks that are capable of printing millions of books, vivid artwork and striking advertising and signage. Modern inks can be divided into two types: writing inks and printing inks. The organic pigments for printing inks are typically suspended in heavy oils such as soybean or linseed oil and even distilled petroleum. The pigments are made out of salts and different types of nitrogen-based compounds that can create a wide spectrum of colors for printing.

Writing inks, the kind found in most pens, were traditionally made from pigment that is suspended in a water-based solution, but that solution turned into something a bit more paste-like once ballpoint pens came into style. The thicker ink is made from oil-based dye that is less susceptible to smearing.

Visit a printer outlet in Phoenix, AZ

Get the most out of printers and ink from a trusted printer outlet in Phoenix, AZ. With decades of experience in the industry, Arizona Copier Outlet has had the opportunity to watch printing technology develop to maximize efficiency and create quality printed material. Whether you’re looking for a basic printer or copier for the office or a brand new model with all of the bells and whistles, our sales team can get you set up with a high-quality piece of equipment that you can depend on. If you want to know more about the printing and copying solutions that we have to offer, contact our team today.

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