In the realm of high-speed Single Pass printing, choosing the right ink is a key factor in determining print quality, efficiency, and cost. Single Pass printers use environmentally friendly, food-grade water-based inks, available in both dye and pigment varieties, each with its unique advantages and applications. So how do you choose the right one?

The core difference between the two inks is that dye inks offer vibrant colors but are not waterproof; while pigment inks are waterproof, but their color reproduction is slightly weaker than dye inks. However, thanks to the research and development of the Novix technical team, the current pigment inks are upgraded, achieving professional-grade color reproduction while remaining waterproof.

For different types of printing materials, an informed choice needs to be made based on the final product, budget, and performance requirements.

Technical Decoding: The Chemical Essence of the Two Inks

Water-based dye and pigment inks differ fundamentally in their chemical structure and performance characteristics, directly determining their application scenarios.

Dye inks are composed of dye molecules that are completely dissolved in water, forming a transparent solution. These dye molecules are typically derived from natural raw materials such as certain plants or synthetic raw materials, characterized by their small molecular size, allowing them to penetrate deeply into the fiber of the material.

In contrast, pigment inks suspend tiny solid pigment particles in an aqueous medium, with particle sizes hundreds of times larger than dyes. These particles are typically encapsulated in synthetic resins, forming a stable suspension.

Dye inks offer superior color performance due to their molecular-level solubility, resulting in rich and vibrant prints. Their molecular size allows for better dispersion within paper, preserving its original gloss.

However, dye inks are more sensitive to humidity and oxidation, meaning that prints may fade over extended outdoor exposure, and images may become blurry or wash out in humid environments.

The advantage of pigment inks lies precisely in their exceptional durability. The size, structure, and complexity of pigment molecules give them superior lightfastness, moisture resistance, and oxidation resistance (including ozone).

The Unique Challenges of Single Pass Printing

Single Pass printing technology places more stringent demands on ink performance because, during this high-speed, single-scan printing process, the ink must penetrate, dry, and set within an extremely short time.

During printing, the print head is often exposed to air for extended periods, increasing the risk of nozzle drying. Moisture evaporation from the nozzles can cause ink concentration, forming fluid plugs that may clog the nozzles and affect the reliability of droplet ejection.

To ensure smooth operation of Single Pass printers, inks need to possess the following characteristics: long-term storage stability, droplet shape retention, rapid wetting performance, controlled spreading performance, and rapid drying capability.

Especially for high-speed Single Pass printing systems, inks need to be able to form a protective film when the nozzles are idle to reduce moisture loss and prevent nozzle clogging.

Furthermore, Single Pass printing typically requires high-density and high-color-saturation output, which necessitates inks with a wide color gamut and smoothness.

Novix dedicated single-pass water-based inks perfectly meet these requirements, ensuring rich colors without clogging the printhead and significantly reducing the risk of printhead damage. Whether dye-based or pigment-based, we provide the best ink solutions for your products. Material and Application Matching Guide: Choosing the right ink type requires considering the characteristics of the printing materials and the environment in which the final product will be used. The following are expert recommendations for different types of materials.

For highly absorbent papers such as paper bags, cartons, pouches, clothing tags, and brochures, dye-based inks generally perform better.

These materials absorb dye-based inks quickly, creating vibrant colors that enhance your brand’s promotional effect.

For materials with some water resistance requirements, such as napkins, greaseproof paper, lunch boxes, plates, paper cups, wood, and non-woven fabrics, pigment-based inks are a better choice.

Of course, the specific choice depends on your product and water resistance needs. Both pigment and dye inks can be used on absorbent materials. If you are unsure which ink is better for your material, please contact the Novix team for the most professional solution.

Comparison and Selection: Core Technical Parameter Comparison

Making an informed ink choice requires a systematic comparison of the differences between the two inks in key performance indicators. The table below summarizes the key differences between dye-based and pigment-based inks in Single Pass printers:

From a cost-effectiveness perspective, dyes are the preferred choice for vibrant, inexpensive, and fade-resistant colors. While dye inks are cheaper, pigment inks are the best option if waterproof printing, longer-lasting colors, and the ability to withstand complex environments are required. The higher initial cost of pigment inks can be offset by their long-term performance.

Having read this, you should now have a better understanding of dye-based and pigment-based inks for Single Pass printers. Want to see how your design would look printed with dye or pigment? Contact the Novix team now for a free proof!