Photo Pro Pigment Inks are the top of the tree in photographic inkjet inks. With professional photographers in mind we
set out to produce an enhanced pigment ink which fit the following criteria:
- Resin Encapsulated (To maximize pigment suspension)
- Produces the full Adobe RGB gamut (More colours -wider gamut)
- Commercial quality light fastness (fade rate)
- Heat/Age particle swelling minimized
- No metameric failure (colour change under different lighting)
- No bronzing
- Scratch resistant
Photo Pro inks are a resin encapsulated pigment ink utilizing Cabots CAB-O-JET patented pigment dispersions.
Resin encapsulation is process where the pigment crystal is coated in a resin polymer. This technology prevents
coagulation and settlement issues as it prevents agglomeration, the attraction of electrically charged particles. It also
prevents the crystals from catching and bonding which is an issue with traditional pigment inks. The resin coat allows
them to roll of each other creating a smooth flowing ink with even particle distribution.
A greater colour gamut (increased colour range) is achieved as the pigment particles are not clumped and thus are
more evenly distributed when in suspension. Because of this rihac Photo Pro inks are suitable for printing on resin
coated glossy media which can produce prints of near equal vividness of dye inks. The resin also acts as a bonding
agent for the papers allowing the inks to adhere to the surface making the prints far more scratch resistant than other
inks. Light fastness is increased due to two primary factors. Firstly the Cabots CAB-O-JET dispersions already have an
outstanding fade rating as per the DIN 54004 scale but also the resin protects the pigment particles minimizing UV light
damage.
Photo Pro series inks are available for Epson branded printers including the Pro series large format printers and home
printer range
Standard pigment crystals tend to catch on each other (agglomeration) causing larger particle size which leads to
blocked print heads and other printing problems. By coating the pigments in a resin it allows them to flow smoothly
from the print head as the particles roll off each other
NO PARTICLE CLUMPING FROM STATIC CHARGE
Resin encapsulation is process where the pigment crystal is coated in a resin polymer. This technology prevents
coagulation and settlement issues as it prevents agglomeration, the attraction of electrically charged particles.
Cabots CAB-O-JET dispersions already have an outstanding fade rating as per the DIN 54004 scale but also the
resin protects the pigment particles minimizing UV light damage
The even distribution of particles results in a higher colour gamut and higher gloss giving a smooth image
appearance. Conventional pigment inks often have a uneven distribution resulting in a lower color gamut.
Conventional pigment inks lay on top of media and scratch easily. Photopro pigments are fixed on media by the
polymerizing resin making them more durable and scratch-resistant.
CONTINUOUS INK SUPPLY SYSTEMS
| A greater colour gamut (increased colour range) is achieved as the pigment particles are not clumped and thus are more evenly distributed when in suspension. Because of this the inks are suitable for resin coated glossy media which can produce prints of near equal vividness of dye inks |
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HEAT/AGE PARTICLE SWELL TESTING
Particle swelling due to heat or age is a significant issue with aftermarket inks. This issue is typical of those inks imported from Asia and introduced to the market via places like Ebay. The ink viscosity and particle size must allow the ink to exit the print head. Marketing of pigment inks do not mention particle swelling which results in constantly blocked print heads and can cause irreparable damage to printers over time. When developing our inks we focused on ensuring particle sizing increases were minimized over the life of the ink.
The chart below demonstrates how rihac Photo Pro Pigments combine lightfastness, stability and waterfastness advantages of conventional pigment inks with the colour gamut, durability and wide media selection advantage of
dye inks.
SURFACE MODIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
Cabots proprietary surface modification technology allows for the attachment of functional groups to the surface of the pigment particle. This attachment technique results in the highly reliable and stable dispersions. As the stabilizing groups are attached to the surface of the pigment particle, there are no polymers or surfactants in the bulk of the dispersion that can adversely effect properties such as viscosity and surface tension or contribute to foaming and kogation.
This technology also allows for tight control of the pigment surface chemistry, which results in consistent, high "on paper" perforce. Properties such as optical density, edge acuity, intercolour bleed, dry time, mottle etc are controlled by the chemistry of the pigment and the ink formulation in which it is incorporated.
Pigment are minerals suspended in liquid thus slowly over time, pigment particles will fall out of suspension. Gently agitating the inks (cartridges) will redistribute the particles into suspension. A further reason for avoiding low grade pigment inks is that agitating can actually aggrevate the static charge causing agglomeration (bonding of the pigment particles). Printers using any form of pigment ink require regualr use, more so than a dye ink printer. The formulation of pigment inks is complex and and allowing a printer to remain inactive for prolonged periods can result in changes to the ink formulations fine balance. So deciding on a pigment ink printer does require some careful consideration and extra care. There are some basic steps you can take to prolong your printers life when using pigment inks:
- Gently shake your inks prior to filling your Inklink or refillable cartrdges
- If you do not use your printer every week, perform a power cleaning cycle.
- For extended periods of non use (two weeks or more), remove the cartridges and gently shake them prior to use and then perform a power cleaning cycle.
CAB-O-JET 400, a new unique pigment dispersion based on Cabots latest surface modification technology, suited for both thermal and piezo inkjet print heads. CAB-O-JET 400 Black pigment dispersion offers great formulation flexibility for the inkjet in developer, enabling outstanding step-change performance on plain paper in the areas of:
Paper Independence
Optical Density
Print Durability
Intercolour Bleed
Lightfastness
Waterfastness |
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