Solvent vs. Latex Ink for Wide Format Printers – What’s the Difference?

 When it comes to wide-format printing, both latex ink printing and eco-solvent printing offer excellent performance and quality. From posters to banners, vehicle wraps, wall murals and more, both techniques provide industry-standard results. Still, there are certain distinctions to consider when making a selection— owing to their different properties. For instance, latex printing is particularly useful for wallpapers and soft signage while solvent printers work best with signs and vehicle graphics. To assess your project needs more thoroughly, let's explore these two processes in depth.


Latex printing

Wide format printer latex inkis a popular choice for professional results within an efficient timeline. It utilizes state-of-the-art technology, utilizing print heads to disperse water-based inks onto a given medium. As this technique is applicable to a multitude of materials, such as vinyl banners, walls and posters, customs would be surprised by its versatility and printing speed.


Solvent printing

Eco-solvent printing is a non-water based method of producing high quality prints with excellent resistance to the elements. It can be a cost effective option for customers wanting superior results in fade proof and waterproof ink applications, especially when used for outdoor materials. Eco-solvent printing offers an outstanding finish and reliable performance that makes it an ideal solution for environmentally conscious customers.


Comparing Latex Printing Vs Eco-solvent Printing


The process: In the creation of latex inks, the pigments and latex are combined, which explains the name "latex ink." Thanks to rapid curing with some printers, printed materials created using latex-based ink can be used almost straight away when they come off of the press. Eco-solvent printing on the other hand may require more time for completion since printed products must undergo de-gassing and extensive drying before laminating can be done to protect them. This entire process can take close to four days from start to finish.


Delivery: HP Latex inks provide durability and scratch resistance without the need for lamination. This means that those in the printing business can offer fast 'same day delivery', an attractive option when competing with local businesses. On the other hand, eco-solvent printing involves more involved processes and therefore takes longer to deliver.


Canvas printing: When it comes to printing directly onto canvas, latex printing is the preferred method for many commercial artists. It eliminates the need for pre-sealing and allows a broad range of materials, such as plastics, paper, textiles, wallpaper, vinyl, canvas and film. In contrast to latex printing, eco-solvent printing requires pre-sealing or else the ink will soak into the canvas--an expensive and labor intensive step.


Enviormnental friendy: Eco solvent ink is made to remain odorless and contain fewer volatile organic compounds than traditional inks. This means you can place your eco solvent printer anywhere, both indoors or out. Furthermore, with reduced VOCs, the printer needs less frequent servicing -- resulting in lower maintenance costs and improved efficiency.


Find the right inks

Bink Inks provides reliable replacement inks for Roland, Mutoh and Mimaki printers. The company offer a diverse selection of high-performance American-made eco-solvent and Latex ink cartridges at competitive prices and designed to meet OEM standards. Every cartridge is tested for compatibility with the printer, and they are tested for strict quality assurance checks before they are packaged and shipped. 


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