Understanding the Difference Between Photo Ink and Pigment Ink in Inkjet Printing

Question: Is photo ink identical to pigment ink in inkjet printing?

Answer: Historically, the term "photo" ink referred to dye-based inks, which were favored for photo printing due to their consistent color presentation under various lighting conditions. About 15 years ago, pigment ink technology was less developed, leading to challenges such as metamerism—where colors appear differently under different lighting conditions—and a tendency for prints to exhibit a brownish hue under natural light. These issues arose because the pigment particles were not uniformly ground, causing light to scatter unpredictably.

However, pigment ink technology has significantly advanced, making modern pigment-based prints nearly indistinguishable from their dye-based counterparts to the untrained eye. This progress means that today's pigment inks do not suffer from the same limitations seen in the past, offering both vibrant colors and durability.

For those looking to understand more about the nuances of printer inks and their applications, additional resources and detailed explanations are available on our YouTube channel at https://YouTube.com/@bchtechnologies. Moreover, BCH Technologies offers a comprehensive array of printer repair services, including assistance with sublimation and regular printers, DTF, and specific components like the mainboard. Visit our website at www.bchtechnologies.com for more information on our services, including how to send in your printer for repair.