Pigmentdrucker

Pigmentdrucker, also known as pigment printers, are a type of inkjet printer that utilizes pigment-based inks. Unlike dye-based inks which are dissolved in a liquid carrier, pigment inks consist of solid color particles suspended in a liquid. These pigment particles are typically made of finely ground solids like oxides, carbon black, or other chemical compounds.

The key advantage of pigment inks lies in their durability and lightfastness. When printed on paper, the pigment particles sit on the surface of the paper rather than being absorbed into it, as is the case with dye inks. This surface deposition, combined with a binder that seals the pigment, creates a print that is more resistant to fading from UV light and water damage. This makes pigment prints particularly suitable for archival purposes and for applications where longevity is crucial, such as fine art prints, photographs, and outdoor signage.

The technology behind pigment printing involves a print head with many tiny nozzles that spray droplets of ink onto the paper. The precision of these nozzles and the formulation of the pigment ink are critical for achieving high-quality prints with sharp details and vibrant colors. While historically pigment inks were associated with a slightly less vibrant color gamut compared to dye inks, modern advancements have significantly narrowed this gap, offering excellent color reproduction. However, pigment printers can sometimes be more expensive than dye-based printers, and the initial cost of pigment inks can also be higher.