Pigmenttiväri

Pigmenttiväri is a Finnish term that translates to pigment ink. It refers to a type of ink where the coloring agent is a solid, insoluble particle, known as a pigment, suspended in a liquid binder. This contrasts with dye-based inks, where the colorant is a soluble molecule that dissolves completely into the liquid.

The use of pigments in ink offers several advantages. Pigment inks are generally more lightfast, meaning they are less prone to fading when exposed to sunlight or UV radiation compared to dye inks. They also exhibit better water resistance, as the insoluble pigment particles do not dissolve or run when wet. This makes pigment inks a popular choice for applications where durability and longevity are important, such as archival printing, outdoor signage, and professional art reproduction.

However, pigment inks can sometimes have a slightly different appearance or texture compared to dye inks. The suspended pigment particles can affect the gloss and vibrancy of the printed image. Furthermore, the manufacturing process for pigment inks can be more complex, potentially leading to higher costs. In printing technology, pigment inks are widely used in various printing methods, including inkjet printing, where they are formulated to flow correctly through printheads while maintaining their stability. The specific properties of the pigment and the binder are crucial in determining the ink's performance and suitability for different printing substrates and applications.