There are a range of inks that combine a more ecologically friendly profile and efficient processing time. Their proponents speak in glowing terms of their improved durability, and the pleasing finish they can provide for print materials. These latex-based inks are being adopted by a range of large and small businesses for many different purposes. At Southern California Graphics, we have worked with an extensive range of latex-based and solvent-based inks, among others. We can provide our thoughts on the merits of latex inks and their best potential uses.
What is Latex Ink?
Latex ink is a broad term which describes a pigmented water-based polymer. The name suggests that it’s composed of natural rubber from the latex producing rubber tree. However, it’s actually synthetically produced. This is good news for those with allergies to natural latex, as the inks will not trigger allergic reactions. The polymer, which is actually globules suspended in water, turns into a film when exposed to a source of moderate heat. This process is called ‘curing’. Latex printers generate the heat that can turn the polymer into a dry film. The temperature generally used is 60℃, or 140℉. This is one factor in why latex ink is quicker to process than solvent ink. Solvent ink has a composition which requires a slower curing process. Latex ink also works differently to UV curable inks. As the name suggests, they only cure under exposure to UV light, not temperature.
Latex Inks vs Solvent Inks
What other properties do latex inks offer when compared to solvent inks? They have been extensively tested against many other varieties, including eco-conscious ink. They exhibit a number of pros and cons. Firstly, they demonstrate a decent level of resistance to fading, particularly when laminated. This is important for print materials that may be exposed to direct sunlight, such as outdoor banners, billboards, and the like. If your latex ink print materials will be exposed to stress for over a month, we recommend they be laminated. This includes elements like inclement weather or prolonged direct sunlight. If your materials will be exposed for more than six months, we consider lamination to be more or less mandatory. The most modern generation of HP latex inks are more scratch resistant than comparable eco-friendly ink. Latex prints display a similar level of durability to solvent prints. In addition, when printed to vinyl, latex inks display an impressive resistance to water and standard chemical cleaning agents. Another notable eco-friendly credential of HP’s latex inks is that their printer cartridges are made of recycled card.
Eco-conscious Ink
Latex inks have other beneficial properties besides their resilience. Even inks used in eco-solvent printers struggle with their VOC (volatile organic compound) output. In tests of corrosiveness, even mild solvent ink corroded its way through plastic gloves in under a minute. So-called eco-friendly ink took approximately four and a half minutes. Latex ink did not penetrate the gloves in over ten minutes. They are far safer for printing staff to work around. Additionally, because they are quicker to completely dry, what VOC output they do have is easier to manage. Solvent-based ink can, even when dry to the touch, not completely dry for over 24 hours. This can be problematic when storing prints in rolls. Rolled prints that are not completely dry will retain their airborne VOCs until unrolled. This is typically by the client, which exposes them to hazardous chemicals. This can be problematic for print materials that are going to be displayed in spaces where food is prepared or sold. We recommend using latex inks for print media that will be displayed in restaurants or food stores. Earlier generations of latex ink have required higher curing temperatures which necessitated a larger energy expenditure. However, the most recent wave of latex inks are more energy efficient. HP’s latex inks have been been awarded the UL ECOLOGO and GREENGUARD Gold certifications. This means that as well as having a reduced environmental impact, they are acceptable to use in schools and hospitals.
Latex Ink Printers
Latex printers work differently to laser printers or inkjet printers. One important distinction is that HP’s latex ink printers don’t offer white ink options. The chemical configuration of white ink is denser and therefore more prone to clog print heads. However, there are other latex ink printer manufacturers that can accommodate white ink: Mimaki and Roland, for a start. One of the benefits of latex ink printers is that they can print to a wide range of media. That makes the technology highly suited to vinyl banners, soft signage, custom wallpaper, and similar projects. It is a popular choice for interior decor such as window coverings, upholstery, and the like. That said, latex ink is a suboptimal choice for printing to fabric intended for repeated washing (such as clothing). While fairly resilient, the ink will not withstand multiple wash cycles well. It is best to play to latex inks’ strengths when using them. Latex ink printers are highly suitable for large format and wide format printing. Some projects that are possible with the correct combination of substrate and latex ink are listed below:
- Vehicle wraps
- Fence wraps
- Wallpaper
- Wall murals
- Banners
- Backlit graphics
- Flags
- Stickers
- Trade show signage
- Window graphics
- Garage doors
The versatility of latex ink printers makes them a highly desirable choice for clients who require a variety of media from their print company.
Industry Trends
There is a general pivot in the printing industry away from traditional solvent ink printers. Where customers need a lightning-fast turnaround for immediate use, latex ink printers are favored. Other reasons why people are moving away from solvent printers towards ink printers:
- Easier to personalize – if you need indoor or outdoor-ready materials, latex ink printers can easily adapt.
- Fewer environmental issues related to disposal – between reduced VOCs and recyclable latex ink cartridges, latex ink printers are easier to work with.
- Versatile and flexible – you can do more with latex ink in terms of substrates.
This is not to say that solvent ink printers have been obsoleted. For some purposes, such as high definition prints that don’t require weather or scratch proofing, solvent based inks are best. However, there is more and more of a demand for latex ink solutions among consumers.
Southern California Graphics and the Environment
Southern California Graphics is a family-owned and operated business. Because of that, we have a special interest in preserving the natural beauty and climate of our magnificent region. This extends to our company’s use of latex inks. The reduced VOCs of latex inks are an important factor in our use of them. In addition, we practice a policy of reduction of office waste and production by-products. We endeavor to recycle what waste we do produce, and minimize our energy consumption. As well as reducing our electricity costs, it decreases the size of our carbon footprint. We strive to offer environmentally friendly substrates wherever possible. Additionally, we inform our customers how best to deploy our products to prevent misuse and waste. It’s all part of our company’s policy of efficiency.
If you would like to enquire with SCG about our latex ink options, we’d love to hear from you. You can call on 310-928-2121 to find out more.
