Q: Consumables Ink

• Q.

  What are the components of ink?

  A.

  Ink can be a complex mixture, containing a variety of substances such as solvents, resins, alcohol, lubricants, carbon, pigments, dyes, aniline, dextrine, glycerine, fluorescents and other materials.

• Q.

  What are printing consumables?

  A.

  Printer consumables are the small parts and materials needed to keep your printer running. They can include ink, toner, paper, and other accessories. Inkjet printers use ink cartridges to store the printing fluid. The average cartridge holds about 200 pages of printing material.

- UV Ink ( EPSON/RICOH/KYOCERA/KONICA)

• Q.

  What is the difference between UV ink and regular ink?

  A.

  Difference between traditional ink and uv ink: Simply put, the biggest difference between the two types of ink is in the way of drying and printing, the traditional ink printing after printing on the paper will be sprayed with a layer of powder, so that the paper and paper overlap in the middle of a layer of diaphragm.

• Q.

  How long does UV ink last?

  A.

  5 to 8 years

  How Long Do They Last? UV tattoos generally last 5 to 8 years, since the ink used is thinner and of a different quality than a regular tattoo. This can actually be a good thing since you won't have to wait too long to get rid of a UV tattoo, just long enough for it to dissipate into your body.

• Q.

  What are the benefits of UV ink?

  A.

  A huge advantage of using ultraviolet ink is its ability to dry almost instantaneously. The light cures the ink extremely quickly, allowing the entire printing process to become more efficient. It also reduces the possibility of unwanted quality issues, such as offsetting or ghosting.

• Q.

  Is UV ink waterproof?

  A.

  Durability: UV-cured ink is water resistant and is also less likely to scratch or scuff.

• Q.

  How do you store UV ink?

  A.

  UV inks and materials should be used and stored in well-ventilated areas. UV inks should be stored in sealed plastic containers in a dark, cool environment at 80℉ or below.

- Solvent Ink  (FUJIDIMATIX STARFIRE / KONICA)

• Q.

  What is a solvent ink?

  A.

  Solvent inks are generally pigment inks. They contain pigments rather than dyes but unlike aqueous inks, where the carrier is water, solvent inks contain oil or alcohol instead which edge their way into the media and produce a more permanent image.

• Q.

  What is the difference between pigment ink and solvent ink?

  A.

  Solvent inks refer to a category of inks that are solvent-based rather than water-based. They are more durable than pigment or dye inks and are suitable for printing on a wider variety of substrates, which makes them well-suited for outdoor signage or signs that need to last a long time.

• Q.

  What is the difference between solvent ink and UV ink?

  A.

  So, compared to solvent printing, UV printing has proven to triumph. Offering wider colour ranges, improved detailing, safer printing, sharper images and faster printing, it's no surprise that more businesses than ever before are opting for UV printers over solvent printing.

- Eco-Solvent Ink (EPSON DX5/DX7/i3200)

• Q.

  What is eco-solvent ink?

  A.

  Eco-solvent inks have colours which are suspended in a mild biodegradable solvent, which means that the ink has virtually no odour as they don't contain as many volatile organic compounds. They've been around since the early 2000s and originally were designed for general signage work.

• Q.

  Does eco solvent ink fade?

  A.

  Eco-solvent ink is a type of ink that is designed to last longer and be more durable than many other types of inks. It is designed to be resistant to fading, water, and other environmental factors which can cause other types of inks to deteriorate.

• Q.

  What is the difference between eco solvent ink and pigment ink?

  A.

  Solvent inks refer to a category of inks that are solvent-based rather than water-based. They are more durable than pigment or dye inks and are suitable for printing on a wider variety of substrates, which makes them well-suited for outdoor signage or signs that need to last a long time.

- Sublimation Ink (EPSON DX5/DX7/i3200 )

• Q.

  What is the difference between sublimation ink and regular printer ink?

  A.

  The dye-sublimation process transfers the dye into the substrate rather than depositing it on the surface, resulting in a more permanent image. In addition, because the dye-sublimation process uses heat to vaporise the ink, dye-sublimation ink can produce higher-resolution prints than inkjet.

• Q.

  What is special about sublimation ink?

  A.

  Benefits and Disadvantages to Sublimation Printing

  Because the ink is now part of the material, it won't peel off or crack like other processes. Unlike screenprinting, sublimation printing is customizable, as you are making the design whatever you want it to be, then transferring the design onto the clothing.

• Q.

  Is sublimation worth it?

  A.

  Sublimation print quality is outstanding. You can print fine lines and details in multiple colors that will be vibrant and sharp. Since the color is embedded into fabric fibers, it doesn't wash out easily, and it doesn't crack or peel. A sublimation print is durable and long-lasting.

- LATEX Ink (EPSON i3200)

• Q.

  What is latex ink?

  A.

  Eco-conscious water-based ink.

  Unlike solvent inks, the latex ink has low-VOC emissions. Pigments are dissolved by resins in water instead of solvents. The odor is remarkably reduced. No special ventilation is required for installing the printer.

• Q.

  What are the benefits of latex inks?

  A.

  HP Latex Inks provide outdoor durability and versatility across all common media types used in sign and display applications together with high quality, odorless prints, low maintenance, and the reduced environmental impact of water-based inks.

• Q.

  What is the difference between pigment based ink and latex ink?

  A.

  Latex inks are like aqueous-based pigmented inks, however the difference is they also contain small particles of latex, which is a form of plastic. 

  Once applied to paper, heat is used to evaporate away the water, leaving just the pigment and latex particles on the paper surface.

• Q.

  Is latex ink waterproof?

  A.

  HP Latex Inks provide the environmental credentials to give your customers confidence in your eco-conscious products. HP Latex prints can be used in schools, healthcare facilities, and other sensitive environments. HP Latex protects against light-fade, scratch and abrasion, and water and chemical damage.

- UV DTF Ink  (EPSON i3200)

• Q.

  What is UV DTF ink?

  A.

  UV DTF (Direct-to-Film) Printing is an innovative printing process that utilizes a UV printer to print directly to film without the need for ink or toner. This process offers many advantages, including increased durability and affordability, over traditional printing methods.

• Q.

  What's the difference between UV DTF and DTG?

  A.

  As mentioned above the UV inks are cured by ultraviolet light and DTG inks are cured by heat (heat press, tunnel or box dryers). Why the difference? DTG inks are water based and contain polymers that are activated by heat which “set” the inks into the fabric that is being printed on.

• Q.

  Does UV DTF need heat?

  A.

  It does not require heat pressure, just finger pressure, and after a few seconds the 'B' film is peeled off and the design is successfully transferred to the substrate.

• Q.

  How durable is UV DTF?

  A.

  Durability of DTF and UV DTF:

  Generally, DTF prints are durable and can withstand regular washing and wear. UV DTF: UV DTF prints tend to be more durable due to the instantaneous curing of the UV-curable inks, resulting in better adhesion to the substrate.

- DTF Ink  (EPSON i3200)

• Q.

  What is DTF ink?

  A.

  DTF Ink is used to print to DTF Film creating Direct to Film Transfers - and can be done via the use of a DTG or DTF printer.

• Q.

  How long does DTF ink last?

  A.

  Key points: Factors for DTF Transfer Durability: DTF prints last 2 to 5 years, influenced by material quality, fabric type, and care routine. Quality Materials and Application: Use specialized DTF ink and apply with correct settings, including temperature and pressure, and follow peeling instructions.

• Q.

  Is DTF ink the same as DTG ink?

  A.

  DTG printing equipment involves modified inkjet technology that applies water-based inks directly to a garment. DTF printing equipment places ink on a special transfer film that is then applied to a garment with a heat press.

• Q.

  Is DTF ink safe?

  A.

  Yes, DTF POWDER AND INK ARE SAFE TO HANDLE AND USE.

- Cleaning Solution (UV/ ECO-SOLVENT/SOLVENT/LATEX)

• Q.

  How do you make ink cleaner?

  A.

  You can buy a specialty printhead cleaner kit with a cleaning solution, but it's not really necessary. For water based inks, a soap and water solution will suffice (half a cup of distilled water with a drop of dishwashing liquid and an ounce of isopropyl alcohol).

• Q.

  What is ink cleaning solution?

  A.

  Normally, solutions of acetone, Isopropyl alcohol, water, or ammonia are among some solutions which are suggested for printhead cleaning because of considerations of costs, availability, and usability.

MEDIA

- UV DTF Film

• Q.

  What is UV DTF used for?

  A.

  An UV DTF (Direct-To-Film) transfer uses a digital printing technique involving UV-curable ink and a strong adhesive backing. Unlike UV printing directly onto a substrate, UV DTF printing allows you to print onto an adhesive media creating a sticker like transfer that is instantly cured.

• Q.

  Is UV DTF waterproof?

  A.

  UV DTF prints are generally resistant to water and moisture to some extent. The UV-curable inks used in the process are designed to be durable and provide good water resistance.

• Q.

  Is UV DTF better than DTF?

  A.

  While both UV DTF and DTF transfer stickers are similar in concept, they utilize different printing technologies. UV DTF stands out with additional advantages such as instant drying, water resistance, and durability.

- DTF PET Film

• Q.

  What is PET film?

  A.

  PET film (Polyethylene terephthalate, often abbreviated PET) is the work horse of the polyester film family. It is the most common thermoplastic polymer that is used in fibers for clothing, containers for liquids and foods as well as thermoforming in manufacturing.

  What is the difference between DTF and PET film?

  Compared with common PET Film, DTF Film has a special ink-absorbing coating. As a result, films often appear to have a matte frosted finish rather than being transparent. Unprocessed, low-quality films may be cheaper, but they may foul, stick, or damage your clothing.

• Q.

  What does PET film mean?

  A.

  Polyethylene Terephthalate

  PET stands for Polyethylene Terephthalate. It's often referred to by its common name, Polyester, but in the flexible packaging world it's better known as PET. PET is a thermoplastic-engineered film, which means it can be formed and manipulated in different ways when a specific heat source is applied to it.

- DTF Powder

• Q.

  What is DTF powder used for?

  A.

  It is commonly used in applications where the printed material needs to be stretchable, such as sportswear and activewear. PES DTF powder is ideal for prints on polyester fabrics. It provides excellent color vibrancy and adhesion, making it a popular choice for clothing and other polyester-based items.

• Q.

  When to add DTF powder?

  A.

  Once the printing is done with the special inks for DTF, they will remain wet for a few minutes. The transfer powder must be applied, covering the entire surface of the image, forming a thin layer that adheres to the wet ink.

- Gold Lamination Film

• Q.

  What is the purpose of laminating film?

  A.

  Made of plastic, laminating film protects printed materials from scratches, spills, smudges, and UV light. It also protects colors and reduces fading. Laminating a paper material helps avoid damage from water/moisture or from it being handled with oily or dirty hands.

• Q.

  What are the different types of laminating film?

  A.

  Laminating films used in the paper and packaging industries come in many types, the three most common lamination film types being: BOPP, PET and nylon. These three differ from each other when it comes to the applications, price and finish.

• Q.

  What is the process of laminating film?

  A.

  Laminating process is a surface processing process of printing, also known as post-printing plastic, post-printing laminating or post-printing film, refers to the use of laminating machine in the printed surface covered with a layer of 0.012 ~ 0.020mm thick transparent plastic film and the formation of a paper-plastic

- Silver Lamination Film

• Q.

  What is laminating film used?

  A.

  1. In the packaging industry, laminating films can be applied to surfaces such as paper, cardboard, aluminum foil, and biofilm. 2. The films provide food and non-food packaging with barrier properties, improved appearance, and haptic properties – all of which contribute to improving the feel of a surface.

• Q.

  Which is better, laminate or vinyl?

  A.

  Neither type of flooring is better than the other across all categories. Vinyl flooring is best in high-moisture areas and it's easy to keep clean. Yet laminate flooring offers a wider variety of style choices and has a higher resale value.

SPAREPARTS

- PCB

• Q.

  What is meant by PCB?

  A.

  A printed circuit board, or PC board, or PCB, is a non-conductive material with conductive lines printed or etched. Electronic components are mounted on the board and the traces connect the components together to form a working circuit or assembly.

• Q.

  What are PCBs used for?

  A.

  PCBs were used mainly as coolants and lubricants in transformers, capacitors, and other electrical equipment.

• Q.

  What is PCB and its advantages?

  A.

  On a PCB, electronic components are arranged with the least possible distance between them. This significantly reduces electrical noise. Compact size. A simple PCB can accommodate numerous small components. These components are connected using copper rails rather than traditional wires.

- Printhead

• Q.

  What is a printhead in a printer?

  A.

  What is a printhead? The answer is simpler than you may imagine. The printhead is a component in a printer that houses ink cartridges. It's typically located under the cover of your printer, and it can become clogged with ink over time.

• Q.

  How do you remove ink from printhead?

  A.

  Secure the paper towel to the roller with tape. Next, apply distilled water or cleaner to the middle of the sheet. Move the printhead over the towel and leave for at least 10 to 15 minutes. Overtime, you will see ink begin to dissolve and a collection of ink dots appear on the paper towel.

• Q.

  How do you fix a printhead?

  A.

  Printhead nozzles can become blocked over time, with ink residue building up and inhibiting ink flow. Cleaning your printhead is an efficient way to rectify this. This can often be done manually by removing the printhead assembly and gently cleaning it with a lint-free cloth dampened with isopropyl alcohol.

• Q.

  How do I clean a clogged printhead?How to Clean a Printhead for Better Ink Efficiency?

  A.

  Run the “Clean Printhead” function from your computer.

  If the above step doesn't work, open the cover of your printer and then unplug it from the electrical outlet. And then flush the printhead by cleaning solution. And then clean the printhead nozzle panel with lint-free wipers.

  If still doesnot work, please contact Wit-Color service department to get technical support and follow the instructions for printhead maintenance.