Introduction
In industrial coding and marking, ink selection is as critical as the printing technology itself. The right ink formulation ensures durability, adhesion, readability, and compliance with industry standards. From high-speed continuous inkjet (CIJ) printing to thermal inkjet (TIJ) and UV-curable applications, selecting the appropriate ink type directly impacts production efficiency and product integrity.
At USInks.com, we supply high-quality industrial inks and solvents from Leibinger, Squid Ink, and Norwix—leaders in reliable, high-performance coding and marking solutions. This white paper provides an in-depth look at the various ink types, their applications, advantages, and compatibility with different substrates.
1. Leibinger Industrial Inks & Solvents
1.1 Continuous Inkjet (CIJ) Inks
Leibinger produces high-performance CIJ inks designed for use in Leibinger’s continuous inkjet printers, ensuring optimal print quality, adhesion, and longevity.
Types of CIJ Inks from Leibinger:
✅ MEK-Based Inks – Fast-drying, high-contrast inks used for non-porous materials like plastics, glass, metals, and films.
✅ Ethanol-Based Inks – Less volatile alternative to MEK, offering good adhesion on porous and non-porous surfaces.
✅ Acetone-Based Inks – Ultra-fast drying with exceptional adhesion, used in high-speed production lines.
✅ Pigmented Inks – Designed for high-contrast printing on dark or colored backgrounds, commonly used in automotive, electronics, and aerospace industries.
✅ Food-Grade Inks – Compliant with food safety regulations, ideal for direct or indirect food packagingapplications.
✅ UV-Readable Inks – Invisible under normal light but fluoresces under UV light, used for anti-counterfeiting and security marking.
1.2 Leibinger Solvents & Additives
Leibinger solvents are used for printhead cleaning and ink dilution in CIJ printers, ensuring consistent performance and preventing nozzle clogs.
✅ Make-up Solvents – Used to maintain viscosity and extend ink life in continuous operation.
✅ Cleaning Solutions – Essential for preventing dried ink buildup, keeping printheads clear for consistent performance.
Best Applications for Leibinger Inks & Solvents:
✔ High-speed beverage and food packaging
✔ Printing on plastic, metal, glass, and flexible packaging
✔ Traceability codes, expiration dates, and batch numbers
2. Squid Ink Industrial Inks & Solvents
2.1 CIJ, DOD, and High-Resolution Inkjet Inks
Squid Ink provides a diverse ink portfolio for CIJ (continuous inkjet), DOD (drop-on-demand), and high-resolution inkjet printing applications.
Types of Squid Ink Industrial Inks:
✅ CIJ Solvent-Based Inks – Compatible with Squid Ink’s continuous inkjet printers, available in MEK, ethanol, and acetone-based formulas for quick drying and superior adhesion.
✅ DOD Large Character Inks – Used for case coding and secondary packaging, with options in solvent-based, oil-based, and pigmented formulations.
✅ UV-Curable Inks – Designed for high-resolution UV inkjet printing, providing instant curing and superior adhesion on coated and non-porous surfaces.
✅ Water-Based Inks – Ideal for corrugated cases, paper-based substrates, and porous materials, offering low-VOC emissions and environmentally friendly printing.
2.2 Squid Ink Solvents & Cleaners
✅ Make-Up Fluids – Maintain ink viscosity and proper formulation in CIJ systems.
✅ Cleaning Solutions – Designed for removing dried ink and preventing printhead blockages.
✅ Specialty Additives – Used to enhance ink properties, improve adhesion, and ensure consistent performance across different environmental conditions.
Best Applications for Squid Ink Products:
✔ Industrial coding for packaging, wood, and metal parts
✔ Large character case coding & pallet marking
✔ UV-cured product marking for high-resolution graphics
3. Norwix Aqueous Inks
3.1 Aqueous TIJ Inks
Norwix specializes in aqueous-based thermal inkjet (TIJ) inks, used in high-resolution product marking, barcode printing, and secondary packaging applications. These inks are designed for use in Norwix TIJ printers, offering exceptional print quality with minimal maintenance.
Types of Norwix Aqueous Inks:
✅ Standard Aqueous Inks – Water-based formulations for porous surfaces like cardboard, paper, and wood.
✅ Fast-Dry Aqueous Inks – Developed for semi-porous materials, allowing for quicker absorption and reduced smudging.
✅ Food-Grade Aqueous Inks – Certified for direct food contact or indirect packaging applications, ensuring safe and compliant marking.
✅ High-Contrast Pigmented Aqueous Inks – Formulated for dark surfaces, providing strong readability even in low-light conditions.
3.2 Advantages of Norwix Aqueous Inks
✅ Environmentally Friendly – No volatile organic compounds (VOCs), reducing emissions and workplace hazards.
✅ No Solvent Maintenance – Unlike CIJ systems, TIJ does not require solvent flushing or regular viscosity adjustments.
✅ High Resolution – Up to 600 dpi, ensuring clear, readable barcodes and text.
Best Applications for Norwix Aqueous Inks:
✔ High-quality carton and case coding
✔ Food and beverage secondary packaging
✔ Warehouse and logistics barcode printing
4. Choosing the Right Ink for Your Application
Each industrial ink formulation is designed to meet specific performance requirements, from fast-drying high-speed coding to UV-resistant, durable marking for outdoor applications. Below is a quick comparison of the available ink types from Leibinger, Squid Ink, and Norwix.
| Ink Type | Leibinger (CIJ) | Squid Ink (CIJ, DOD, UV) | Norwix (TIJ) |
|---|---|---|---|
| MEK-Based | ✅ Fast-drying, high adhesion | ✅ Used for fast-dry CIJ marking | ❌ Not Available |
| Ethanol-Based | ✅ Moderate-dry alternative | ✅ Lower VOC alternative | ❌ Not Available |
| Acetone-Based | ✅ Ultra-fast drying | ✅ High-speed marking | ❌ Not Available |
| Pigmented Inks | ✅ High-contrast for dark surfaces | ✅ DOD and large character printing | ✅ Water-based pigmented for porous surfaces |
| Food-Grade Inks | ✅ FDA-compliant inks available | ✅ Food-safe options for TIJ & CIJ | ✅ Safe for direct food contact |
| UV-Curable Inks | ❌ Not Available | ✅ Used in Squid Ink UV LED printers | ❌ Not Available |
| Water-Based Aqueous Inks | ❌ Not Available | ✅ For case coding | ✅ High-resolution for porous surfaces |
Conclusion: USInks.com – Your Trusted Source for Industrial Inks & Solvents
Selecting the right ink or solvent is critical for achieving optimal print performance, longevity, and compliance. Whether you need high-speed CIJ inks, durable solvent-based formulations, UV-curable inks, or eco-friendly aqueous solutions, USInks.com offers top-tier products from Leibinger, Squid Ink, and Norwix.
Our team provides expert guidance on ink selection, troubleshooting, and system integration to ensure that your coding and marking operations run smoothly and efficiently.
📞 Contact USInks.com today for all your industrial ink and solvent needs! 🚀
