Mimaki inkjet technology started from a water-based pigment ink
Mimaki water-based pigment ink produces bright colors and has lightfastness. Unlike a water-based dye ink*, pigments exist in water at larger particle levels; therefore, the pigment ink is not easily decomposed by light. In 1996, Mimaki developed the first wide-format inkjet printer in the industry for pigment ink. Fade-resistant pigment ink prints showed high outdoor durability with laminating. The innovative pigment ink printer took the outdoor signage market by storm. *Water-based dye ink: Dyes are dissolved in water at the molecular level.
The water-based pigment ink utilizes larger particles of its coloring material.
The difference between the dye and pigment ink is the particle size of the coloring material. In dye ink, particles are dissolved in water at a molecular level, and they have less effect on nozzles and print heads. On the other hand, the coloring material of pigment ink is in water in at the particle level. Because of the larger pigment particles, the pigment ink prints have higher durability and weatherability.
Mechanism of the water-based pigment ink adhesion
Emergence of the industrial wide-format inkjet printer
In the 1990’s, dye and pigment inks were already used for home/office use in small inkjet printers, depending on their application. Mimaki developed the first wide-format inkjet printer for water-based pigment ink by utilizing machine and ink development technologies and launched it in 1996.
Mimaki’s wide-format printer brought innovation to signage manufacturers
Our wide-format printer had a big impact on the signage industry. A wide-range of applications including posters and displays can be made by direct printing, and the prints have a high weatherability.
*When using the water-based pigment ink, please print on the dedicated media with ink-receptive layers to maintain the adhesion of pigment components, and laminate the print media when it is used for outdoor displays.