Inks Used in Large Format Printing

Inks Used in <span>Large Format Printing</span>

Speedpro East Bay prides itself on our inks used in large format printing and the sustainability factor. Many types of printers still today use solvent inks which are harmful to not only your health but the environment as well. The types of inks that we use include:

  • UV-Curable
  • Latex

In particular, the ink colors involved include:

  • Traditional CMYK
  • Light Cyan
  • Light Magenta
  • White

Our printing process uses CMYK which stands for cyan, magenta, yellow, and black. However, we also use light cyan and light magenta which give us limitless color potential. We even have the option of white ink when requested which is definitely more specialty. This is only really needed on materials like clear films, glass, acrylic, or any other material that doesn’t have a white point to it.

Which Printer Uses Which Ink?

SpeedPro East Bay has two types of printers; a latex printer, and a flatbed printer. The latex printer uses latex inks of course which prints on our rolled materials. These include posters, vinyl, banners, and more. Wall wraps, floor graphics, vehicle wraps, and window graphics are also printed on our latex printer which offers year-round durability and vividness. The image won’t fade after years in the sun and the colors won’t run if they come in contact with water. This ink sticks to the surface of the material and when a laminate is added, it then becomes scratch-resistant too.

Our specific Latex printer uses an optimizer which is sprayed onto the surface before the ink. This essentially creates a primer level which ensures that the ink will stick. In addition, our latex inks are Greenguard certified meaning that they’re healthier for the environment. This type of ink is water-based which also helps to produce odorless prints and provides an overall healthier print production process.

Our flatbed machine uses UV-curable inks which means that the ink is “cured” by being exposed to UV light. Our flatbed printer prints on rigid substrates such as coroplast, PVC, foamcore, glass, metal, and wood to name a few. The UV ink dries through a photomechanical process where the ink is exposed to the UV lights. This then turns the liquid form into a solid onto the surface of the substrate. This type of ink dries immediately so you don’t have to worry about it taking time to dry as it’s coming out of the printer. Because of this curing process, the thin layer of ink that has hardened serves as a top layer to the substrate and will last for years to come. This is ideal for outdoor signage and other long-term signage that may be exposed to sun or rain.

SpeedPro East Bay and Eco-Friendly Inks in Large Format Printing

Printing cannot be done without using inks and often those inks can be toxic to the environment which contributes to pollution, climate change, and of course damaging to people’s health. In an effort to keep our studio as environmentally sustainable as possible, we hold our eco-friendly inks at a higher standard. The latex inks that are EcoLogo certified are proven to be less harmful to the environment than other types of inks making them a great alternative. Our UV-resistant inks convey any message vividly onto any substrate that will make your advertisement stand out.

Our studio is ready to help with any project no matter what type of surface you’re looking to print on. We will make sure that it gets done correctly and using only the latest and greenest technology and materials. If you’re ready to get started on your next project give us a call at 510.974.7369 or request a quote.

speedpro ink

SpeedPro East Bay

Studio Owner

Ed Owens

Hours

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