The Influence of Diluted Inks and Drying on the Lightfastness of Dye Based Ink-Jet Prints

摘要

Since the market introduction of several wide-format ink-jet printer models, that offer 6-12 different ink channels, the use of diluted inks (mostly cyan and magenta) has become widespread. Main advantage of such a printer is an improved print quality in highlights. However, the challenge for ink and media developers to keep lightfastness and image permanence with these systems on a constant high level has often been underestimated. In diluted inks, the ratio of solvent to dye increases considerably. For the same image, more ink is applied, with a direct consequence on dot pattern and, as will be shown, on lightfastness of single colors and via catalytic fading on mixed colors. A large part of professionally made prints are laminated for better protection. Higher throughputs, faster printers and porous, "fast-dry" media mislead to shorter waiting times between printing and lamination. This can have a severe impact on lightfastness.