Pigmented / non-pigmented ink (dye ink)

Non-pigmented

Ink (dye ink) is in principle chemically dyed, that is, the color particles are molecules and so seen not tangible, because too small. In pigmented ink, the parts responsible for the color are so large that you can theoretically touch them individually. Let's agree on the word color particles. This brings us to the difference: It is in the nature of non-pigmented inks that they are unstable, especially they are very sensitive to UV light. At some point, the ink decomposes and then the image changes color, so to speak. There are big differences from ink manufacturer to ink manufacturer in this point. All refill inks sold by OCTOPUS® meet maximum quality requirements. Our products ink manufacturers have been extensively tested. Only inks that meet our high standards have been included in our range.

Pigmented inks do not have the disadvantage of being sensitive to UV light, the color particles are much more stable and are much more difficult to remove once the color has dried. Octopus-Fluids inks are available as pigmented and dye inks. The decision which ink is right for your printer should not be made arbitrarily. The printer manufacturers have already designed the print heads to use the appropriate ink. Use only the ink that has been developed for your printer type or cartridge type. You can request a compatibility list for the matching premium inks we offer from us at any time.

Recently, semi-pigmented inks have come into fashion. At a price of about 15,-€ per liter, these give the impression that it is a cheap pigmented ink. In fact, however, it is a mixture of dye-based and pigment ink, with the proportion of pigment ink being kept as low as possible. The aim is to undercut the price of the more expensive 100% pigmented ink. This trend will gradually be followed by all manufacturers. But beware: semi-pigmented ink loses significant quality features compared to 100% pigmented ink. Lightfastness and water resistance are no longer a given with these inks. The only thing that remains is the name pigment ink.