Solvent printing or so-called Solvent is a printing technique using an inkjet plotter. In this method, traditional aqueous ink has been replaced by pigment solvent ink, which is obtained on the basis of organic solvents. This is one of the most popular large format printing techniques that allows printing on unlimited surfaces. This print is resistant to atmospheric factors, including UV radiation. We divide the solvent printing technology due to the ink used for it. Depending on the amount of solvent contained in the ink base and durability of the printout, it is divided into:

  • Hard solvent, which is the most toxic of all types of solvent. It contains the largest amount of cyclohexanol harmful to health and the environment, but it is also the most durable of the solvent inks. Its durability is estimated at about 3-7 years. The advantages of this type of printing include no need to laminate prints. In addition, it is resistant to discoloration, water and abrasion. Solvent prints usually have a resolution of 360 dpi.
  • Mild solvent, in which the content of cyclohexanol is much lower than that of hard solvent. For this reason, it is less harmful, but on the other hand it is more susceptible to abrasion and scratches, and is also less durable (approx. 2 years). This type of print usually requires lamination. Mildsolvent prints have a resolution of 720 dpi.
  • Eco solvent, as the name suggests, unlike the two types mentioned above, is harmless to health and the environment. Its additional advantage is the absence of an irritating odor, which is a characteristic feature of hard solvent and mild solvent. It does not contain toxic cyclohexanol, and its recipe is based on lactic acid, therefore in printers that use it there is no need to install air extracts. In addition to numerous advantages, this ink also has its disadvantages, i.e. lower resistance to external conditions (UV radiation, water) and mechanical damage (durability is estimated at less than 2 years), the need for lamination, and a higher price. Ecosolvent prints have a resolution above 1000 dpi.

If you would like to learn more about solvent printing, write to us at biuro@jardcreative.com - we will gladly answer all your questions!