Introduction When purchasing inkjet inks for industrial printers, especially for CIJ, TIJ, or DOD systems, most buyers focus on the price per liter or cartridge. But what exactly goes into that cost? Why do prices vary so significantly between brands and regions? In this article, we break down the true cost components of industrial inkjet inks, helping you better understand what you’re paying for and where you can optimize your ink sourcing strategy. — 1. Raw Material Costs The largest portion of ink cost comes from its chemical ingredients. These typically include: Solvents such as MEK, ethanol, acetone, or water (depending on the printer type) Dyes and pigments—specialty colorants for visibility, contrast, or UV properties Binders to improve adhesion to different surfaces Surfactants and additives that influence drying time, flow rate, and stability These chemicals must meet purity and performance standards, especially for high-speed printing or food packaging applications. — 2. Packaging and Cartridge Design The second significant cost contributor is packaging, which includes: TIJ or CIJ-compatible cartridges or ink bottles with precise dimensions Anti-leak valves, filters, or smart chip technologies for printer compatibility Sealed containers that ensure ink stability and prevent contamination In TIJ inks, the cartridge may account for up to 30–40% of the total cost due to its design complexity and integration. — 3. Transportation and Storage Industrial inks are often classified as hazardous materials (e.g., Class 3 flammable liquids). This classification requires: Special packaging compliant with UN/DOT/IATA standards Temperature-controlled storage or shipping environments Labeling, customs documentation,

Introduction Inkjet printer ink, particularly for CIJ, TIJ, and DOD technologies, is a carefully engineered chemical formulation. One of the most important but often overlooked properties of ink is its evaporation rate. Fast or uncontrolled evaporation can lead to nozzle clogging, poor print quality, shortened shelf life, and increased waste. This article explores how evaporation rate affects ink performance and outlines best practices for storing ink to preserve its stability and effectiveness. — 1. What Is Ink Evaporation Rate? The evaporation rate refers to the speed at which a liquid component of the ink (typically solvent) converts to vapor and dissipates into the air. In inkjet systems, this rate is carefully balanced to allow quick drying on substrates while avoiding drying inside the nozzle or tubing. CIJ Ink: Usually has a higher evaporation rate due to the use of volatile solvents like MEK or acetone. TIJ Ink: Often water- or ethanol-based with slower evaporation, suitable for thermal control. DOD Ink: May use oil- or UV-based formulations, which evaporate slowly and require post-treatment like UV curing. — 2. Factors Influencing Evaporation 1. Solvent Type Different solvents have different boiling points and vapor pressures. For example, MEK evaporates much faster than ethanol or water. 2. Temperature Higher ambient or storage temperatures accelerate evaporation, which may destabilize ink components over time. 3. Air Exposure Ink exposed to air, especially in improperly sealed containers or systems, will experience solvent loss—leading to thicker ink and nozzle blockages. 4. Humidity Low humidity environments favor faster evaporation.

Introduction The Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) is a critical document for anyone handling inkjet printer inks—especially in industrial environments using CIJ, TIJ, or DOD technologies. An MSDS ensures proper safety practices, regulatory compliance, and informed usage. This article breaks down each section of an MSDS and what it means for users, distributors, and transporters of ink products. — 1. What is an MSDS? An MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) is a standardized document that provides information on the properties of a particular substance. It is designed to inform users about the safe handling, potential hazards, storage, and emergency measures related to the product. MSDS documents are required by OSHA, REACH, GHS, and other global regulations for chemical-containing products like ink. — 2. Structure of an MSDS (Typically 16 Sections) Section 1 – Identification Provides basic details such as product name, manufacturer, and emergency contact. Example: Product Name: CIJ Black Solvent Ink, Manufacturer: Cheef Inkjet, Emergency: +86 181 6857 5767 Section 2 – Hazard Identification Lists potential hazards to health and safety. Includes GHS symbols, hazard statements, and precautionary measures. GHS Symbol: 🔥 (Flammable) Hazard Statement: Highly flammable liquid and vapor Section 3 – Composition / Information on Ingredients Identifies the chemical makeup, including names and concentrations of ingredients. Especially useful when checking for REACH compliance or allergens. MEK: 70% Colorants, Resins: 25% Surfactants: 5% Section 4 – First-Aid Measures Outlines actions to take in case of exposure: inhalation, skin contact, eye contact, ingestion. Eye contact: Rinse thoroughly with water

Introduction When transporting inks and solvents used in CIJ, TIJ, and DOD printers, it is critical to understand their classification under the Dangerous Goods (DG) system. Many of these consumables are considered hazardous by international shipping regulations. This article outlines the DG classes relevant to inkjet printer inks and solvents, the risks they represent, and how to ensure safe and compliant global shipping. — 1. What Are Dangerous Goods (DG)? Dangerous Goods are substances that pose a risk to health, safety, property, or the environment during transport. The United Nations classifies DGs into nine classes based on the type of hazard they present. These classes are regulated globally through transport regulations such as: IATA (Air Transport) IMDG (Sea Freight) ADR (Road Transport in Europe) 49 CFR (U.S. DOT regulations) — 2. Which DG Class Do Inks Belong To? Most solvent-based inks used in Continuous Inkjet (CIJ) and Drop-On-Demand (DOD) systems fall under: Class 3 – Flammable Liquids Typical UN Number: UN1210 (Printing Ink), UN1263 (Paint Related Material) Packing Group: II or III depending on flash point and volatility Examples: MEK-based ink, acetone-based cleaner, ethanol-containing ink These inks contain volatile solvents with flash points below 60°C, which makes them flammable and thus regulated under Class 3. — 3. What About TIJ and Water-Based Inks? Thermal Inkjet (TIJ) inks and water-based formulations typically do not fall under DG classification due to their non-flammable, low-toxicity nature. They often do not require UN numbers or hazard labels. However, it’s important to check the ink’s

Introduction In the industrial coding and marking industry, Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)—also known as Safety Data Sheets (SDS)—are essential documents for anyone handling inkjet printer inks. These sheets provide critical safety, chemical, and regulatory information that ensures proper usage, transport, storage, and disposal. Whether you’re working with CIJ, TIJ, or DOD inks, understanding the MSDS is not only important for compliance but also for operational safety and customer assurance. — 1. What Is an MSDS? An MSDS (or SDS under GHS) is a technical document prepared by the ink manufacturer that contains detailed information about the chemical composition, hazards, safety precautions, and regulatory guidelines of a specific substance. For inkjet printer inks, this includes the base ink, solvents, additives, and any associated cleaning fluids. — 2. Why MSDS Is Important for Inkjet Inks Health and Safety: Identifies toxic, irritant, or flammable components and outlines necessary PPE (Personal Protective Equipment). Transportation Compliance: Required for shipping hazardous materials under UN, IMDG, IATA, and DOT standards. Storage Instructions: Informs temperature control, ventilation, and incompatible substances. Accident Response: Provides first-aid, spill cleanup, and fire-fighting procedures. Environmental Protection: Warns of substances harmful to aquatic or air quality and outlines disposal methods. — 3. Sections of a Typical Ink MSDS Identification: Product name, ink type (e.g., solvent-based CIJ), and manufacturer contact info Hazards Identification: Physical and health risks like flammability or inhalation danger Composition/Information on Ingredients: Chemical identities and concentration percentages First-Aid Measures: Instructions for skin/eye contact, inhalation, or ingestion Fire-Fighting Measures: Suitable extinguishing methods