Photorealistic ink‐jet digital printing – factors influencing image quality, image stability and print durability

Abstract

Digital cameras have now replaced film-based cameras as the most popular method of still image capture. As a consequence, there has been a rise in growth of the photo-realistic digital-printer market as many amateur and professional photographers choose to produce their own hard copy images. The most popular digital printing technology for producing photo-realistic images is currently drop-ondemand ink jet. There has been much research into key factors influencing the quality, stability and durability of images produced using this, and other, digital printing technologies. A key area of study in achieving photo-realistic images from digital printing systems has been ink-receivable layers and dye/ pigment colorants, and most importantly compatibility between the two. As with any new technology it is important to achieve an acceptable standard of performance and, to this end, research work has been instigated by the International Standards Institute since the mid-1990s, to achieve a set of standards appertaining to areas such as light fastness, water fastness, thermal stability, humidity fastness and pollution susceptibility. This paper reviews the current state regarding the aforementioned areas with respect to their influence on print quality, stability and durability.

Investigation of the Effect of Different Screening Methods on Print Quality in Digital Printing System

“…It primarily involves pigment, resin and process acceleration additives. When combined or shaken by a triboelectric impact, the toner particles become electrically charged [6]. The composition of the toner contributes not only to its imaging properties but also to maintaining and controlling charging properties.…”

Development of Solvent-Free Offset Ink Using Vegetable Oil Esters and High Molecular-Weight Resin

“…This means that better compatibility of the resin maintains a stable ink-water balance on the printing press. Kazlauciunas 15 showed that the compatibility of the ink components improved the ink stability. Figure 2 shows the changes in the elastic modulus and viscous modulus of inks with varying shear stress.…”

The role of colorants in the generation, storage, and output of digital still images

“…CI Direct Blue 199. Other dyes that have been previously used are well documented [47][48][49][50], as are other currently used dyes [43,51].…”

“…CI Pigment Blue 15:3, CI Pigment Red 122, CI Pigment Yellow 74, CI Pigment Violet 19, and CI Pigment Black 7. Other pigments that are currently used, and others that are being actively promoted, have been documented .…”