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Latex ink printing vs Solvent based ink printing – What’s best for the job?

Latex ink printing vs Solvent based ink printing – What’s best for the job?

Latex ink printing and solvent ink printing are both used for a diverse range of printing projects and offer similar printing results in terms of maximising image quality and outdoor performance.

Latex ink printing and solvent ink printing are both used for a diverse range of printing projects and offer similar printing results in terms of maximising image quality and outdoor performance.

From printing posters, banners, and general display signs, through to creating vehicle graphics, wall murals, and trade show signage, latex ink printing and solvent based ink printing are used to accommodate a variety of projects across a broad range of sectors.

However, there are a number of differences between latex and solvent based printers. When it comes to choosing the best option for your printing job, it’s important that you understand these differences.

For example, solvent based ink printers tend to be a much better option for achieving optimum results when printing signs and vehicle wraps, whereas, latex based printers tend to be best suited to soft signage and wallpaper.

What is solvent and eco-solvent ink?

Solvent and eco-solvent ink can be used to print a huge range of products, including those that will be used outdoors. Offering exceptional resistance against the elements, solvent ink is not only waterproof, fade proof, and non-absorbent, but it is also scratch resistant, meaning it is a highly durable option for outdoor applications.

On the other hand, eco-solvent ink is an economically sound, non water-based ink made from ether extracts. Printing results are extremely similar however, eco-solvent ink is a better choice for those that are economically conscious.

Examples of solvent based ink printers

Offering effortless performance, superior printing results, and an outstanding finish, you will find a great choice of solvent based ink printers on the market, manufactured from some of the industry’s leading names.

Saving you time, effort, and money when it comes to printing a huge range of outdoor products, there are lots of different models available, including models from HP, Xerox, and Mutoh. All come complete with different features and functions, and the model that is best for you will depend on your business needs.

What is latex printing?

Ideal for a huge variety of indoor and outdoor applications, latex printing will allow you to enjoy highly professional results in optimum time. As a result, more commercial printing companies than ever before are opting for latex printers.

Latex printing involves using print heads to effectively distribute water-based inks onto a diverse range of media. This type of printing is ideal for accommodating everything from custom wallpaper projects, vinyl banners, and posters, through to see through vinyls and photo text.

Examples of latex larger format printers

L115 Print and cut

Offering quick, easy, and affordable latex printing, this HP L115 print and cut solution comes complete with a number of state-of-the-art functions that will allow you to complete every project to the highest possible standard.

Perfectly equipped to accommodate your printing needs when it comes to printing synthetics, wall coverings, papers, self-adhesive vinyls, and a whole host of other media types, this printer will also allow you to manage an integrated workflow from one single point.

L315 Print and cut

The HP L315 print and cut solution is ideal for keeping up with your everyday business demands.

Fast, reliable, and perfectly in tune with the very latest, state-of-the-art technology, this latex printing solution really is top of its class for optimising work flow.

L335 Print and cut

The HP L335 print and cut printer is renowned for accommodating a broad range of applications, allowing you to enjoy the very best results every time.

Fast, reliable, and highly efficient, this HP print and cut solution has the ability to print more applications than ever before including full bleed stickers that won’t shrink or curl.

What to look for when buying a latex or solvent based printer

There are lots of factors to consider when it comes to buying a latex or a solvent based printer.

For example, aside from ensuring that it is fit for purpose, you should also check whether it will be up to scratch in terms of performance, efficiency, productivity, versatility, reliability and average printer lifespan.

But that’s not all… an increasing number of printers are now eco conscious, so it’s important that you also check whether or not the printer adheres to high environmental standard.

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