Best Pigment Ink Printers for Business

Choosing pigment ink printers can be a tricky task. Here is an informative guide on what to look for. Pigment printers are a great option if you want prints that will last very long. Researching printers is the best thing to do before buying one. This article will explore the top pigment ink printers for business use, their features, pros and cons, and important factors to consider before purchasing.

Pigment Ink Printer

Pigment ink printers produce vibrant, fade-resistant, and water-resistant prints. Unlike dye-based inks that are absorbed into the paper, pigment inks sit on the surface, creating sharp and crisp images. These printers are top-rated in industries where print longevity and durability are crucial.

Top 5 Best Pigment Ink Printers for Business

1. Afinia F502 Fanfold Pigment Label Printer

Print Quality:

With the Afinia F502, you can expect vibrant colors and exceptional print quality.

Speed:

This printer boasts impressive printing speed, ensuring efficient label production.

Connectivity:

Your workflow can be seamlessly integrated with USB and Ethernet connectivity.

Printing Cost:

In addition to printing labels in bulk at an affordable price, this printer is perfect for companies with a large label printing requirement.

Ease of Use:

Anyone can operate it efficiently thanks to its user-friendly interface and simple controls.

Key Features:

• High-resolution printing
• Fanfold labels for continuous printing
• Precision label cutting
• Dual-ink cartridges for enhanced color gamut
• Durable pigment ink formulation (BS5609-certified pigment inks)

Pros:

• Excellent print quality
• Fast printing speed
• Versatile connectivity options

Cons:

• Slightly bulky design

2. NeuraLabel Callisto 12″ Wide Pigment Industrial Label Printer

Print Quality:

The NeuraLabel Callisto delivers sharp and high-resolution prints suitable for industrial applications.

Speed:

It can produce labels in large quantities thanks to its quick printing speed.

Connectivity:

Equipped with USB and Ethernet connectivity options, it integrates seamlessly into various setups.

Printing Cost:

Cost-effective printing is achieved through its pigment ink efficiency.

Ease of Use:

Operation and label customization are made simpler by its user-friendly interface.

Key Features:

• Wide-format printing
• High-resolution industrial printing
• Robust and durable construction
• Pigment ink technology for longevity
• Water-resistant pigment ink
• Versatile media compatibility

Pros:

• High-quality industrial prints
• Fast printing speed (18 inches per second)
• Wide-format support

Cons:

• The relatively higher initial cost

3. Primera LX3000 Pigment Label Printer with Big Ink

Print Quality:

The Primera LX3000 offers professional-grade print quality, suitable for various labeling applications.

Speed:

It strikes a balance between print speed and quality, ensuring efficient production.

Connectivity:

USB and Ethernet connectivity options provide flexibility for different environments.

Printing Cost:

Its efficient ink usage contributes to cost-effective printing over time.

Ease of Use:

The design’s user-friendly layout makes creating and printing labels simple.

Key Features:

• Large ink cartridges for extended printing
• High-resolution label printing
• Fast label production
• Pigment ink technology for longevity
• User-replaceable printhead

Pros:

• Professional print quality
• Efficient ink usage
• User-friendly design

Cons:

• Requires a moderate initial investment

4. Quick Label QL-120D Pigment Label Printer with 1-Year Warranty

Print Quality:

The Quick Label QL-120D produces detailed and vibrant labels suitable for various applications.

Speed:

Its printing speed ensures efficient label production for businesses with demanding needs.

Connectivity:

USB and Ethernet connectivity options enhance its compatibility with different systems.

Printing Cost:

Cost-effective printing is achieved through efficient pigment ink usage.

Ease of Use:

The user-friendly interface simplifies the process of creating and printing labels.

Key Features:

• Detailed and vibrant label printing
• High-speed label production
• Pigment ink technology for durability
• Compact design for space efficiency
• User-replaceable printhead

Pros:

• Detailed label prints
• Fast printing speed
• Compact design

Cons:

• Limited warranty period

5. Afinia L502 Duo Ink Pigment Label Printer (Pigment Version)

Print Quality:

Prints from the Afinia L502 Duo Ink are of exceptional quality and have fine details and vibrant colors.

Speed:

It offers efficient label production without compromising print quality—2x faster printing speed than other models.

Connectivity:

USB, Ethernet, and wireless options ensure seamless integration into various setups.

Printing Cost:

Its efficient ink usage contributes to long-term cost savings.

Ease of Use:

Its intuitive interface simplifies label customization and printing tasks.

Key Features:

• Dual-ink cartridges for an enhanced color range
• High-resolution label printing
• Wireless connectivity for convenience
• Pigment ink technology for longevity (BS5609-certified pigment inks)
• User-friendly touchscreen interface

Pros:

• Vibrant color prints
• Efficient printing speed
• Wireless connectivity
• Industrial build quality

Cons:

• Comparatively higher price

What Elements Must You Take Into Account Before Purchasing a Pigment Ink Printer?

Before investing in a pigment ink printer, there are several important factors to consider to ensure you choose the right one for your business needs:

Pigment Ink-Supported Printer

Ensure the printer explicitly supports pigment ink cartridges for optimal performance and print longevity.

Print Quality

Check the printer’s print resolution and technology to make sure it meets your quality requirements.

Connectivity

Select a printer with USB, Ethernet, or wireless connectivity if those options work with your current setup.

Speed

Consider the printer’s speed concerning your production requirements.

Wide-Format Support

Opt for a printer with wide-format capabilities to print more prominent labels or documents.

Print Volume

Evaluate your typical print volume to ensure the printer can handle your workload efficiently.

How Does a Traditional Dye-based Ink Printer Differ From a Pigment Ink Printer?

Solid pigment powder particles suspended in ink distinguish pigment ink from dye-based inks. Alternatively, dye-based inks are created by mixing the dye with water as well as additional optical additives.

If you want to understand pigment ink, you can compare it to sand mixed with water, while dye ink is like sugar dissolved in water. The sugar appears to have entirely dissolved in the first case, whereas the sand is unharmed. This holds for these two inks as well. One dissolves, giving the paper its hues, while the other remains as tiny dots, giving the paper its pictures.

What Benefits Do Pigment Ink Printers Offer Over Dye-Based Printers?

Pigment ink printers offer several advantages over dye-based printers:

• Longevity: Pigment inks are more durable and resistant to fading over time.
• Water Resistance: Inks containing pigments are water resistant, so they are suitable for a variety of applications.
• Pigment-based prints have higher fade resistance and maintain their vibrancy for longer.
• The prints made with pigment ink printers resist fading when exposed to UV light for an extended period of time.

Who Uses Printers with Pigment Inks?

Pigment ink printers are used across various industries where print quality, durability, and longevity are essential. These include label printing, packaging, photography, graphic design, and more.

FAQs

Is It Possible to Use Pigment Ink in a Printer Designed for Dye-Based Ink?

No, a printer made with dye-based ink cannot be used with pigment ink. Always make sure to use ink that is appropriate for your printer.

Can I Use a Pigment Ink Printer With Third-party or Refilled Ink Cartridges?

Ink cartridges that are refilled or from third parties are not recommended for pigment ink printers since they could damage the machine, produce subpar prints, and void the manufacturer’s warranty.

Can Pigment Ink Prints Be Used for Professional Printing Applications?

Yes, pigment ink prints are commonly used for professional applications due to their longevity and high-quality results.

Can Prints Make With Pigment Ink Be Displayed Outdoors or for a Long Time?

Pigment ink prints are well-suited for outdoor and long-term display due to their water and fade resistance.

Are Printers With Pigment Inks Appropriate for Printing Photos?

Yes, pigment ink printers are excellent for printing photographs, especially when print longevity is a priority.

Conclusion

When it comes to producing high-quality, durable, and vibrant prints, pigment ink printers are the go-to choice for businesses across various industries, and we at TCS Digital Solutions have every type of printer you need to get your business to the next level. We’ve explored the top pigment ink printers for business use, highlighting their features, pros, and cons. Before purchasing, consider factors like print quality, speed, connectivity, and your specific production needs. Choose the printer that meets your requirements for outstanding results and long-lasting prints.

Drew Strickland

Drew is the Chief Marketing Officer and E-commerce Director at TCS Digital Solutions, with over 20 years of experience in the printing industry. His extensive background in marketing within this sector has deepened his passion and knowledge. He offers valuable tips and reviews on the latest printing products and innovations, dedicated to helping businesses and individuals find the most efficient and high-quality solutions for their printing needs. For a closer look into his insights and experiences, you can connect with Drew on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.