Latex ink printing and eco-solvent printing find their use in multiple printing projects. Both of them offer homogenous results in terms of performance and enhanced image quality. From printing banners, posters, general display signs to wall murals, vehicle graphics and more, industries across varied verticals use latex and eco-solvent printing with success.
However, both these printing types have several differences, which are important to consider while ascertaining your printing needs. For instance, latex based printers are suitable when it comes to wallpapers and soft signage while solvent printers are ideal for signs and vehicle wraps. Let’s know about them in detail, right here.
Latex Printing
Ideal for a range of outdoor and indoor applications, this specific form of printing allows you to enjoy professional results in optimum time. It involves using print heads to efficiently disperse water-based inks onto the media. This kind of printing suits almost everything, i.e., from vinyl banners to posters, custom wallpaper projects to photo texts and more. It enables same day delivery of the items, which accounts for one of the many reasons behind several Dubai printing press choosing latex printing.
Eco-solvent Printing
The non-absorbent, fade proof and waterproof eco-solvent ink offers exceptional resistance against elements. All these features make eco-solvent printing a wonderful choice for outdoor applications. The contained ink is a non water-based, economically sound ink made from ether extracts. The delivery may take some time but it is definitely worth the wait. The results of latex as well as eco-solvent printing are similar but eco-solvent ink is a comparatively better choice for economically conscious customers. It makes up for superior printing results, outstanding finish and effortless performance. One can find a great choice of eco-solvent printers in the market, manufactured by some of the leading names in the industry.
Comparing Latex Printing Vs Eco-solvent Printing
- The involved processes: In the latex inks, the latex contains the ink pigments, and hence the name. The curing process of the printers enables the ink to dry quickly, hence making it ready to use as soon as it comes off the press. On the other hand, eco-solvent printing may take considerable time as the printed medium undergoes de-gassing. This method cleanses the toxic fumes and then allows the ink to dry. After this, you would be able to laminate the printed medium to safeguard the surface. The process is long and can take up to around four days.
- Delivery: The latex inks are scratch resistant and durable which means that there’s no need of any lamination. If you are in the printing business, you can guarantee ‘same day delivery’ to the customers, which sure is an appreciable attraction for a local business. Due to some detailed process, the print delivery takes some time in case of eco-solvent printing.
- Canvas printing: In the world of commercial art, printing directly onto the canvas is widely popular. Latex printing eliminates the requirement to pre-seal the canvas and one can directly print on the canvas. The range of material appropriate for latex printing includes plastics, paper, textiles, wallpaper, vinyl, canvas and film. However, when it comes to eco-solvent printing, pre-sealing is a necessity and in its absence, ink would soak into the canvas. This is unquestionably a rather costly and time-consuming process.
- Maintenance: The latex printers are not just user friendly but are also very easy to maintain which in turn reduces downtime. Unlike the eco-solvent printers, the latex printers usually have an automatic and inbuilt self-cleaning system, which requires occasional change of the cartridge. The eco-solvent printers have weekly or monthly cleaning schedule, which isn’t automatic. This leads to the considerable consumption of labor and time.
- Environment friendly: The latex printers use safe ink, which avoids hazardous fumes and odors. This means that you don’t require a dedicated space for the printer. Instead, you can easily use the printed items in sensitive environments including dentists, hospitals, schools and nurseries. The same is not the case with eco-solvent inks.
Hence, you need to consider various factors when opting for latex or an eco-solvent printer. Moreover, from your requirement to your budget, the features offered like efficiency, performance, reliability and more, all these factors should equally count in your decision to choose the best printing press in Dubai. Many printers nowadays are eco-conscious so it is crucial to check whether the printer adheres to the appropriate standards.
