Frequently asked Questions

What is solvent ink?

Solvent: Piezo inkjet printers whose inks use petroleum or a petroleum by-product such as acetone as it's carrier liquid. The resulting prints are waterproof. May be used to print directly on to uncoated vinyl and other medias as well as ridged substrates such as Foam Board and PVC.

What is Piezo electric?

Piezoelectric, this technology uses piezo crystals. A crystal is located at the back of the ink reservoir of each nozzle. The crystal receives a tiny electric charge that causes it to vibrate. When the crystal vibrates inward, it forces a tiny amount of ink out of the nozzle. When it vibrates out, it pulls some more ink into the reservoir to replace the ink sprayed out.

What is Aqueous Ink?

Aqueous: printers using an ink known as aqueous or water-based. The term water base is a generally accepted misnomer. The pigment is held in a non-reactive carrier solution that is sometimes water and other times a substitute liquid, including a soy based liquid used by Kodak. Aqueous ink generally comes in two flavors, Dye and UV (alternatively known as pigment). Dye ink is high color, low UV-resistant variety that offers the widest color gamut. UV ink is generally duller in color but withstands fading from UV rays. Similar in general principle to desktop inkjet printers. Finished prints using dye inks must be laminated to protect them if the signs are to be used outdoors while prints using UV inks can be used outdoors un-laminated for a limited time. Various materials are available, including canvases, banners, metabolised plastic and cloth. Aqueous technology requires that all materials be properly coated to accept and hold the ink.

How is solvent ink different from MS Ink?

MS Ink is another form of solvent ink specially designed to reduce odour and keep its flash point more than 70C. Using a MS Solvent ink reduces the need for extraction fans in certain circumstances.

Does the Ink have a shelf life?

Use by the expiration date on the cartridge for best print results.

Who are the suppliers of Solvent Ink?

Mimaki produces high class solvent ink which we recommend that you use in your Mimaki Printing equipment. 3rd party inks are available, but to avoid voiding your warranty and to obtain best possible print results and maintain your wide format printer Bi-Wize strongly recommends that you use the ink specifically created for your Solvent Printer.

How long is the ink resistant to outdoor light?

Roughly 3 years of outdoor exposure is expected.

Is it scratch resistant?

Solvent ink has a higher scratch resistance than MS and Aqueous Ink, thus making it ideal for outdoor signs and banners.

Can you use solvent ink on standard paper and media designed for aqueous ink?

Is Lamination necessary on Sign Products produced on a Solvent Printer?

With solvent inks it is not necessary to laminate, but it is recommended if the media is going to be susceptible to vicious scratching.

Do I need an air filter?

Depending on your work environment, it is advisable to work all your Solvent Printers in a well ventilated area. Bi-Wize supports the Environ-Air equipment, which is an Australian made air filtration unit.

Is cleaning necessary?

Your Mimaki Printers implement cleaning automatically on a regular basis to avoid nozzle clogging even when the power switch on the front face is turned off.
Do not turn off the main power switch on the rear face to keep the regular cleaning and Bi-Wize Consultants can be contacted for regular cleaning to maintain your print equipment, thus extending the life of your investment.

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Another great new inclusion to the site is our Glossary, for all those words that crop up in the printing, sign writing & painting industries.