Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work. - Thomas Edison
So my question with all these additives is- if the additives improve the printability and wash fastness, why(aside from added revenue with us buying additives) don't the ink companies just add these to the bases?
Quote from: TCT on March 31, 2014, 09:45:51 PMSo my question with all these additives is- if the additives improve the printability and wash fastness, why(aside from added revenue with us buying additives) don't the ink companies just add these to the bases? Because in many situations the properties the additives impart to the ink aren't needed, or are undesirable.Fixer is a good idea as added insurance but it can gum up the ink on very long runs. (at least I've noticed)Print Gen and other retarders can actually inhibit proper cure when the oven time is too short to thoroughly pull the moisture from the ink. The inks are formulated for the average ideal in shops that are set up to print the inks - enough tunnel time, the climate in the shop not too hot/cold or humid/dry, etc. Modifiers are there to fit the ink to less than ideal situations.Most inks should be used untouched. Modifiers should only be added if needed to avoid the extra costs of time and supplies.