Technology Focus: Aqueous, Durable Aqueous, Latex, and Resin Printers
When it comes to proofing or engineering drawings, most of the choices are pigment-based, though there are still dye-based inks being used for some applications. Proofing printers in many cases will add gamut expanding inks such as orange, green, or violet to cover as much of the Pantone library as possible for color-accurate proofs. Epson proofing printers certainly make up a large share of the market, and some of its proofing printers can hit 99% of the Pantone library. You can also find solid water-based printers from Canon and HP. Outdoor durability is very limited (months in certain environments with lamination), but that isn’t what these printers are designed to do.
A Look at Latex
The largest offering in aqueous inks for outdoor applications is latex, and HP is a big presence with its latex printers. I talked with Thomas Giglio, North American Latex Business Lead, HP Graphics Solutions Business to find out more about its latex product line. While the standard in large-format printing has been a progression from solvent, to mild solvent, to eco-solvent and UV-curable, the HP Latex is a water-based ink with the same or better durability.
Ray assists association members with information on digital printing as well as digital equipment, materials, and vendor referrals. He oversees training and certification workshops at PRINTING United Alliance. Ray is project manager for both the PDAA Certification program and the PRINTING United Alliance Digital Color Professional Certification program and is an instructor for the Color Management Boot Camps as well as a G7 expert. Ray regularly contributes to the Association's Journal and won the 2016 Swormstedt Award for Best in Class writing in the Digital Printing category. Ray was inducted into the Academy of Screen and Digital Printing Technologies (ASDPT) in 2020. He also works with SkillsUSA to conduct the National Competition for Graphics Imaging Sublimation. Outside of work, Ray enjoys biking, international cuisine and spending time with his three fantastic grandkids.
