Manufacturer, Supplier & Exporter of
a wide range of Dyes, Pigments & Food Colours
Ink Pigments
What are Pigments in Inks?
Pigments are substances that give colour to inks. They are finely ground particles that are insoluble in the ink vehicle and are suspended in it to provide colour. Pigments can be organic or inorganic, and their properties and characteristics determine the colour, opacity, and other qualities of the ink.
Inks typically contain a combination of pigments and other components, such as binders, solvents, and additives, which work together to provide the desired properties of the ink. Pigments are chosen based on their compatibility with the ink vehicle and the desired colour, and they can be blended together to create a wide range of colours.
Inks with high pigment concentration tend to have greater opacity and vibrancy, while inks with lower pigment concentration are more transparent and can be used for subtle shading and blending. Pigments are essential components of inks, and their selection and use play a critical role in the quality and performance of the ink.
Megha International is a leading company in the pigment industry, specializing in the manufacture and supply of high-quality pigments for a wide range of applications, including coatings, paints, Inks and more. With over two decades of experience in the industry, Megha International has built a reputation for producing pigments that are consistent, reliable, and meet the highest standards of quality.
The company’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities and research and development capabilities enable them to offer a diverse range of pigments that cater to the specific needs of their customers. Megha International’s team of experts works closely with customers to understand their requirements and provide customized solutions that meet their unique needs.
Ink Pigment Applications
Printing inks
Printing inks rely on pigments to provide colour, opacity, and other properties. The process involves combining pigments with other components, such as binders, solvents, and additives, to create a fluid ink that can be applied to a substrate, such as paper or plastic. Inks can be applied using a variety of printing methods, including offset, flexographic, gravure, and digital printing. Organic pigments, such as phthalocyanine blue and red, are commonly used in printing inks because of their bright colours and good lightfastness. Inorganic pigments, such as titanium dioxide and iron oxide, can also be used to provide opacity and other properties.
Writing inks
Writing inks, such as those used in ballpoint and rollerball pens, also rely on pigments to provide colour and other properties. The process involves combining pigments with solvents and binders to create an ink that can be dispensed through a pen tip. Organic pigments, such as quinacridone red and violet, are commonly used in writing inks because of their bright colours and good solubility in solvents. Carbon black, an inorganic pigment, can also be used to provide a deep black colour in writing inks.
Markers
Markers are similar to writing inks but are designed for larger, bolder lines. The process involves combining pigments with a solvent and a binder to create an ink that can be dispensed through a felt or fiber tip. Organic pigments, such as perylene red and blue, are commonly used in markers because of their bright colours and good solubility in solvents. Fluorescent pigments, such as those based on rhodamine or coumarin, can also be used to create bright, eye-catching colours.
Highlighters
Highlighters are markers designed for highlighting text on paper. The process is similar to that used for markers, but the pigments are formulated to be more transparent, allowing the underlying text to remain visible. Organic pigments, such as fluorescent yellow and pink, are commonly used in highlighters because of their bright, eye-catching colours.
Tattoos and permanent makeup
Tattoos and permanent makeup rely on pigments to provide long-lasting colour in the skin. The process involves injecting or implanting pigments into the dermis layer of the skin using a needle or other device. Organic pigments, such as those based on iron oxides, are commonly used in tattoos and permanent makeup because of their good stability and biocompatibility with the skin.
Inkjet cartridges
Inkjet cartridges contain ink that is sprayed onto paper or other substrates using a printhead. The process involves combining pigments with a liquid carrier, such as water or a glycol, and other components, such as surfactants and thickeners, to create an ink that can be sprayed in tiny droplets. Organic pigments, such as cyan, magenta, yellow, and black (CMYK) are commonly used in inkjet cartridges because of their good colour reproduction and compatibility with the printhead.
Toner cartridges for laser printers
Toner cartridges for laser printers contain toner powder that is fused onto paper using heat and pressure. The process involves combining pigments with a resin binder, such as styrene-acrylic, and other components, such as magnetic particles and charge control agents, to create a powder that can be transferred to paper using an electrostatic charge. Inorganic pigments, such as carbon black and iron oxide, are commonly used in toner cartridges because of their good heat resistance and lightfastness.
Carbon paper
Carbon paper is used to make copies of text or images by transferring carbon pigment onto paper. The process involves coating one side of a sheet of paper with a layer of wax or other material containing carbon pigment. When pressure is applied to the other side of the sheet, the carbon pigment is transferred to the underlying paper. Carbon black, an inorganic pigment, is commonly used in carbon paper because of its good opacity and ability to transfer easily.
Correction fluids and pens
Correction fluids and pens are used to cover mistakes in writing or printing. The process involves applying a white or coloured pigment to the surface of the paper using a brush or pen tip. Organic pigments, such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, are commonly used in correction fluids and pens because of their good opacity and ability to dry quickly.
Fountain pens
Fountain pens use a reservoir of ink and a nib to apply ink to paper. The process involves dipping the nib into an inkwell or filling the reservoir with ink. The ink is then fed to the nib through capillary action and applied to the paper. Fountain pen ink can be formulated with a variety of pigments, including organic and inorganic pigments, to provide a range of colours and properties.
Calligraphy pens
Calligraphy pens are similar to fountain pens but are designed for creating artistic lettering. The process involves using a pen with a broad, angled nib to apply ink to paper. Calligraphy inks can be formulated with a variety of pigments, including organic and inorganic pigments, to provide a range of colours and properties. Some calligraphy inks may also contain additives, such as gum arabic, to improve flow and reduce bleeding.
Stamping inks
Stamping inks are used to apply images or designs to paper or other substrates using a stamp. The process involves applying ink to the surface of the stamp and then pressing the stamp onto the paper. Stamping inks can be formulated with a variety of pigments, including organic and inorganic pigments, to provide a range of colours and properties. Some stamping inks may also contain additives, such as glycerine, to improve flow and prevent drying out on the stamp.
Types of Pigments used in Inks
Organic Pigments
Organic pigments are widely used in various ink applications due to their excellent colour properties and stability. In printing inks, organic pigments are often used to provide bright and vivid colours. Similarly, in writing inks, markers, and highlighters, organic pigments are used to provide a wide range of colours and good lightfastness. In the case of tattoos and permanent makeup, organic pigments are used to provide long-lasting and non-toxic colour. Inkjet cartridges also utilize organic pigments for their high colour gamut and water resistance. Organic pigments are also commonly used in correction fluids and pens, fountain pens, calligraphy pens, and stamping inks for their good opacity and ability to dry quickly. Overall, organic pigments have become an essential component of various ink applications due to their excellent colour properties and stability, making them a popular choice among ink manufacturers.
Inorganic Pigments
Inorganic pigments are commonly used in various ink applications due to their excellent lightfastness, heat stability, and chemical resistance. In printing inks, inorganic pigments such as titanium dioxide and iron oxide are often used for their opacity and ability to produce bright and clean colors. In writing inks, inorganic pigments are used to provide a variety of colors with good lightfastness. Toner cartridges for laser printers use inorganic pigments such as carbon black, iron oxide, and titanium dioxide for their excellent toner adhesion and resistance to heat and humidity. Carbon paper uses inorganic pigments such as carbon black for their good opacity and ability to transfer easily. In fountain pens, calligraphy pens, and stamping inks, inorganic pigments are used for their excellent lightfastness and chemical resistance, making them ideal for long-lasting and high-quality applications. Overall, inorganic pigments play a crucial role in various ink applications due to their excellent properties, providing consistent and high-quality colors to the end-users.
Fluorescent Pigment
Fluorescent pigments are commonly used in marker applications due to their ability to produce bright and vivid colors that catch the eye. These pigments absorb light at one wavelength and re-emit it at a longer wavelength, creating the fluorescent effect that makes the colors stand out. Fluorescent pigments are often used in highlighters, where they provide bright colors that are easily visible even in low light conditions. In marker applications, fluorescent pigments are used to provide a wide range of colors that are highly visible on paper or other surfaces. Their high intensity and brightness make them ideal for creating eye-catching designs and highlighting important information. Overall, fluorescent pigments play an essential role in the marker industry, where their bright and vibrant colors help users create eye-catching designs and make important information stand out.
In Conclusion, Megha International has established itself as a leading company in the field of ink pigments, with a focus on providing high-quality products to its customers. With years of experience in the industry, Megha International has built a reputation for delivering a wide range of pigments that meet the needs of various ink applications. The company’s commitment to innovation, quality, and sustainability has helped it stay ahead of the competition and maintain a loyal customer base. Megha International’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities and stringent quality control measures ensure that its pigments meet the highest industry standards. Overall, Megha International’s dedication to customer satisfaction and its expertise in ink pigments make it a top choice for customers in the ink industry.
