Ink viscosity in ink cartridges

Printing has come a long way since the early days of writing. Our ancestors didn’t have the luxury of printers with ink cartridges. Nowadays we have it all, we can simply go online to find ink cartridges containing ink with the correct viscosity for our brand of printer.

In early times inks were made up of lampblack or soot mixed to a usable consistency with animal glue or vegetable oil – no printer cartridge at hand here. Earthen colors were introduced in the 11^th century, by the Chinese to compliment their printing style.

A printer in the early days made his own ink with lampblack and linseed oil, according to his own secret formula. It wasn’t until the discovery of coal tar that more colors were introduced into the printing process.  This is unlike today’s range of printer ink cartridges that are made to a specific standard and contain the right viscosity for your printer.

Making ink for today’s printing requirements is a multi billion dollar industry with special ink formulas for each printing process and purpose.

The degree to which ink resists flow when it is under force is known as viscosity. Ink that flows easily has a low viscosity and ink that does not flow easily has a high viscosity. 

Printer manufacturers have cartridges containing inks that are specifically formulated and the ink characteristics are specific to the different printer models within their range. The ink characteristics are based partly on ink viscosity (thickness), PH (acid or base), drying times, UV (light fastness), etc.

For more information on cartridges or to choose from a range of printer supplies and products select from the following:

Home - Epson Ink Cartridges - HP Ink Cartridges - Lexmark Ink Cartridges - Canon Ink Cartridges - Laser Toner - Printer Paper - Printer Cables - Refill Kits