MEDIA MATTERS
Production inkjet is thriving, and media options for inkjet continue to grow and evolve with the technology.
Inkjet ink dries using a combination of absorption into the media and evaporation into the air, allowing the excess water to disperse quickly—leaving the ink colorant on the surface for color pop.
The type of ink and paper will determine just how much pop. This translates into color vibrancy and robustness of the completed application.
PAPER PLAYS A ROLE IN IMAGE QUALITY AND COLOR
If image quality is of the utmost concern for your job, choosing a paper specifically fomulated for inkjet printing is a huge factor in getting the results you (and your client) crave. A treated inkjet paper is a must for vivid color, crisp detail, and realistic skintone.
offset coated papers
noun | ˈȯf-ˌset ˈkō-təd ˈpā-pərs |
- May be coated on one or both sides and has a closed surface that is not friendly to aqueous inks. Sheets are bright, smooth, and come in various finishes: gloss, dull, and matte.
- Traditionally aqueous inks do not print well on offset coated stocks. However, with the combination of ColorGrip technology and the new ProStream inks, it is now possible to print on offset coated stocks with a production inkjet press.
untreated sheets
noun | ən-ˈtrē-təd ˈshēts |
- No coating or treatment. More absorbent, more porous than a treated or inkjet coated paper. Delivers printed images that are duller with a smaller color gamut.
- With ColorGrip technology, ProStream series and VarioPrint i-series can print with untreated sheets. ColorGrip technology increases color gamut and delivers higher color density and vibrancy.
inkjet treated sheets
noun | iŋk-ˈjet ˈtrē-təd ˈshēts |
- Contains surface treatments that are formulated for aqueous inkjet. More colorant stays near the paper surface. May require less ink and have less dot gain.
- Delivers high-quality output with sharper text, vibrant imagery, a wider color gamut, and reduced show-through.
- Can print with ProStream series, VarioPrint i-series, and ColorStream series.
inkjet coated sheets
noun | iŋk-ˈjet ˈkō-təd ˈshēts |
- The coating chemistry of all inkjet papers is designed for fast drying of aqueous inks. The result is a broader color gamut than either uncoated or inkjet treated papers. Inkjet coated paper is usually more resistant to dirt, moisture, and wear.
- Available in a variety of surface finishes: gloss, matte, satin, silk, dull.
- Can print with ProStream series, VarioPrint i-series, and ColorStream series.
CLICK ARROWS FOR MORE INFORMATION
Inkjet papers have come a long way since production inkjet began. As the technology continues to evolve, so do the substrate offerings.
WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS?
Click to see the advancements in production inkjet media options.
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Offset papers for offset printing
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Digital papers for digital printing with toner
Inkjet printing keeps color on top fibers of paper. New paper options are needed. This led to the development of inkjet papers:
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Inkjet Treated
Minimizes dot gain to increase color density and vibrancy
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Inkjet Coated
Provides a variety of surface finishes such as gloss, matte, satin, silk, and dull
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Mills now develop papers optimized to specific ink sets and inkjet technology
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More paper mills develop inkjet treated and coated options, allowing for more media choices. Options continue to grow.
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OEMs develop new inkjet presses and continually optimize ink sets for the best possible output on the widest variety of papers
WHAT ELSE DO I NEED TO KNOW?
New production inkjet technology helps increase media options.
ColorGrip on the VarioPrint i-series acts as a binder or surface treatment that is similar to inkjet treated paper to expand your media choices.
- ColorGrip helps enhance the image quality on papers not designed for inkjet, giving these papers a print quality rivaling inkjet treated stocks.
- Works with inkjet treated paper to help improve the print quality.
The new printheads, ink sets, and drying mechanisms of the ProStream series allow printing on offset-coated media.
- Expands inkjet application options into the commercial realm.
- With inkjet flexibility, a spectacular print quality that spans a wide paper spectrum, top-notch productivity, and sharp details, this digital press will help fulfill your needs.
With advancements in production inkjet technology, not only can we print on newly developed paper stocks, but we can go back to “pre-inkjet” media options to print on offset and digital papers and achieve an improved outcome.
FEATURED VIDEO
Production Inkjet Is Driving Printing
Canon Solutions America delivers innovative inkjet technology with three iconic Canon inkjet presses to help you realize new opportunities in commercial print, direct mail, and transactional applications while creating unparalleled opportunities with books, magazines, and catalogs.
Watch video | 4:49
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