Multisolve™ IR7 Pigment-Based Ink FAQs

For Direct Jet Printers

Click here for Multisolve™ IR4 Dye-Based Ink FAQs.

Can I use both the original IR4 dye-based Multisolve inks as well as these new IR7 pigmented inks in the same printer?

Yes, both inks can be used in the same printer. However, between using each ink, the IR7 wash should be utilized to flush the previous inks before installing the different style of ink.

If I already own a DCS Direct Jet printer, what is needed to get started with these new IR7 pigmented inks?

You will need to purchase a set of inks from DCS or your local authorized DCS distributor, along with a new set of standard refillable cartridges and the IR7 wash. Then you will need to update the printer pkg in your RIP software. This can be done using the online update feature in the RIP or you can contact us for the location and instructions for downloading and updating your printer pkg. Once the inks are installed and a proper nozzle check is achieved, you will select a print mode with the proper resolution and the IR7 name on it for proper printing output.

Please note: IR7 inks and wash cannot be used in DCS 1212 / 1320 models unless a solvent-resistant head has been installed.

Can I assume that the new IR7 pigmented inks will perform exactly as my IR4 dye-based inks have performed?

While the IR7 pigmented inks have many enhanced characteristics and print to many different substrates, they are different inks and end users should test all substrates to ensure that the proper adhesion, print quality and durability are present.

Are the IR7 pigmented inks more durable than the IR4 dye-based inks?

Yes, the IR7 pigmented inks are inherently UV stable, are resistant to IPA without any clear coat and are more scratch resistant. However, these attributes do depend on the substrate you are printing to. Additionally, when using our standard Novus polish some substrates can allow the inks to be attacked by IPA. In all instances, all durability testing needs to be conducted after a minimum of a 12-hour curing time.

Is the printing process/substrate preparation utilized by the IR4 dye-based inks the same for the IR7 pigmented-based inks?

Yes. However, some substrates work better with IPA (isopropyl alcohol) as a cleaner vs. our standard Novus cleaner when testing ink durability.

If I use both the IR4 dye inks and the IR7 pigmented inks, can I use the IR7 wash for both or do I need to have both the IR5 and IR7 washes?

Yes, you will need to use the wash specified for the ink type.

Can I expect the colors of my printed images to be identical when printing with either set of inks?

Both sets of inks are profiled and have their own ICC profiles inherent in the RIP, so the colors should be close. However, the two ink sets will never print the same identical colors. Colors should be close, but dye-based inks will always be more colorful and more vibrant than pigmented-based inks.