6 Types of Digital Printing Inks and Their Key Properties

6. Electron Beam Curable Ink (EB)

Like UV ink, EB ink cures via energy exposure; in this case, a beam of high-energy electrons. EB curing does not require photoinitiators (which UV inks need), resulting in a cleaner chemical profile. EB inks are primarily used in specialized packaging and label printing where fast curing and solvent-free processes are required.

Choosing the Right Ink

For print buyers and designers, the choice of ink technology directly affects the finished product. Water-based pigment inks deliver archival quality for photos and art prints. Solvent inks are built for outdoor durability. UV inks work on nearly any surface, including rigid materials. Dry toner remains the most economical choice for high-volume text documents.

The digital printing ink market continues to evolve, with major manufacturers like Canon, HP, Epson, Ricoh, and ink specialists such as DIC, Sun Chemical, Flint Group, and Sakata INX all investing in next-generation formulations. As digital printing grows in both volume and capability, understanding these ink types helps you make better decisions for your print projects.