How to store sublimation inks?
How to store sublimation inks? **I. Environmental Conditions** 1. **Temperature Control** - Sublimation inks should be stored in an environment with relatively stable temperatures. The ideal storage temperature is generally between 15 - 25 degrees Celsius. If the temperature is too high, it may cause the solvents in the ink to evaporate too quickly, making the ink thicker and affecting its fluidity and printability. For example, in a high - temperature environment, some low - boiling - point components in the ink will evaporate at an accelerated rate, resulting in the ink drying and caking on the container walls or an imbalance in the component ratios. When the temperature is too low, the viscosity of the ink may increase significantly, which will also have an adverse effect on its performance. For instance, it may be difficult for the ink to be ejected normally from the printhead during printing. 2. **Humidity Control** - The humidity of the storage environment is also crucial. It is generally recommended to keep the humidity between 40% - 60%. If the humidity is too high, the ink may absorb excessive moisture, leading to deterioration. For example, it may cause the pigments in the ink to agglomerate or undergo chemical changes, affecting the accuracy and vividness of colors. At the same time, excessive humidity may also cause the ink packaging containers to rust or become moldy, contaminating the ink. If the humidity is too low, static electricity may be generated, attracting impurities such as dust into the ink and affecting the ink quality. 3. **Lighting Conditions** - Sublimation inks need to avoid direct sunlight and strong light exposure. Prolonged exposure to light may cause photochemical reactions in the dyes or other components of the ink, thereby changing the properties of the ink. For example, light exposure may cause the color of the ink to fade or change, affecting its color - expressing ability. It is best to store the ink in a dark place or use opaque packaging materials and containers for storage. **II. Requirements for Packaging Containers** 1. **Good Sealing** - The sealing property of the ink packaging container is a key element for storage. Ensure that the container is tightly sealed to prevent excessive contact between the ink and the outside air. Air entering the container may lead to the evaporation and oxidation of solvents in the ink or contamination of the ink. For example, when oxygen in the air reacts with certain components in the ink, it may change the chemical properties of the ink and reduce its quality. For used ink containers, also ensure that the lids are tightly closed to maintain the good condition of the remaining ink. 2. **Suitable Material** - The material of the container should be compatible with the sublimation ink. Generally, plastic and metal containers are common choices. Plastic containers are usually lightweight and have a certain degree of corrosion resistance. Metal containers (such as aluminum containers) have good sealing and protection properties for the ink, but attention should be paid to preventing the containers from rusting to avoid rust mixing into the ink. Avoid using container materials that may chemically react with the ink, such as some plastics that are not resistant to ink solvents or reactive metals. **III. Storage Methods and Locations** 1. **Store Upright** - Sublimation inks are preferably stored upright. This can prevent the ink from coming into contact with the seal or lid of the container for a long time, reducing the risk of ink leakage. At the same time, it can also avoid contamination by impurities that may be generated due to the ink's contact with the seal. Especially for some ink packages with printheads or valves, storing upright helps to keep the printheads or valves clean and functional. 2. **Store Separately** - Sublimation inks should be stored separately from other chemicals. This is because different chemicals may react with each other, and if there is a leak, they may contaminate each other. For example, avoid storing inks together with strong oxidants, strong acids, or strong bases. At the same time, different - colored sublimation inks should also be stored separately to prevent colors from mixing with each other and affecting the color accuracy of the inks. 3. **Clear Labels** - There should be clear labels at the storage location of the inks. The label content includes important information such as the brand, model, color, production date, and shelf life of the inks. In this way, relevant information can be easily obtained when using or inspecting the inks, ensuring that the inks used meet the requirements and enabling timely detection of expired or deteriorated inks.
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