Choosing the right ink type for an inkjet marking gun is one of the most important decisions for ensuring high-quality, consistent, and durable coding. Whether you’re printing expiration dates, lot numbers, QR codes, or barcodes, the ink formula directly affects adhesion, readability, drying time, and long-term stability on different materials.

Why Ink Selection Matters More Than Most Users Realize

For many first-time buyers, the focus is usually on print resolution or device features. But in real industrial environments, ink behavior defines the final print quality.

The wrong ink type can cause:

（1）Smudging or ink transfer

（2）Poor adhesion on non-porous surfaces

（3）Fading under heat, abrasion, or UV exposure

（4）Slow drying that disrupts production flow

（5）Increased cartridge waste and higher costs

Understanding ink chemistry is essential for improving efficiency, reducing rework, and keeping your marking gun performing at its best.

Key Ink Types for Inkjet Marking Guns

Below are the most widely used ink categories in modern portable and industrial inkjet marking systems.

1. Water-Based Ink: Best for Porous Materials

Ideal for:
Paper, cardboard, kraft packaging, wood, absorbent labels.

Key Advantages:

（1）Sharp, high-contrast print quality

（2）Low cost per print

（3）Environmentally friendly

（4）No strong odor

（5）Excellent for high-resolution barcodes and QR codes

Limitations:

（1）Poor adhesion on plastics, glass, metals

（2）Not designed for moisture-exposed environments

Who should choose it:
Manufacturers in food packaging, logistics, storage, and warehouse operations where corrugated boxes and paper-based materials dominate.

2. Solvent-Based Ink: Best for Non-Porous Surfaces

Ideal for:
Glass bottles, plastic packaging, aluminum cans, metal parts, coated materials.

Key Advantages:

（1）Fast drying on smooth surfaces

（2）High durability and abrasion resistance

（3）Long-lasting contrast even in tough environments

（4）Excellent adhesion

Limitations:

（1）Stronger odor than water-based ink

（2）Higher cost

（3）Must manage cartridge sealing to avoid drying

Who should choose it:
Electronics factories, beverage bottling lines, automotive parts labeling, pharmaceutical packaging.

3. Fast-Drying or “Quick-Cure” Ink for High-Speed Workflows

Ideal for:
High-volume production lines, fast-moving conveyors, rapid packaging processes.

Advantages:

（1）Ultra-fast curing (within seconds)

（2）Reduced smudging risks

（3）Time-saving for on-demand printing

（4）Works on both porous and semi-porous surfaces

This ink is especially valuable in industries where every second counts.

4. UV-Curable Ink for Maximum Durability

Ideal for:
Non-porous materials requiring extreme abrasion or chemical resistance.

Advantages:

（1）Extremely durable after curing

（2）UV-resistant and waterproof

（3）Suitable for harsh environments

（4）Long-lasting print permanence

Limitations:

（1）Requires UV light for curing

（2）Higher cost

（3）Not needed for standard packaging tasks

Who uses it:
Specialty manufacturing, industrial equipment labeling, long-lasting traceability marking.

5. Specialty Inks: When Standard Formulas Aren’t Enough

Specialty inks include:

（1）White ink (for dark materials)

（2）High-adhesion ink (for oily or waxy surfaces)

（3）High-temperature-resistant ink

（4）Removable ink (for temporary marking tasks)

If your production environment has unique substrate challenges, specialty inks may deliver the reliability you need.

How to Choose the Right Ink Type for Your Workflow

Here is a simplified decision framework:

1. Identify your substrate

（1）Porous → Water-based ink
（2）Non-porous → Solvent-based ink
（3）Mixed materials → Quick-drying formulas

2. Consider environmental conditions

（1）High heat → Heat-resistant ink
（2）Outdoor exposure → UV-resistant ink
（3）Dusty or oily environments → High-adhesion specialty ink

3. Factor your productivity requirements

（1）Slow-paced → Standard water or solvent ink works well
（2）High-speed → Quick-dry solvent or specialty ink

4. Estimate long-term cost

Balance cartridge price with:

（1）Coverage efficiency

（2）Wastage control

（3）Maintenance needs

5. Match ink to your marking gun model

Compatible ink ensures:

（1）Accurate droplet control

（2）Stable print density

（3）Cartridge longevity

Consult the manufacturer to avoid compatibility issues.

Common Mistakes Users Should Avoid

（1）Using water-based ink on plastic → Leads to immediate smudging
（2）Leaving solvent cartridges uncapped → Causes premature drying
（3）Choosing ultra-cheap third-party ink → Risk of nozzle clogging
（4）Ignoring environmental factors → Poor adhesion and fading

Avoiding these pitfalls protects your marking gun investment and ensures consistent performance.

Choose Ink Based on Real-World Needs

The “best” ink is not the most expensive or the highest resolution—it is the ink that fits your material, environment, and speed requirements. By understanding how water-based, solvent-based, UV, and specialty inks behave, you can make an informed choice that improves productivity and reduces labeling errors.

If you’re unsure which ink type matches your workflow, substrate, or marking gun model, we can help.

Contact us for free ink type recommendations and workflow analysis—optimize your coding results today.