Do you know what it takes to print high-quality large format posters, graphics and images? The truth is, it’s just as much about the ink quality as well as the print material. Canon is a trusted brand in the print industry that has put in a lot of time and effort in developing the best inks in order to achieve the high-quality prints you need. In this article, we share more with you about the Canon LUCIA pigment plotter ink.

Understanding Inkjet Printing
Inkjet printing is not entirely new. Developed in the 1950s by both Canon and HP, this type of printing aims to create an image through moving tiny droplets of ink. Hundreds of nozzles, or jets, release ink droplets onto the paper as it passes through the printer. These jets are heated by electricity and it takes plenty of droplets just to create one single character.
Traditional Dye-Based Inks
Traditionally, dye-based inks have been used in inkjet printers. However, this comes with its own set of challenges, which is why the Canon LUCIA pigment plotter ink was formulated. Dye-based inks, although cost-effective and coming in a wide range of colors, are water-soluble and easily affected by external factors such as the presence of moisture and UV light. This can cause pictures and graphics to “bleed” when exposed to water or fade under direct sunlight. Photographers and businesses slowly started to expect better of their print qualities and as a result, Canon began the process of developing a solution.
The Canon LUCIA Pigment Plotter Ink
The most important thing to understand about pigment plotter inks is that they are developed as an emulsion, a thicker liquid than dye-based inks. To understand this, think of the pigments as tiny, solid particles in a liquid solution. As compared to dyes, these particles are very resilient and resistant against external conditions. This means that they are not prone to fading and are highly water-resistant.
Making use of the same printing process as is typically used with dye-based inks, the only thing that is different is the quality of the ink. With the Canon LUCIA pigment plotter ink, businesses can expect a higher level of print quality that will not bleed or fade due to water or sunlight exposure. As these pigments do not soak into the paper like dyes do, instead adhering to it, they offer better durability and overall higher picture quality.
Shop for Canon Inkjet Printers at Ameritechnology
If you are looking for wide format printers and plotters that can offer superior picture quality, look no further than our collection at Ameritechnology. We stock a wide range of inkjet printers that make use of Canon LUCIA pigment plotter ink and have been delivering the one-on-one services our clients need since our inception in 1984. If you have any questions regarding the different types of ink used in a wide format printer or would like a recommendation, please feel free to contact us today.