There is no “one ink fits all” solution and finding the best ink for your application often isn’t a one-and-done activity. You want to ensure that the ink you end up selecting is able to deliver the results you expect mark after mark without exception. Getting there involves up-front testing in a laboratory setting followed by on-going evaluation of ink performance. The ink selection process starts by obtaining sample marks. This involves shipping samples of the actual product you want marked to our sample marking lab. Your samples are then marked under conditions similar to those found in your plant, including matching your line speed. We typically start the ink selection process for new customer applications with an ink pulled from our extensive ink library and start creating sample marks to your specifications. You’ll then have the opportunity to test the sample marks to make sure they can hold up to abrasion or chemical agents that are part of your manufacturing process. Assuming all looks good, you may be set. In other cases, you may need to explore a custom ink. In our case, we have a team of chemists and engineers who bring a combined 118 years of industry experience. They can create custom ink formulations that map to your specific requirements. Once a suitable ink has been developed, it is tested extensively under various conditions with the same inkjet printer technology you’ll be using. This last step ensures the custom formulation doesn’t create maintenance issues such as printhead clogging or premature nozzle wear.