Abstract

In this research, different water based dye ink formulations made of phthalocyanine blue were examined for suitability for inkjet printing. In this process, the Z number, a dimensionless combination measure of specific gravity, surface tension and viscosity was used to assess jettability. The specific gravity, surface tension and viscosity of nine different water based ink formulations were measured and used to calculate the Z number. The ink is considered to be suitable for ink jetting, if Z number is in the range 2<=Z<=14.