ICQ QUICK – Sub-micronic pigments for ceramic inks

The Quick Stain – with the abbreviation ICQ – are innovative submicronic ceramic pigments for inks.
The quick stains are characterized by a particle size distribution having an average particle value between 0.7 and 0.9 μm, and a real d100, measured by images recorded using an electronic scanning microscope, less than 3 microns, as well as, by a higher dimensional and morphological uniformity of the particles.

JM / ICQ Grain size pigment comparison

ICQ / ink granulometry comparison

Quick pigments have a very narrow and fine granulometric distribution, very close to that of a ceramic ink, and do not contain amorphous phase. For this reason, they are the best candidates for the production of high-quality ceramic inks.

Indeed, not everyone knows that, given the same pigment, a correct granulometric distribution, first of the pigment, then of the ink, gives, first of all, an increase in color intensity; therefore, in a better quality of the final ink.
Incorrect grinding leads to the formation of a very fine amorphous phase that affects the whole ink quality: from the lower color rendering to the worse filterability, to the rheology and stability of the ink itself.
In addition, incorrect grinding can also leave substantial pigment particles dispersed in ink, which can affect the rheology, the stability and, above all, the filterability of digital ceramic ink.

The inorganic pigments for Quick Stain ceramic inks – thanks to their uniform and narrow submicronic particle size distribution – allow to obtain numerous advantages:

Greater colorimetric intensity
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They are characterized by a very narrow granulometric distribution without an amorphous phase, and this increases in intensity.
Less sedimentation and creaming
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Greater dimensional homogeneity of the particles leads to a sedimentation and creaming reduction. The product remains rheologically more stable and long-lasting.
Greater color stability
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More homogeneous particles give a more constant shade between the production lots, so they have the same fire resistance.
Better filterability
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Quick pigments have a more regular shape that they maintain even after Ink Mill grinding. The particle will therefore always present itself to the filter with the same dimension. Non-Quick dyes could generate inks with lenticular shaped particles and therefore give filtering issues on decorating machines. For ink producers, this results in savings of at least 30%.
Energy-saving during grinding
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Due to the very fine granulometry, the restricted Gaussian and the controlled particle shape, it is possible to reduce the grinding times by 30/40% compared to using the standard pigment for inks.
Savings in the wear of the grinding body
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The expensive grinding body (bead) is used for less time. As a consequence, its wear is reduced, and its lifetime is increased.
Savings in the wear of the mill
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The expensive inner lining of the mill is used for less time, significantly reducing wear and maintenance costs.
Lower plant investment
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All the savings mentioned above lead to a reduction in grinding plant investments due to a considerable increase in production capacity. Switching from traditional inorganic pigments for ceramic inks to Quick Stain Inco increases the production capacity by 40%.

The range of Quick Stain inorganic pigments consists of over thirty high saturation pigments that cover a wide colorimetric gamut. We know the ceramic market, and we accompany and advise our customers in choosing the best pigments, the best ink range; for the market, and the application of interest. Of course, in full respect of the INCO’s tradition – ‘Sarti del colore’ (Color tailors) since 1988 -, specific shades can be developed upon request. Increase the production capacity of your ink plant! Increase the quality of your inks!

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