When selecting an ink for your marking system, several variables affect it’s selection. One variable affecting the selection of the proper ink is the color of the substrate. Dark colored substrates such as steel often require a pigmented ink to produce bright, visible results. These inks contain solid pigments which provide the bright color they are known for. This requires a more advance marking system to ensure the pigments stay in proper suspension in the ink.
Light colored substrates such as aluminum typically don’t require a pigmented ink for the mark to be visible. Many non-pigmented dyes are often bright enough for lighter colored substrates. These dyes are preferred if possible as they usually require less maintenance and simpler systems since they do not require the additional components for agitation.