An Explanation Of Terms - Light, Heavy and Concentrate

InkMaster®, Formulation Master, and X-RiteColor Master use some terms that need to be understood in order to properly prepare your ink data.  The following definitions should give you a better idea of what these terms are describing.

Light Ink – This is ink that can be used, as is, directly on a printing press.  A “Light Ink” contains pigment, vehicle and solvent.  This is also referred to in InkMaster as “100%” ink.  Everything that is measured into InkMaster is done as a “Light Ink.”

Heavy Ink – This is ink that has everything in it that it needs to go to press except that it is high in viscosity or tack.  A “Heavy Ink” contains pigment and vehicle.  A “Heavy Ink” may or may not have solvent in it, but it still needs some amount of reducer to make it a “Light Ink.” 

Concentrate – This is a non-ink or base that still needs some amount of vehicle to properly disperse the pigment and/or achieve the proper pigment:binder ratio.  A “Concentrate” contains pigment only (this may be in the form of a dispersion, base, flush, etc.).  A “Concentrate may or may not have vehicle in it, but it still needs some amount of vehicle to make it a “Heavy Ink.

Extender - This is press ready ink that contains no colorant.