HP Indigo

ElectroInk
Frequently Asked Questions
Table of contents What is HP Indigo ElectroInk?
HP Indigo ElectroInk is a unique liquid ink that combines the
HP Indigo ElectroInk...............................................................2 advantages of electronic printing with the qualities of liquid ink.
ElectroInk contains charged pigmented particles in a liquid carrier. Like
HP Indigo ElectroInk color performance....................................3
other digital printing technologies, e.g. Xerography, ElectroInk enables
HP Indigo ElectroInk resistance to heat and light.......................4 digital printing by electrically controlling the location of the print
particles. However, unlike Xerography, ElectroInk enables very small
Substrates compatible with HP Indigo ElectroInk .......................5 particle size, down to 1-2 microns. By comparison, inkjet technology,
HP Indigo ElectroInk usage for food applications......................6 while laying a thin layer of ink on the media, suffers from the inherent
inaccuracy of the ink jetting.
Environmental impact of HP Indigo ElectroInk........................6-7
ElectroInk is supplied as a concentrated paste that is loaded into the
press in tubular cartridges in a “clean hands” operation. Inside the
press it is automatically fed into ink supply tanks and diluted with oil, to
form a fluid mixture of carrier liquid and colorant particles ready for
printing.

To summarize, ElectroInk enables high quality, wide and accurate color

gamut, sharp images, and color with gloss closely matching the media,
similar to and at times surpassing conventional offset printing, and
exceeding the quality achieved by competing digital printing
technologies.

2
 How does HP Indigo ElectroInk deliver high-quality digital printing?
The small particle size in the liquid carrier enables high resolution, uniform gloss, sharp image edges, and
very thin image layers that closely follow the surface topography of the paper. This gives a highly uniform finish,
complementing the paper and resulting in a similar texture both on the image and on the non-image areas.

What is the longevity of photos printed with HP Indigo ElectroInk?

More than 75% of photobooks worldwide are printed today using ElectroInk on HP Indigo’s high-quality
presses. To confirm the longevity of papers printed with ElectroInk, the prints were submitted for testing to an
independent print permanence institute, Wilhelm Imaging Research (WIR).* The results verify the permanence
of HP Indigo prints on display for up to 54 years before any noticeable signs of fading or changes in color
balance, ahead of the top silver halide paper Fujicolor Crystal Archive, and much longer than standard silver
halide papers. HP Indigo photobooks received an album/dark storage rating of greater than 200 years,
compared with a maximum rating of more than 100 years for silver halide solutions. HP Indigo is the only
digital press manufacturer that has published print permanence results from independent, third-party testing.

What is the color consistency of HP Indigo ElectroInk?

Validation Printing System | 23149
HP Indigo presses are the only color digital production presses that have achieved GRACoL** certification
for proofing. This was reached with both CGS and GMG color management tools. This certification requires
tight tolerances. Using the same color management tools, HP Indigo also achieved Fogra print validation
certification with very high scores.

As stated in the Seybold Report,*** the color consistency obtained on the HP Indigo press could have
come from an offset press.

HP Indigo color performance leadership was also demonstrated in IPA testing of 10 digital presses from
leading manufacturers. The tests found the HP Indigo 7000 Digital Press as having the lowest differentiations
in color variation within a run and from day to day, and the closest matching of spot colors.

* WIR study published on March 7, 2011.

** General Requirements and Applications for Commercial Offset Lithography (GRACoL) certification 2009
*** The Seybold Report; Vol.5,No.7; 2005

IPA testing of 10 leading vendor presses. The HP Indigo 7000 Digital Press achieved the lowest
Digital Print Forum
differentiation in Delta E and the closest matching to the PANTONE GoeGuide™.

Delta E from Day 1 to Day 2 Delta E from Day 1 to Day 2

4.00 10.00
4.09 9.00
3.50
ISO Tolerance 8.00
3.00
7.00
2.50 6.00
Delta E
Delta E

2.00 5.00
4.00
1.50
3.00
1.00
2.00
0.50
1.00
0.00 0.00
Canon imagePRESS C7000VP

HP Indigo 7000

Kodak NexPress S3000

Oce CS665 Pro

Presstek 52DI

Screen Truepress 344

Toshiba e-STUDIO6530c

Xeikon 3300

Xeikon 8000

Xerox iGen4

Canon imagePRESS C7000VP

HP Indigo 7000

Kodak NexPress S3000

Oce CS665 Pro

Presstek 52DI

Screen Truepress 344

Toshiba e-STUDIO6530c

Xeikon 3300

Xeikon 8000

Xerox iGen4

3
 Heat resistance Heat resistance
SBR Coated Gloss 1 hour
SBR Coated Matte 1 hour

5.5 5.5
5 5
4.5 4.5
4 4
Damage level

Damage level
3.5 3.5
3 3
2.5 2.5
2 2
1.5 1.5
1 1

40 60 80 100 120 140 160 40 60 80 100 120 140 160

Temperature (ºC) Temperature (ºC)

Offset Xerography HP Indigo ElectroInk Offset Xerography HP Indigo ElectroInk

Uncoated 1 hour Acrylic Coated Gloss 1 hour

3.5 3.5

3 3

2.5 2.5

Damage level
Damage level

2 2

1.5 1.5

1 1

40 60 80 100 120 140 160 40 60 80 100 120 140 160

Temperature (ºC) Temperature (ºC)

Offset Xerography HP Indigo ElectroInk Offset HP Indigo ElectroInk

How resistant to heat are HP Indigo ElectroInk prints?* What is the lightfastness of prints produced with HP
The test for heat resistance measures the visible changes to print quality Indigo ElectroInk?
when two facing sheets, positioned so that the ink on one comes into HP Indigo ElectroInk’s ability to withstand exposure to light is measured
contact with the ink on the other, are exposed to increasing temperatures by utilizing various tests for lightfastness. Lightfastness is a term used to
(ranging from 140-300ºF) under a steady pressure of 645 Pascal. The describe the resistance of a material to color change when exposed to
prints were tested after one hour of exposure. The test is a qualitative sunlight or to artificial light sources. Lightfastness tests evaluate the print’s
analysis based on the examiner’s visual evaluation of the degree of resistance to ultraviolet light by comparing the measure of change that
damage ranging on a scale from “no damage” to “strong damage”. The has occurred between an exposed area and an unexposed area. A
tests were executed using ElectroInk technology, Xerography technology xenon arc lamp is used in these tests for fade and color change testing
(Dry EP) and offset inks on various types of paper, intended to simulate a of inks and media. A lightfastness test was performed according to a
variety of typical substrates. procedure specified by Wilhelm Imaging Research (www.wilhelm-
research.com) by exposing test samples under an Atlas Suntest Tabletop
* Heat resistance: The ability of materials to withstand excessive heat which may result in the
lowering of flexibility, strength, and resistance to natural decay through loss of moisture, as
Xenon Exposure System, for three-day cycles while monitoring changes
well as acceleration of decomposition reactions. in optical density (percentage of fading) and color coordinates (deltaE).
Each three-day cycle simulates six years of exposure under the above
conditions. Three cycles of six days each, simulates 18 years. The tests
were executed using HP Indigo ElectroInk technology, Xerography
technology (Dry EP) and offset inks on various types of paper, intended
to simulate a variety of typical substrates. A test of lightfastness is shown
on the following page. The results show changes to color coordinates
(measured by the variation in deltaE) and changes in optical density
(determined by the percentage of noticeable fading).
4
Lightfastness test results 90
85
Change in color 80
coordinates at 75
70
6 days’ exposure 65
60
55

Delta E
50
45
40
35
HP Indigo ElectroInk 30
25
Offset 20
15
Xerography 1 10
5
Xerography 2 0

SBR Matte

SBR Matte

SBR Matte

SBR Matte
Uncoated

Uncoated

Uncoated

Uncoated
SBR Gloss

SBR Gloss

SBR Gloss

SBR Gloss
Acrylic Coated

Acrylic Coated

Acrylic Coated

Acrylic Coated
Paper types per color

Change in optical 95
density at 6 days’ exposure 90
85
80
75
70
65
60
55
50
45
% Fading

40
35
30
25
HP Indigo ElectroInk 20
15
Offset 10
5
Xerography 1 0
Xerography 2 -5
-10
SBR Matte

SBR Matte

SBR Matte

SBR Matte
Uncoated

Uncoated

Uncoated

Uncoated
SBR Gloss

SBR Gloss

SBR Gloss

SBR Gloss
Acrylic Coated

Acrylic Coated

Acrylic Coated

Acrylic Coated
Paper types per color

What kinds of substrates can be used with The qualification procedure for substrates comprises two parts. The first
is a screening test to check fundamental compatibility. During the
HP Indigo ElectroInk? second test, the substrate is subjected to a more comprehensive battery
HP Indigo ElectroInk can be used on more than 3500 approved media of tests including runnability, ink-transferability, blanket-substrate
available worldwide. The HP Indigo family of presses prints on the compatibility, blanket-temperature operating window, and ink-substrate
industry’s widest range of substrates for high-end digital color printing— interaction.
from standard papers, to transparencies, labels, and plastic stocks.
The tests ensure the substrate can be used in duplex and collation
HP Indigo works with media partners around the world to optimize and modes. Upon completion of the various test procedures, a full, detailed
qualify a wide range of substrates. report and printed samples for each substrate tested are provided to
the supplier. If the substrate is successful, the media is approved and
At the Rochester Institute of Technology and the HP Indigo Singapore
posted on the HP Indigo Media Solutions Locator section, a portal for
certification center, HP Indigo offers a commercial/specialty Media
HP Indigo customers.
Certification Programme that enables substrate manufacturers and HP
Indigo digital press owners to evaluate substrate compatibility with HP For specific types and brands please check the HP Indigo Media
Indigo digital presses. Solutions Locator on the customer portal at
www.hp.com/go/medialocator

5
Can HP Indigo ElectroInk be used for printing food
packaging applications?
Many of our customers around the world print flexible packaging,
including food packaging, on HP Indigo presses using HP Indigo
ElectroInk. ElectroInk complies with the Federal Food Drug and Cosmetic
Act 21 U.S.C 201 (FFDCA) requirements for printing on the non-contact
side of the following food packaging materials where the resulting
packages may be used to hold all types of food at temperatures up to
212ºF (also known as FDA’s Condition of Use B, “Boiling Water
Sterilized”, under 21 CFR 176.170): (1) low density polyethylene (LDPE)
that is at least 40 microns thick; (2) polypropylene that is at least 20
microns thick; and (3) polyester which is at least 12 microns thick.

EU regulations HP Indigo ElectroInk complies with Article 3 of the EU

Framework Regulation No. 1935/2004 for printing on the non-contact
side of the following food packaging materials where the resulting
packages may be used to hold all types of food at temperatures up to
212ºF: (1) low density polyethylene (LDPE) that is at least 40 microns
thick; (2) polypropylene that is at least 20 microns thick; and (3)
polyethylene terephthalate (PET) which is at least 12 microns thick. As
with any packaging which contains food, our customers are required to Can substrates treated with DigiPrime 4431 be
adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices and applicable FDA
requirements. It is recommended that customers perform the relevant
used for printing on food packaging applications?
materials analysis specific to their packaging material, together with the Michelman confirms that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
end user’s labs. The objective of such analysis is to ensure the quality and has approved the use of Michelman’s DigiPrime 4431 as a primer
integrity of the packaging polymers and to adhere to Good on flexible packaging without any temperature limitation, except for
Manufacturing Practices and relevant regulations and standards those consistent with Good Manufacturing Practices.
applicable to the packaging material.

Positive lists ElectroInk fully complies with the Positive List of the Swiss Do HP Indigo ElectroInk products contain any
Ordinance on Materials and Articles in Contact with Food chemicals listed on California’s Proposition 65 list?
(RS 817.023.21) (Swiss “Bedarfsgegenständeverordnung”) article 26g.
HP Indigo ElectroInk products do not contain any substance listed
ElectroInk also fully complies with the Inventory List of the EuPIA Guideline
under the California Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act
on Printing Inks applied to the non-food contact surface of food
of 1986, (Proposition 65).
packaging materials and articles, November 2011 version.
All pigments used in ElectroInk formulations are on either list1 or list 2 of
Technical Document 1 of the Council of Europe Resolution ResAP Do HP Indigo ElectroInk products contain any
(2005/2). substances on the US federal list of Hazardous Air
Pollutants (HAP)?
Are any additional products recommended to None of HP Indigo process ink colors (HP Indigo ElectroInk) or other
enhance the adhesion of HP Indigo ElectroInk to the supplies, contain substances that are listed on the United States
plastic substrates typically used in food packaging? federal list of hazardous air pollutants established under Section 112
of the Federal Clean Air Act. 42 U.S.C. §7412.
For food applications, we recommend the use of primer called
DigiPrime produced by Michelman, which is utilized in coating a wide
variety of substrates to enhance their compatibility with ElectroInk. Does HP Indigo ElectroInk meet the criteria for
Nordic Swan Ecolabeling?
The Nordic Swan criteria includes requirements as to chemicals,
emission to air and water, and waste treatment. ElectroInk meets the
chemical requirements of the Nordic Swan 4.3 specification for
printing companies.

6
Does HP Indigo ElectroInk comply with REACH
De-inking trial results
regulation EC No 1907/2006?
HP Indigo ElectroInk complies with EC Regulation 1907/2006 In November 2011, HP Indigo and Arjowiggins Graphic, an HP
(REACH). The products do not contain any substances on the candidate Indigo Preferred Media Partner, planned and conducted a full-scale
list for inclusion in Annex XIV of REACH above the threshold level of mill trial using 5% HP Indigo prints at Arjowiggins’ Greenfield de-inking
0.1% by weight of the article. Additional information about REACH mill in France, one of Europe’s leading mills for the production of
can be found at www.hp.com/go/reach. high-quality, wood-free recycled graphic arts pulp. Approximately 20
tons of HP Indigo prints, comprising various ink coverages and types
of paper, were collected from Indigo’s Israel R&D and manufacturing
What is the concentration of heavy metals in
operations and shipped to France for the trial. These prints were mixed
HP Indigo ElectroInk? into the Arjowiggins Greenfield standard paper waste mixture at a
HP Indigo ElectroInk does not contain lead, cadmium, mercury or level of 5%. The results of the trial showed that high-quality, wood-
hexavalent chromium in a combined concentration exceeding 100 free market pulp could be produced with 5% HP Indigo prints in the
parts per million by weight of the ink in a dry state. incoming paper waste stream. “The mill trial, using standard Greenfield
Mill process conditions, achieved saleable high quality de-inked pulp
suitable for coated or uncoated paper production [and] mill process
What is HP Indigo ElectroInk’s flammability rating? efficiencies were unaffected,” said Andrew Findlay, Research and
The oil in HP Indigo ElectroInk has a flashpoint greater than 147°F and Development Director at Arjowiggins Graphic.
is not restricted for any mode of international transport.

According to the Hazardous Materials Identification System (HMIS) and

the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) system, the flammability
of ElectroInk is rated at 2. (Moderate on a scale of 0 to 4).

For any specific workplace hazard warning and labeling requirements

for these materials, please consult your local occupational health and
safety regulations.

Can HP Indigo prints be recycled?

As a leading printing equipment and supplies company, HP Indigo
cares a great deal about the ease of recycling of paper and print
media. De-inking is a key initial step in paper recycling where ink is
separated from the fibers. The de-inking efficiency is evaluated by
measuring the residual dirt area in the deinked and processed pulp in
terms of square millimeters per square meter. Brightness is also
measured and compared to a target brightness and purity of the
resultant unprinted recycled paper.

HP Indigo has been researching the de-inking of its prints since 2004,
with successful laboratory scale results and, more recently,
a successful full-scale trial in a European de-inking mill in 2011 (see
report). Research has also been conducted with leading paper
research institutes including Centre Technique du Papier (CTP),
Grenoble and Paper Technology and Mechanical Process Engineering
(PMV), Darmstadt.

Additional information on HP Indigo ElectroInk

For more information visit the HP Indigo web portal at
www.hp.com/go/graphic-arts. Material safety data sheets can be
found at www.hp.com/hpinfo/globalcitizenship/environment.

Performance data presented in this document represent results obtained

using specific press models, workflow versions, applications, media
types and other variable testing components. Variations in performance
may be expected when tests are carried out using different components.
Users are therefore encouraged to perform their own tests under
conditions typical of their own printing process.

7
Note: This document is relevant to the following presses: HP Indigo 10000 Digital Press, HP Indigo 7600 Digital Press, HP Indigo 7500 Digital Press, HP Indigo W7250 Digital Press,
HP Indigo W7200 Digital Press, HP Indigo 7000 Digital Press, HP Indigo WS6000p Digital Press, HP Indigo WS6600 Digital Press, HP Indigo WS6000 Digital Press, HP Indigo 5600
Digital Press, HP Indigo press 5500, HP Indigo press 5000, HP Indigo WS4600 Digital Press, HP Indigo press ws4500, HP Indigo press ws4050, HP Indigo press ws4000, HP Indigo
3550 Digital Press, HP Indigo press 3500, HP Indigo press w3250, HP Indigo press w3050, HP Indigo press 3000, and HP Indigo press w3200.

North America Europe, Middle East, and Africa Asia Pacific Latin America Israel
Hewlett-Packard Company Hewlett-Packard Española S.L Hewlett-Packard Company Hewlett-Packard Company Hewlett-Packard Company
5555 Windward Pkwy Cami de Can Graells, 1 – 21 138 Depot Road 5200 Blue Lagoon Drive Kiryat Weizmann
Alpharetta, GA 30004 08174 Sant Cugat del Valles Singapore 109683 Suite 950 P.O. Box 150
USA Barcelona Tel: +65 6727 0777 Miami, FL 33126 Rehovot 76101
Tel: +1 800 289 5986 Spain Fax: +65 6276 3160 USA Israel
Tel: +34 902 027 020 Tel: +305 267 4220 Tel: +972 8 938 1818
Fax: +34 935 82 1 400 Fax: +305 265 5550 Fax: +972 8 938 1338
informahpindigo@hp.com

To learn more, visit www.hp.com/go/graphic-arts

© Copyright 2012 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. The information contained herein is subject to change without
notice. The only warranties for HP products and services are set forth in the express warranty statements accompanying such
products and services. Nothing herein should be construed as constituting an additional warranty. HP shall not be liable for technical
or editorial errors or omissions contained herein.
4AA3-9326ENW. February 2012.