HP ElectroInk

Frequently Asked Questions

For customers using HP ElectroInk 4.0
Sutherland rub-resistance tests Sutherland rub-resistance tests
Change in image density (HP ElectroInk vs. Xerography) Change in image density (HP ElectroInk vs. Offset) on SBR Coated Gloss

0.8

0.7

0.6 0.06

0.5 0.05
Density change

Density change
0.4 0.04

0.3 0.03

0.2 0.02

0.1 0.01

0 0.00

-0.1 -0.01
HP ElectroInk 4.0 Xerography 1 Xerography 2 Technology

HP ElectroInk 4.0
SBR Coated Gloss1
QMDI
SBR Coated Gloss2

SBR Coated Semi-Matte

Uncoated

What is HP ElectroInk? How does HP ElectroInk’s rub

HP ElectroInk is a unique liquid ink (Liquid EP) that resistance rate?
combines the advantages of electronic printing with the
HP ElectroInk’s rub-resistance is characterized by
qualities of liquid ink. HP ElectroInk contains charged
employing a test procedure that measures the ink density
pigmented particles in a liquid carrier. Like other digital
on the printed surface before and after the test. The
printing technologies, i.e. Dry EP (or Xerography), HP
measured difference in density defines the amount of loss
ElectroInk enables digital printing by electrically
of print image accrued during the test – the greater this
controlling the location of the print particles. However,
number, the greater the loss. The printed image is rubbed
unlike Dry EP, HP ElectroInk enables very small particle
against the same kind of non-printed substrate using the
size, down to 1-2 microns. HP ElectroInk is supplied as a
Sutherland Ink Rub Tester (www.rubtester.com) with a 4
concentrated paste that is loaded into the press in tubular
pound weight (1.8 kilograms) for 440 strokes.
cartridges in a ‘clean hands’ operation. Inside the press it
is fed into ink supply tanks and diluted with oil, to form a The test for rub resistance was performed by the Rochester
fluid mixture of carrier liquid and colorant particles ready Institute of Technology (www.rit.edu) under laboratory
for printing. conditions as a simulation of on-site printing according to
ASTM D5264-98 (2004) “Standard Practice for Abrasion
How does HP ElectroInk support the Resistance of Printed Materials by the Sutherland Rub
Tester”, and according to Tappi Test Method T 830 om-04
performance required for high “Ink Rub Test of Container Board”.
quality, digital color printing? The tests were performed on four different types of
The small particle size in the liquid carrier enables high substrates, simulating accepted types of coated and
resolution, uniform gloss, sharp image edges, and very uncoated gloss and matte papers. Print samples were
thin image layers which closely follow the surface taken from the HP Indigo press using HP ElectroInk 4.0 as
topography of the paper resulting in a highly uniform well as the Xerox iGen3, the Kodak Nexpress and the
finish complementing that of the paper. Heidelberg QMDI.

According to the test results from the Rochester Institute of

Technology “HP ElectroInk 4.0 had the highest resistance”
in comparison to the Xerography technologies, as can be
seen in the charts above.

2
Change in image density per color, before and after Taber abrasion test

1.00

0.80

0.60
Density change

0.40

0.20

0.00

Uncoated
SBR Semi-Matte

SBR Semi-Matte

SBR Semi-Matte

SBR Semi-Matte
SBR Gloss1

SBR Gloss2

SBR Gloss1

SBR Gloss2

SBR Gloss1

SBR Gloss2

SBR Gloss1

SBR Gloss2
Uncoated

Uncoated

Uncoated
Paper types per color

HP ElectroInk 4.0 Xerography 1 Xerography 2

How does HP ElectroInk’s resistance Do images printed with HP ElectroInk

to abrasion rate? show any variation in color values
HP ElectroInk’s resistance to abrasion is characterized by during a print run?
employing a test procedure that measures the ink density
Images printed with HP ElectroInk were analyzed after a
on the printed surface before and after the test. The
print run of 100,000 impressions, and measured for a
measured difference in density defines the amount of loss
change in color. The analysis found no variation in color
of print image accrued during the test – the higher this
values of the xth print compared to the 1st print (∆E*< 2).
number, the greater the loss. The printed specimens are
mounted on a rotating turntable using the Taber Abraser
Model 5130 (www.kencopress.com) and subjected to the Does HP ElectroInk that has been
stored for a period of time undergo
1
wearing action of two abrasive wheels, which are applied
at a specific pressure. 20 cycles were used for this test.
any degradation of color values?
The test for abrasion resistance was performed by the
Rochester Institute of Technology (www.rit.edu) under The HP ElectroInk was analyzed after one year of storage
laboratory conditions as a simulation of on-site printing and measured for a change in color. The analysis found
according to Tappi Test Method T 476 om-01 “Abrasion no degradation in color values (∆E*< 3)2.
Loss of Paper and Paperboard (Taber-Type Method)”.

The tests were performed on four different types of

substrates, simulating accepted types of coated and
uncoated gloss and matte papers. Print samples were
taken from the HP Indigo press using HP ElectroInk 4.0 as
well as the Xerox iGen3, the Kodak Nexpress and the
Heidelberg QMDI.

According to the test results from the Rochester Institute of 1

HP ElectroInk must be stored according to approved HP storing conditions
Technology, HP ElectroInk 4.0 performance varied in 2
DeltaE* expresses the color change between the X print to the 1st print at
comparison to the other technologies tested with regards the same optical density. The optimal result is when DeltaE* is close to
to each specific color, as can be seen in the chart above. zero.

3
 How effective is HP ElectroInk’s
Blue Wool test results
ability to withstand exposure to light?
HP ElectroInk’s ability to withstand exposure to light is HP ElectroInk 4.0

measured by utilizing various tests for lightfastness. Type Brand C M Y K Testing

standard used
Lightfastness is a term used to describe the resistance of a
material to color change when exposed to sunlight or to Acrylic Coated Magnostar 7 2 1-2 4-5 ISO 4892-1
artificial light sources. The lightfastness tests employed in
SBR Coated Gloss Condat Gloss 6-7 3 3 4-5 ISO 4892-2
order to achieve the results listed below, evaluate the
print’s resistance to ultraviolet light by comparing the SBR Coated Gloss Samarkand 6 6 4 4 ISO 105 B02
measure of change that has occurred between an
SBR Coated Matte Condat Matte 6-7 2-3 3 4-5 ISO 4892-2
exposed area and an unexposed area. A Xenon Arc
lamp is used in these tests since it contains a special gas, SBR Coated Matte Perigord 6 6 4 4 ISO 105 B02
xenon, which produces an intense light that accelerates
Uncoated Hadar Top 6-7 5 3-4 3 ISO 105 B03
the color fading reaction. Since the Xenon Arc lamp
reproduces full-spectrum light (as found in sunlight), it is
Offset Ink
useful for fade and color change testing of inks and
C M Y K
media.
Two separate tests of lightfastness are shown below. The Acrylic coated
5 3 1 4 BS 1006B02
first shows results based on a Blue Wool reference scale, SBR Coated Gloss
6 2-3 1 4 BS 1006B02
while the second shows results based on changes in
optical density (determined by the percentage of Please note that different paper brands and types may present deviations from the
presented test results
noticeable fading) and changes to color coordinates
(measured by the variation in deltaE*).
Lightfastness test2: Changes in optical density and in
Lightfastness test1: Blue Wool color coordinates
The lightfastness test was performed using a Xenon Arc This lightfastness test was performed according to a
UV lamp, under the following standards: procedure specified by the Wilhelm Research Institute
• British Standard BS-1006B02 for indoor conditions (www.wilhelm-research.com) by exposing test samples
under an Atlas Suntest Tabletop Xenon Exposure System,
• ISO 4892-1 Plastics – methods of exposure to for 3-day cycles while monitoring changes in optical
laboratory light sources, method B, indoor behind density (%fading) and color coordinates (deltaE*). Each
window glass according to colorfastness to light (Xenon 3-day cycle simulates 6 years’ exposure under the above
Arc) conditions. 3 cycles of 6 days each, simulates 18 years.
The tests were executed using HP ElectroInk technology
• ISO 105 B02 – colorfastness to light (Xenon Arc)
(Liquid EP), Xerography technology (Dry EP) and Offset
The results are presented on a 1-8 Blue Wool reference inks on various types of paper, intended to simulate a
scale. variety of typical substrates. (For a full list of papers used
for all the tests described in these FAQs, please refer to
page 10).

Blue Wool Scale [BWS]

Scale Simulates number Rating 5 The Blue Wool Scale is composed

1
of days indoors before fading of 8 strips of wool fabric, of
different dyeing standards.
1 3.75 Very poor Their chromatic grades range
from 1, indicating very low
2 6 Poor 2 6 lightfastness, to 8, indicating very
elevated lightfastness.
3 19 Fair Each standard’s value equals
twice the solidity value of the
4 65 Moderate preceding one.
3 7
5 130 Good

6 260 Very good

4 8
7 520 Excellent

8 1100 Outstanding

4
Lightfastness test results
Change in color coordinates at 6 days' exposure (12 years' equivalent)

90
85
80
75
70
65
60
55
Delta E

50
45
40
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
Acrylic Coated

Acrylic Coated

Acrylic Coated

Acrylic Coated
Uncoated

Uncoated

Uncoated

Uncoated
SBR Matte

SBR Matte

SBR Matte

SBR Matte
SBR Gloss

SBR Gloss

SBR Gloss

SBR Gloss
Paper types per color

HP ElectroInk 4.0 Offset Xerography 1 Xerography 2

Change in in optical density at 6 days' exposure (12 years' equivalent)

95
90
85
80
75
70
65
% Fading

60
55
50
45
40
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
-5
-10
Uncoated

Uncoated

Uncoated

Uncoated
Acrylic Coated
Acrylic Coated
SBR Matte

SBR Matte

SBR Matte

SBR Matte
Acrylic Coated

Acrylic Coated
SBR Gloss

SBR Gloss

SBR Gloss

SBR Gloss

Paper types per color

HP ElectroInk 4.0 Offset Xerography 1 Xerography 2

5
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
3.5
Damage level

3.5
3
3
2.5
2.5
2
2
1.5
1.5
1
1
0.5
0.5
40 60 80 100 120 140 160
40 60 80 100 120 140 160
Temperature (degrees C)
Temperature (degrees C)

Offset Xerography HP ElectroInk 4.0 Offset Xerography HP ElectroInk 4.0

Uncoated 1 hour Acrylic Coated Gloss 1 hour

3.5
3.5
3
3
Damage level

2.5
Damage level

2.5
2
2
1.5
1.5
1
1
0.5
0.5
40 60 80 100 120 140 160
40 60 80 100 120 140 160
Temperature (degrees C)
Temperature (degrees C)

Offset Xerography HP ElectroInk 4.0 Offset HP ElectroInk 4.0

How resistant to heat are HP How well does HP ElectroInk

ElectroInk prints? adhere to paper?
The test for heat resistance measures the visible changes HP ElectroInk’s adhesion to paper is characterized by
to print quality when 2 facing sheets, positioned so that employing a test procedure that calculates the
the ink on one comes into contact with the ink on the percentages of adhesion of solid colors to the paper
other, are exposed to increasing temperatures (ranging surface using an image analysis system. Adhesion was
from 60-150 degrees Celsius) under a steady pressure of measured after 15 minutes, 60 minutes and 24 hours
645 Pascal. The prints were tested after 1 hour’s exposure from the time of printing, using a tape-pull procedure that
and after 2 hours. The test is a qualitative analysis based applies a 3M® drafting tape #230 with a two pound
on the examiner’s visual evaluation of the degree of the roller weight.
damage ranging on a scale from “no damage” to “strong
The test for adhesion was performed by the Rochester
damage”. The tests were executed using ElectroInk
Institute of Technology (www.rit.edu) under laboratory
technology (Liquid EP), Xerography technology (Dry EP)
conditions as a simulation of on-site printing.
and Offset inks on various types of paper, intended to
simulate a variety of typical substrates. (For a full list of The tests were performed on two different types of
papers used for all the tests described in these FAQs substrates, simulating accepted types of coated gloss
please refer to page 10). papers. Print samples were taken from the HP Indigo press
using HP ElectroInk 4.0 as well as the Heidelberg QMDI.
The measurements were taken at the 500, 1000 and
2000 printed sheet mark and evaluated on a pass-fail
criterion, by color. (The results shown here are on a single
type of paper at the 1000 printed sheet mark).
6
Adhesion to paper (SBR Coated Gloss,1000 printed pages)

120.00%

100.00%
Percentage of ink on paper

80.00%

60.00%

40.00%

20.00%

0.00%
24 hours

24 hours

24 hours

24 hours

24 hours
15 min

15 min

15 min

15 min

15 min
60 min

60 min

60 min

60 min

60 min
Time after
printing

K C M Y 280%K

HP ElectroInk 4.0 Offset

May HP ElectroInk be used for IndiChrome HP ElectroInk 4.0

printing food packaging Orange 070 Cyan 4.0

applications? Violet 071 Magenta 4.0

Certain HP ElectroInk products, listed in the table on the Green 072 Yellow 4.0
right, are compliant with FDA requirements for printing on
Black 4.0
the non-food contact side of food packaging of an
appropriate multi-layer food packaging material. The
material used for the food packaging in conjunction with
the approved HP ElectroInk must be comprised of one of
the following materials: (1) low density polyethylene
(LDPE) that is at least 40 microns thick; (2) polypropylene
that is at least 20 microns thick; (3) polyester which is at
least 12 microns thick. The resulting packages may be
used to hold all types of food at temperatures up to 100
degrees C (also known as US FDA's Condition of Use B,
“Boiling Water Sterilized“, under 21 CFR 176.170).1

The German and European food legislation (German

Bundesinstitut für gesundheitlichen Verbraucherschutz und
Veterinarmedizin (BgVV) and European Union (EU) is
currently investigating the status of HP ElectroInk 4.0 and
expect to have the data available by spring 2005. (Based
however on previous versions of HP ElectroInk and on the
FDA rating it is safe to state that HP ElectroInk 4.0 will
also be approved for food packaging applications in the
European Union under the conditions stated above).

1
For FDA compliance of previous HP ElectroInk versions, see the previous
HP ElectroInk FAQs white paper, on www.hp.com/go/graphicarts

7
 Are any additional products Use of Topaz also complies with the applicable provisions
of German and European food legislation. (The German
recommended to enhance the Bundesinstitut fur gesundheitlichen Verbraucherschutz und
adhesion of HP ElectroInk to the Veterinarmedizin (BgVV) and European Union (EU)).
Substrates treated with Topaz can be used for printing on
plastic substrates typically used in the non-food-contact-side of food packaging when they
food packaging? are composed of any of the following materials: (1) low-
density polyethylene (LDPE) that is at least 40 microns
We recommend the use of a product called Topaz, which thick; (2) polypropylene that is at least 20 microns thick;
is distributed by HP Indigo, and is utilized in coating or (3) polyester which is at least 12 microns thick. The
plastic substrates to enhance their compatibility with HP alcohol evaporates after application, leaving the Topaz
ElectroInk. as a dry layer. Material coated with Topaz on the non-
food-contact side, can be employed as food packaging
Can substrates treated with Topaz be used to hold all types of food at temperatures up to 100
degrees C.
used for printing on food-packaging
applications?
In the U.S., substrates treated with Topaz can be used for Do HP ElectroInk products contain
printing on the non-food-contact-side of food packaging
when they are composed of any of the following
any chemicals listed on California’s
materials: (1) low-density polyethylene (LDPE) that is at Proposition 65 list?
least 40 microns thick; (2) polypropylene that is at least
20 microns thick; or (3) polyester which is at least 12 HP ElectroInk 4.0 products do not contain any substance
microns thick. The alcohol solvent evaporates after listed under the California Safe Drinking Water and Toxic
application, leaving a dry layer of Topaz. Material Enforcement Act of 1986, (Proposition 65).
coated with Topaz on the non-food-contact side, can be
employed in food packaging used to hold all types of Do HP ElectroInk products contain
food at temperatures up to 100 degrees C. any substances on the U.S. federal
list of hazardous air pollutants?
As of August 1, 2002, none of HP Indigo’s process ink
colors (HP ElectroInk 4.0) or other supplies, contain
substances that are listed on the United States federal list
of hazardous air pollutants established under Section 112
of the Federal Clean Air Act. 42 U.S.C.A. §7412.

8
What is the concentration of heavy Is it true that HP papers printed with
metals in HP ElectroInk? LEP inks cannot be recycled?
Based on the formulation of our inks and information Media printed with LEP inks can be recycled and used for
received from our suppliers, HP ElectroInk inks do not a variety of applications. HP, in conjunction with the
contain lead, cadmium, mercury and hexavalent Metafore’s Paper Working Group and other research
chromium in a combined concentration exceeding 100 institutes, is researching new de-inking methods to ensure
parts per million by weight of the ink in a dry state. HP printed media can be recycled and
re-purposed for a broader range of recycled paper
What is HP ElectroInk’s flammability products.

rating? Initial experiments indicate that when some grades of

commercial graphic arts media are used on the HP Indigo
The solvent in HP ElectroInk has a flashpoint >64°C and digital printing press, the resultant image film is difficult to
is not restricted for any mode of international transport. separate from the recycled paper fibers using the
According to the Hazardous Materials Identification traditional process. HP is presently investigating the extent
System (HMIS) and the National Fire Protection of this problem and exploring possible modifications to
Association (NFPA) system, the flammability of HP Indigo the de-inking and printing process.
HP ElectroInk, is rated at 2.

The HMIS hazard ratings are as follows:

• Minimal – 0
• Slight – 1
• Moderate – 2
• Serious – 3
• Severe – 4

For any specific workplace hazard warning and labeling

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

9
 With which types of paper can HP
Paper types utilized throughout this FAQ
ElectroInk 4.0 be used?
HP ElectroInk 4.0 can be printed on a wide variety of Paper Type Brand
papers and non-papers including conveniently located off-
Acrylic Coated BVS
the-shelf products. For specific types and brands in your
area please refer to the Media Locator which can be Acrylic Coated Magnostar
found on the HP Indigo customer portal
SBR Coated Gloss Condat Gloss
www.myhpindigo.com
SBR Coated Gloss Mirage Gloss
Where can additional information SBR Coated Gloss Samarkand
about HP ElectroInk products be SBR Coated Gloss SAPPI 100# Lustro
found? SBR Coated Gloss Silver Digital
Additional information relating to HP Indigo Imaging SBR Coated Matte Condat Matte
Products and Supplies, as well as material safety data
sheets, can be found on the HP Indigo customer web SBR Coated Matte Perigord
portal under Supplies at www.hp.com/go/grapic-arts SBR Coated Semi-Matte Mirage Satin

Uncoated Carnival
Performance data presented in this document represent
Uncoated Eastern Inspire
results obtained using specific press models, workflow
versions, applications, media types and other variable Uncoated Hadar Top
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.

10
Glossary of terms
• Abrasion: The rubbing or wearing away of a material • De-inking: Paper recycling is comprised of a series of
due to contact with another material. Dust is also a chemical/physical process steps used for papers that
significant cause of abrasion. have gone through a variety of printing processes. In the
first step, de-inking, the ink is removed from the surface
• Abrasion resistance: The ability of materials to withstand
of the media and then, in a series of additional steps,
the abrading action of the same or another material.
separated from the paper fibers.
The property is usually measured in terms of rate of loss
of material by weight when abraded under specified •Density: In general, the ratio of the weight of a material
conditions and length of time. to its volume, or the mass of the material per unit
volume.
• Adhesion: A term indicating that two surfaces are held
together by interfacial forces, which may consist of • DEP: Dry ElectroPhotography. The term used to describe
valence forces (chemical adhesion), interlocking action dry toner based Xerography technologies.
(mechanical adhesion), Van der Waals forces, or
• Fadeometer: An accelerated aging testing device which
combinations thereof.
exposes samples of colored materials or coatings to a
• Color: The multiple phenomena of light, manifest in the carbon arc to determine their resistance to fading. The
appearance of objects and light sources that are arc emits an intense actinic light which in a matter of
specified and described totally in terms of a viewer's hours approximates the destructive effect of a much
perceptions pertaining to hue, lightness, and saturation longer period of ordinary daylight. Although it does not
for physical objects, and hue, brightness, and saturation exactly duplicate the effect of prolonged exposure to
for sources of light. The normal human eye is sensitive to natural light, it is still an effective indicator of the degree
a range of wavelengths from approximately of light stability that can be expected of a material, and
3.8/10,000 to 7.6/10,000 mm, with the longest of the comparative resistance to fading of a number of
wavelength being perceived as red, followed in samples.
descending order by orange, yellow, green, blue,
• Fading: The gradual loss of color of a pigment or dye
indigo and violet. These are called Newton's spectral
that is chemically unstable. Unstable dyes or pigments
colors, i.e. they are seen when a beam of sunlight is
become colorless (or at least less highly colored)
split into its component parts, as it passes through a
compounds when they undergo chemical reactions upon
prism. Notwithstanding this separation, however, a
exposure to the ultraviolet radiations of natural light,
precise limit for any single color cannot be made
and to the oxygen, moisture, and other elements of the
because the spectrum undergoes a continuous
atmosphere. Dyes and pigments subject to these
transition throughout the series. If the human eye
reactions are generally referred to as fugitive colors.
perceives all seven kinds of light in the spectrum, and in
the same proportions, the “color“ seen is white. • Gloss: The surface characteristic of a material which
enables it to reflect light specularly and which causes it
The color of a particular object is usually contingent on
to appear shiny or lustrous. Gloss is measured at
the white light striking the surface of the object and
various angles of illumination, and, although it is
being completely or at least partially absorbed in the
subjective in nature, it is clearly associated with the light
surface of the material, with the remaining light being
reflecting properties of a surface.
reflected from it. Consequently, when a person sees the
color red, for example, it means that all of the incoming • Heat resistance: The ability of materials to withstand
wavelengths (white light) have been absorbed by the excessive heat which may result in the lowering of
surface of the object viewed except those wavelengths flexibility, strength, and resistance to natural decay
which constitute the color we have designated as red. If through loss of moisture, as well as acceleration of
the light reflected from the surface of the object is decomposition reactions.
allowed to pass through a further colored layer before
reaching the eye, such as, for example, a transparent • LEP: Liquid ElectroPhotography. The term used to
yellow film, more light will be absorbed, and the result describe HP’s ElectroInk, and to differentiate it from
will be a mixed color, i.e. orange. This process is called other liquid toner technologies.
“subtractive color mixture“, or color obtained by
• Rub-resistance: The resistance offered by the coated or
successively eliminating light of different wavelengths
uncoated surface of a material to wear resulting from
from white
mechanical action on the surface of the material.

11
North America
Hewlett-Packard Company
20 Perimeter Summit Blvd.
Atlanta, GA 30319
P.O. Box 616
USA
Tel: +1 800 289 5986
Fax: +404 648 2054

EMEA/Asia Pacific/
Latin America
Hewlett-Packard Company
Limburglaan 5
6221 SH Maastricht
The Netherlands
Tel: +31 43 356 5656
Fax: +31 43 356 5600

Israel
Hewlett-Packard Company
Kiryat Weizmann
P.O. Box 150
Rehovot 76101
Israel
Tel: +972 8 938 1818
Fax: +972 8 938 1338

Note
HP ElectroInk 4.0 is available only for the following HP Indigo presses: HP Indigo press 3000
(Indigo UltraStream), HP Indigo press 3050, HP Indigo press 5000, HP Indigo press w3200
(Indigo Publisher 4000) and for the HP Indigo press ws4000 (Indigo WebStream 100).

PANTONE® and other PANTONE, Inc. trademarks are the property of PANTONE, Inc.

www.hp.com/go/graphic-arts
© 2004 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.

08/2004

This is an HP Indigo digital print. Printed in Israel.