How to Melt Your Own Solid Ink

Solid inks are resin-based inks that are melted for printing application. Before the ink dries, a copy of the image is sprayed in pixel droplets onto a drum which transfers the entire image onto paper. Solid inks remain in a solid state until needed for use. Solid inks tend to have quick drying times and vibrant colors. The ink has a melting point between 176 degrees and 212 degrees Fahrenheit, which is near the boiling point of water. You can melt your own solid ink on your kitchen stove. Melting your own ink can prevent waste generated during printer warm-up.

Instructions

1

Add two cups of water to the bottom saucepan of a double boiler. Place the second saucepan on top of the second. Set an unwrapped color stick of solid ink into the top sauce pan. Using the double boiler will slowly melt the ink so that you have more control over how much ink you would like to use and to prevent scalding. For faster melting, place ink in a saucepan that is directly on the stove top.

2

Put the double boiler on one of the four kitchen range stations. Turn the heat to medium or medium high. As the water boils, the top saucepan will heat causing the ink to melt.

3

Watch the ink as it melts. Take the top saucepan off the heat close to the point that you would like to stop melting the ink. The ink will continue to melt in the heated saucepan. Carry the hot saucepan to the printer and pour the melted ink into the ink cup for distribution to the printhead and printing.