Non-OEM Inks: Let the Debate Flow
Even though third-party inks have been around for years, familiarity hasn’t made them any less controversial. These inks may be flowing, but so too is the debate over their use. And like the inks themselves, the debate is hardly black and white.
The 3M inks are not only not less expensive but are in fact more expensive than the OEM counterparts. “We’re a little unique in that we manufacture substrates as well,” Greenquist said. “We want to be able to offer the 3M MCS Warranty on finished graphics. To get the warranty you have to use 3M branded substrates and inks and follow our recommended procedures. We charge more than the OEM inks. And that’s because the warranty is very valuable to our customers. They’re very loyal to our products and our warranty, because of the long term testing we do, and the peace of mind it brings them.”
In terms of quality, 3M’s is higher than the OEMs, because the brand specifically formulates its ink for specific applications. For instance, if you want to digitally print on adhesive-backed vinyl and apply this vinyl to vehicles, the graphic needs to be able to conform to the curves of the vehicle. Not only does the media need to be flexible, but the inks must be as well. And because many customers want fade resistance for five years, the inks must be as durable as they are flexible, Greenquist said. “We don’t focus on the performance of our inks on rigid substrates, for example, because we don’t manufacture rigid substrates,” she said. “Sometimes we find our inks perform well on rigid substrates, and other times another ink may perform better.”
Finally, 3M has a reputation as an innovative and responsive company, she added. “We have technical assistance over the phone, backed by technicians in the labs who have expertise to help customers with these types of applications.”
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