How do I print a dark black using CMY color only cartridges? (LX500, LX600, LX610, LX910 or LX3000).

How do I print a dark black using CMY color only cartridges? (LX500, LX600, LX610, LX910 or LX3000).

The LX series printers use Cyan, Magenta, and Yellow ink.  There is no dedicated black.  In order to create black, all three colors must be mixed to create black (process black).  It doesn't look quite the same as true black but it is not noticeable unless you are trying to match a label printed with a dedicated black cartridge/toner. It is not always possible to achieve a "true" black, especially with gradients and large areas of black.  Small areas of black or black text will look best.   Use the tips below to create the darkest black possible. 

1a. Use Dye Ink for LX3000.  Using dye ink for LX3000 create the best black of any of our current CMY printers.  The dye ink on the LX3000 is different than our other printers.

1b. Use Pigment ink for all other printers.  Use pigment ink for LX500, LX600, LX610, and LX910 to create the best process black.  However, for some labels, the dye ink process black may be preferable.  It depends on your label design. We recommend having one of each cartridge (dye and pigment) on hand so you can switch between them to get the best-looking label for your specific label design. If you switch between cartridges be sure to use the cartridge garage to store the partially used cartridge while it is not in the printer. See the ink reference table below.

2. Saturation.  Increase saturation as high as possible. The more ink that is used the darker the black.  However, on some label stock this can cause bleeding, streaking, and blooming.  It may also negatively affect water resistance.  Experiment to achieve the best balance.

3. Label Stock.  The following label stocks product the best black in order of preference.
      a. Tuffcoat Extreme Gloss Poly Synthetic material will produce the best black. 
      b. Tufcoat Extreme Matte BOPP.
      c. Premium Gloss Paper.

4. ICC Profile. Try all color profiles but first use the ICC profile that matches your stock type if possible.

5. Clean Print. Ensure the print head is clean.  Do a clean print up to 3 times and examine the results to see if any nozzles are missing.

6. Manual Clean. Manually clean the print head using these video instructions.

7. Align Print.  Align the print head.

Ink Type Table Reference
(Use this table to determine which printers share the same ink type - even though printers do not use the same cartridge SKU number, they may share the same ink in those cartridges.  For example, Pigment 1 and Dye 1 are shared between many printers)


Pigment 1
Pigment 2 (LX2000 Only)
Dye 1
Dye 2 (LX3000 Only)
LX500


X

LX600
X

X

LX610
X

X

LX910
X

X

LX2000

X


LX3000
X


X

Article ID 011422