Abstract: A thermal ink jet ink composition include a volatile organic solvent, a binder resin, a dye, a humectant in an amount less than 40% by weight of the thermal ink jet ink composition, and an additive for extending the decap time. The additive is present in an amount greater than 0.1% by weight of the thermal ink jet ink composition. The additive is selected from plasticizers, surfactants, aliphatic hydrocarbons, drying oils and mixtures thereof. The additive does not phase separate from the ink jet composition during application of the ink to a substrate in thermal ink jet printing.

Abstract: A thermal ink jet ink composition include a volatile organic solvent, a binder resin, a dye, a humectant in an amount less than 40% by weight of the thermal ink jet ink composition, and an additive for extending the decap time. The additive is present in an amount greater than 0.1% by weight of the thermal ink jet ink composition. The additive is selected from plasticizers, surfactants, aliphatic hydrocarbons, drying oils and mixtures thereof. The additive does not phase separate from the ink jet composition during application of the ink to a substrate in thermal ink jet printing.

Abstract: Disclosed is an ink jet ink composition suitable for printing on substrates holding high static electrical charges such as polyethylene and PVC films and tubes. The ink jet ink composition comprises an organic solvent having a boiling point greater than 56° C., a binder resin soluble in the organic solvent, a colorant soluble in the organic solvent, and a polyvinylbutyral resin. Also disclosed is a method of printing images on such plastic substrates and a method for reducing microsatellite formation during ink jet printing. The ink jet ink composition provides improved print quality and reduced need for cleaning the nozzle.

Abstract: Method and systems are provided for decorating product packaging. A substrate suitable for product packaging to a thermal printer, such as a thermal transfer printer. A decoration is selected for printing on the substrate. The thermal printer is operated to print at least a portion of the decoration on the substrate.

Abstract: Disclosed is an ink jet ink composition suitable for printing on substrates such as glass and metal. The ink jet ink composition comprises two or more organic solvents at least one of which is an alcohol, three or more binder resins comprising nitrocellulose, a thermoplastic polyurethane, and a polyvinylbutyral resin, two or more adhesion promoters, and a soluble colorant. Also disclosed is a method of printing images on such glass and metal substrates. The ink jet ink composition provides improved print quality and reduced need for cleaning the nozzle.

Abstract: Disclosed is an ink jet ink composition suitable for printing on substrates holding high static electrical charges such as polyethylene and PVC films and tubes. The ink jet ink composition comprises an organic solvent having a boiling point greater than 56° C., a binder resin soluble in the organic solvent, a colorant soluble in the organic solvent, and a polyvinylbutyral resin. Also disclosed is a method of printing images on such plastic substrates and a method for reducing microsatellite formation during ink jet printing. The ink jet ink composition provides improved print quality and reduced need for cleaning the nozzle.

Abstract: Disclosed is an ink jet ink composition suitable for printing on substrates such as glass and metal. The ink jet ink composition comprises two or more organic solvents at least one of which is an alcohol, three or more binder resins comprising nitrocellulose, a thermoplastic polyurethane, and a polyvinylbutyral resin, two or more adhesion promoters, and a soluble colorant. Also disclosed is a method of printing images on such glass and metal substrates. The ink jet ink composition provides improved print quality and reduced need for cleaning the nozzle.

Abstract: The invention provides an image recording element comprising a support and an ink-receiving layer wherein the ink-receiving layer comprises at least one porous layer adjacent the support, and at least one swellable layer adjacent the porous layer and on the surface of the image recording element, wherein the at least one porous layer has pores of a median pore diameter of between 0.05 and 1.0 &mgr;m and the at least one swellable layer has a thickness of between 0.5 and 5 &mgr;m. The image recording element of the invention is especially useful for ink jet printing.