Multi-viscosity printer ink

Abstract

A printing ink for use within multiple ambient temperatures which comprises a mixture of two or more inks having different viscosities at a given temperature. Thus, one or more lower viscosity inks having, for example, a viscosity in the range of about 300 cps to about 900 cps is mixed with one or more higher viscosity inks having, for example, a viscosity range of about 1100 cps to about 1800 cps to provide a multi-viscosity ink mixture useful over a wide temperature range. A print ribbon which carries the multi-viscosity ink mixture and, the combination of an impact printer incorporating said print ribbon are provided. A method for printing with an ink mixture to compensate for varying ambient temperatures includes the steps of mixing together two or more inks each having a different viscosity at the same given temperature to form an ink mixture; and, printing with said ink mixture on a medium to be printed upon.

Description

[0002] Your Petitioners, Jeng-Dung Jou, a citizen of Taiwan and a resident of Orange County in the State of California whose residence and post office address is: 19 Mount Vernon, Irvine, Calif. 92620; Dennis R. White, a citizen of the United States of America and a resident of Orange County in the State of California whose residence and post office address is: 11561 Azalea Avenue, Fountain Valley, Calif. 92708; and Gordon B. Barrus, a citizen of the United States of America and a resident of Orange County in the State of California whose residence and post office address is: 31516 Paseo Christina, San Juan Capistrano, Calif. 92675, pray that letters patent may be granted to them for the invention of A MULTI-VISCOSITY PRINTER INK as set forth in the following Specification.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The background of this invention resides within the field of printer inks and printing systems. In particular, it resides in the field of printer inks which are utilized for various applications such as with printer ribbons or other printing ink applications. More specifically it resides within the field of systems for impact printers and inks which cooperate to provide printing with the aid of a print ribbon.

PRIOR ART

[0004] Viscosity for an ink is a measure of the ink's thickness. Low viscosity printer ink loses shear strength at high temperatures even when disposed on a carrier such as a printer ink ribbon. Within impact printing applications such as those using an ink ribbon, this can result in ink smearing and ink migration. This lowers the print quality.

[0005] On the other hand, the viscosity of an ink that performs well at elevated temperatures becomes excessively high as to its viscosity at lower temperatures. Excessively high ink viscosity exhibits other printing problems. The problems can include poor transfer into and out of the printer ribbon, resistance to pumping through small tubing, and a very slow transfer through foam materials. Such foam materials can be used in an ink reservoir roller to replace ink within the printer ribbon.

[0006] An ideal printer ink should flow easily when the ambient temperature is cold. The ideal ink should also remain thick enough so that it will not excessively migrate when the temperature is hot. Low ambient temperatures require a light (i.e. low viscosity) ink and high temperature requires a heavy (i.e. high viscosity) ink.

[0007] Viscous flow as to ink can be pictured as taking place by the movement of molecules or segments of molecules from one place in a lattice to a vacant hole. The total “hole” concentration can be regarded as a space free of polymer or free volume (Rodriguez, F., Principles of Polymer Systems, 3:177, 1989). Doolittle proposed (Doolittle, A. K., J. Appl. Phys., 22:1471, 1951) that the viscosity should vary with the free volume and free volume is expected to vary with temperature. The diffusion and movement is closely related to the size of a molecule represented by the hydrodynamic volume.

[0008] Low temperatures are favorable to small molecule movement whereas high temperatures are conducive to the movement of either small or large molecules. Thus when inks having small molecules are exposed to high temperatures they move with great freedom. Inks having large molecules can also move freely at high temperatures but not as freely as with small molecules, and not effectively at low temperatures.

[0009] It has been found according to the invention that when both small and large molecules are mixed together, they intermingle so that the smaller molecules are carried along with the larger molecules. This causes a synergistic property wherein the combined fluid acts more like the small molecules at lower temperatures and the large molecules at elevated temperatures.

[0010] This invention establishes that a mixture of two or more inks of different viscosities form multi-viscosity inks wherein the high molecule-weight spread (i.e. high poly-dispersity) performs well at a full temperature range in which print systems such as impact printers are expected to operate. These multi-viscosity inks remain sufficiently viscous at elevated temperatures, while maintaining a lower-than-normal viscosity at lower temperatures.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] In summation, this invention comprises a blended, multi-viscosity (MV) ink mixture for printing applications, yielding a more consistent viscosity throughout the operational temperature range expected of industrial impact printers.

[0012] More particularly, the invention utilizes an ink formulation that incorporates two or more mono-viscous ink components, combined in ratios to produce a united multi-viscosity ink. The lower viscosity inks or components influence the combination by lowering its “apparent viscosity” at lower operating temperatures. The higher viscosity inks or components influence the combination by maintaining sufficient viscosity for printing applications at the higher end of operating temperatures. The net effect is that the “apparent viscosity” remains more nearly constant across the printer's operating temperature range, than is the case with single or mono-viscosity inks.

[0013] Using multi-viscosity ink mixtures in impact or other printing technologies improves printing results. It helps to reduce or eliminate the propensity for ink smearing on the print media and ink migration into the printing mechanism at high temperatures. It also helps to maintain print density and ink distribution in an ink ribbon at lower temperatures.

[0014] Inks are primarily composed of pigments, vehicles and supplementary additives. Pigments are finely divided solid materials that give inks color and opacity or transparency. The function of the vehicle is to act as a carrier and as a binder to affix the pigment to the printed surface. The nature of the vehicle determines in a large measure the tack and flow characterization including viscosity. Supplementary additives include among others lubricants which act to influence flow characteristics, and dyes which impart ink color.

[0015] A method for printing with an ink mixture to compensate for varying ambient temperatures is also provided which includes mixing together two or more inks each having a different viscosity modulus to form an ink mixture; and, printing with said mixture on a medium to be printed upon.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] FIG. 1 shows a graph of viscosity versus temperature on a logarithmic scale for a 50/50 by volume mixture of inks, one ink having a viscosity of 750 cps and one ink having a viscosity of 1600 cps as compared with each single or mono-viscosity ink.

[0017] FIG. 2 shows a graph of a viscosity comparison of a single viscosity ink of 1050 cps and a 50/50 by volume ink mixture of an ink having a viscosity of 750 cps and an ink having a viscosity of 1600 cps.

[0018] FIG. 3 shows a graph on a logarithmic scale of viscosity versus temperature for a 50/50 mixture and a 70/30 mixture of an ink having a viscosity of 750 cps and an ink having a viscosity of 1600 cps respectively.

[0019] FIG. 4 shows on a logarithmic scale two different mixtures of low viscosity inks combined in the same volume proportions with the same high viscosity ink.

[0020] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a fragmented portion of an impact printer having a print ribbon which can use the ink of this invention.

[0021] FIG. 6 is a fragmented perspective view showing a hammerbank, platen, and the associated portions in the direction of lines 6-6 of FIG. 5.

[0022] FIG. 7 is a sectional view in the direction of lines 7-7 of FIG. 6.

[0023] FIG. 8 is a fragmented perspective elevation view of the hammerbank and print hammer details.

[0024] FIG. 9 is a sectional view in the direction of lines 9-9 of FIG. 6 showing the magnetics and hammers of the impact printer of this invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0025] Looking more specifically at FIG. 5, it can be seen that a printer 10 is shown having spindles or hubs 12 and 14.

[0026] The hubs 12 and 14 receive respectively spools of print ribbon 16 and 18. The ribbon in these respective spools moves forwardly and backwardly across the face of a number of hammers on a printer hammerbank facing the print ribbon 20 that is wound around the spools 16 and 18.

[0027] In order to support paper, a paper support 26 is shown with a splined shaft 24 and knob 28 to advance paper along a tractor.

[0028] Looking specifically at FIG. 6, it can be seen that a hammerbank portion of the impact line printer in the form of a fragmented segment toward the end of the hammerbank is shown. The fragmented portion of the hammerbank is a segment that is cut from an elongated hammerbank having approximately anywhere from forty to one hundred print hammers more or less. The print hammers can be retained and then fired or released against a print ribbon as is well known in the art.

[0029] The hammerbank 50 is such wherein the base or shuttle is generally machined or cut from an elongated metal portion such as an aluminum casting or extrusion. It can be formed in any other suitable manner to provide for an elongated mounting of the hammers on the hammerbank. In this particular case, it can be seen that the hammerbank has a rear channel area 52 which can receive an elongated circuit board or other controlling means such as in U.S. Pat. No. 5,743,665 Entitled a Printer Integrated Driver and Hammerbank dated Apr. 8, 1998 naming Robert P. Ryan and Gordon Barrus as inventors. The hammerbank 50 has an elongated channel or groove 54 which receives a permanent magnet as will be described hereinafter.

[0030] As is customary in line printer hammerbanks, they can comprise a series of hammers 56 connected to and formed on a fret 58. The fret 58 is secured to the hammerbank by screws, nuts or bolts or any other securement means shown generally as screws 60.

[0031] As detailed in FIG. 9, the hammers 56 comprise an enlarged portion 66 to which a pin 68 is welded, brazed or otherwise connected thereto. The enlarged portion 66 terminates in a necked down spring portion 70 connected to and formed with the fret 58. This entire structure and shape of the hammers 56 can be configured in other suitable manners to allow for the dynamics of printing as is understood in the art.

[0032] As seen in FIGS. 8 and 9, each pin 68 has a reduced tip 80. The reduced tip 80 is the portion that is impacted against the ribbon 20. This forms a dot matrix printing array, pattern, alpha numeric symbols, Oriental style lettering, a particular pattern, or pictorial representation.

[0033] In order to retain the hammers 56 which are sprung for printing movement away from the hammerbank, a permanent magnetic force is applied through a pair of pole pins, pole pieces, or pole members which provide the magnetic circuit. These terminate in upper and lower pole piece termination sections, hammer contacts, terminals or pins, 84 and 86. These pole piece terminal portions 84 and 86 are generally provided with a surface 88 therebetween against which a hammer 56 can be retracted and creates an impact or wear surface.

[0034] Looking more particularly at FIG. 9 the terminal points or magnetic contact portions of the pole pieces 84 and 86 are shown with their pole pieces 92 and 94. The pole pieces 92 and 94 are wound with wire coils 96 and 98.

[0035] In FIGS. 8 and 9 it is seen that a retention magnet 100 is shown. The magnet 100 allows for the magnet to be placed in the channel 54 against the rearward ends of the pole pieces 92 and 94. The pole pieces 92 and 94 allow placement of the magnet 100 there against to provide in turn for a magnetic circuit through the pole pieces 94 and 96.

[0036] The leads and terminals 119 and 121 are utilized to allow for conduction of a driving voltage to the respective coils 96 and 98 around pole pieces 92 and 94.

[0037] The hammerbank fret 58 terminates in the upwardly projecting hammers 56. The hammers 56 have the attendant enlarged portions 66 and necked down intermediate portions 70 serving a dominant spring function with the pins 68 having the striking portions or tips 80.

[0038] The foregoing configuration as to the pole pieces 92 and 94, and the magnet 100, are potted.

[0039] Looking more specifically at FIGS. 6 and 7, it can be seen that the operational aspects of the line printer are shown with paper or other media 140 passing there through. The hammerbank 50 has been fragmented to show the attachment of the cover thereon.

[0040] The fret 58 and the attendant hammer 56 has been shown in FIG. 7 in a dotted configuration along with the tip 80 extending therefrom. In FIG. 7, the details are more pronounced in the cross-section. The printer includes a platen 122 with a platen adjustment extension 124 which provides for the rotation of the platen in and out of the operating position.

[0041] Looking more particularly beyond the cover 120 and the respective hammers 56 that are therebehind, it can be seen that the ribbon 20 is shown. The ribbon 20 is the one impacted by the tips 80 of the hammers 56. The tips 80 extend through the openings 128.

[0042] Between the ribbon 20 and the paper or media 140 to be printed on is a ribbon mask 130. This ribbon mask 130 is such wherein it provides for masking of the print from the entire ribbon 20. This helps to eliminate print ribbon smear and ink being spread in an unwanted manner as the hammer tips 80 pass through the openings 136 of the mask 130. The paper or media 140 passes over the platen face 142 of the platen 122. This allows the hammers 56 when released to be impacted against the ribbon 20 and attendantly cause printing on the underlying media or paper 140.

[0043] The cover 120 incorporates the hammer tip openings 128 in a plural line of openings along the length thereof. This allows for the tips 80 of the hammers 56 to extend therefrom and provide an impact upon the paper or underlying media 140 on the opposite side of the mask 130.

[0044] As can be appreciated from the foregoing description with regard to a line printer such as that shown in FIGS. 6 through 9, it can be seen that ink when placed on the print ribbon 20 would have a chance for migration if it can readily flow. This is based upon not only gravitational forces but also merely the aspects of movement and impact of the ink ribbon 20.

[0045] In order to compensate for this, it has often been necessary to disadvantageously use overly viscous or light inks in order to compensate for ambient temperatures. As can be appreciated, if the ambient temperature were not correct, the ink would either be gummy on the ribbon 20 or flow excessively.

[0046] Looking more particularly at FIGS. 7, 8, and 9, it can be seen that ink from the print ribbon 20 when placed thereon could gravitate and smudge through the openings 136 against the media 140 that is to be printed upon. It becomes particularly apparent when considering the fact that the hammer pins 68 with the hammer tips 80 when striking the ribbon cause greater migrational flow of the ink. Further to this extent, the ink tends to flow more rapidly in high ambient temperatures. Of course, in low ambient temperatures the lighter or less viscous ink on the ribbon 20 would be to an advantage because of the fact that it wouldn't flow as readily.

[0047] This invention allows for more controlled flow of the ink from the ribbon 20 against the media 140. It helps to prevent smudging through the openings such as opening 136 or on the mask 130. The ink mixture of this system functions to substantially diminish many of the problems in the prior art of such impact printers.

[0048] In FIG. 1, based upon a logarithmic scale, the multi-viscosity ink mixture consists of inks of high and low viscosity mixed together. This produces a hybrid ink mixture with synergistic properties. The foregoing example utilized a mixture containing 50% by volume of an ink having a low viscosity of 750 cps and 50% by volume of an ink having a high viscosity of 1600 cps at room temperature. For purposes of this application with respect to the given viscosities, room temperature is defined as 25° C. A 50% mixture by volume was chosen in order to determine whether the resultant viscosity would exhibit a proportional relationship to the constituent viscosities. If so, then the resultant viscosity curve would lie equidistant from the constituent curves.

[0049] From the results, it was found that low temperature is not detrimental to small molecule movement. High temperature is conducive to the movement of either small or large molecules. The resultant effect on viscosity was not proportional to the percentage of the mix. For instance by adding an equal amount of high viscosity ink (for example 50%) to an amount of low viscosity ink (for example 50%), a disproportional effect in a low ambient temperature was found. The resulting “apparent viscosity: exhibits high temperature viscosity only slightly lower than the high viscosity constituent, yet significantly lower viscosity at low temperatures, than the high viscosity constituent.

[0050] FIG. 2 shows a viscosity comparison between a multi-viscosity ink mixture and a single viscosity ink. The multi-viscosity ink mixtures consists of equal parts by volume of an ink having a viscosity of 750 cps and an ink having a viscosity of 1600 cps. The single or mono-viscosity ink has a viscosity of 1050 cps.

[0051] The graph of FIG. 2 shows that a multi-viscosity ink mixture can improve the flow conditions at cold temperatures and maintain the same properties as single viscosity inks at room temperature and higher temperatures. However, other viscosities may be preferred and can be formulated for use in varying printing temperatures.

[0052] Viscosity studies have been conducted for inks with different pigment loads within the temperature range of 5° to 40° C. A preferred or idealized viscosity range was found to be around 1000 cps at room temperature. If the viscosity is too low at room temperature, it can cause ink smearing and ink migration at hot temperatures (40° C.).

[0053] From the data of FIG. 2, the multi-viscosity (MV) ink mixture can maintain ideal apparent ink viscosity at ambient room to high temperatures in comparison with uni-viscosity inks. This applies to both dye-based ink and pigmented ink.

[0054] In addition as seen in FIG. 2, the “apparent” (or “MV”) ink viscosity is 3000 cps lower than uni-viscosity inks at 5° C. The temperature range (5° C. to 40° C.) within which the experiments were conducted corresponds to standard operational temperatures of many printers. In order to predict viscosity beyond this range, the following equation is helpful:

ln(μ)=A−B T  (1)

[0055] The viscosity μ is given in centipoises and the temperature T is expressed in Celsius. The coefficients, A and B in the equation are determined from regressing experimental ink-viscosity data. The equation can be used to anticipate results at temperatures beyond the limits of the experiments. The equation itself is limited in scope. Any viscous liquid, blended or not, will exhibit linear behavior (in logarithmic scale) only within some practical range. The actual limits of linearity will be dependent upon a particular material's characteristics.

[0056] FIG. 3 shows the comparison of two different multi-viscosity ink mixtures or combinations. The high viscosity ink has a viscosity of 1600 cps at room temperature. The low viscosity ink has a viscosity of 750 cps at room temperature.

[0057] The ink designated “Viscosity (50/50)”: 50% by volume is a mixture of a Low viscosity ink of 750 cps and 50% by volume of a High viscosity ink of 1600 cps.

[0058] The equation for viscosity (50/50) pertaining thereto is:

ln(μ)=8.4−0.0593 T  (2).

[0059] The ink designated “Viscosity (70/30)”: 70% by volume is a mixture of Low viscosity ink of 750 cps and 30% by volume high viscosity ink of 1600 cps.

[0060] The equation of viscosity (70/30) pertaining thereto is:

ln(μ)=8.0−0.0563T  (3).

[0061] From regressing equations, the ink combination (70/30) flattens the slope of the curve 5% and the intercept declines 5% in a logarithmic scale in comparison with a 50/50 by volume mixture.

[0062] FIG. 4 shows a logarithmic graph of viscosity versus temperature for two different multi-viscosity ink mixtures in a 50% to 50% ratio by volume. One mixture incorporates a low viscosity ink of 550 cps with a high viscosity ink of 1600 cps. The other mixture incorporates a low viscosity ink of 750 cps with a high viscosity ink of 1600 cps. This diagram illustrates that by varying the viscosity values, and mixture percentages, it is possible to tailor a multi-viscosity ink mixture to optimize ink performance for a particular application.

[0063] While the examples shown and described herein illustrate a mixture of two inks of different viscosities it should be understood that the invention is not limited to a mixture of two inks of different viscosities but is intended to include mixtures of two or more inks of different viscosities. For example, three or more inks of different viscosities can be selected based on the particular mono-viscosity of each ink forming the ink mixture so that the ink mixture can be tailored to provide a multi-viscosity ink mixture which would be particularly useful over a given temperature range. The given temperature ranges of more than two monoviscosity inks when mixed can be temperature specific. For example if a printer is to be used in a warehouse, a heated industrial area, and an office interchangeably, the ink can be compounded to accommodate the three or more given ambient temperatures. As a further example, some line printers are now moved from one environment to another, which changes the relationship of the ambient temperature. Using the two or more ink compounds of this invention can cause the ink to be temperature specific and perform in an improved way with respect to each ambient temperature.

[0064] In summation it has been found that an optimum blend of two, three or more inks having different viscosities can be made for use in impact printing applications such as line printing, and within other types of printers. The resulting product is a synergistic multi-viscosity blend that performs well throughout the temperature range anticipated in many applications. Other factors that influence the actual percentages of the different viscosity inks used to optimize the blend include, but need not be limited to the presence or absence of additives and pigments and the type of media to be printed upon.

[0065] Various modifications of the invention are contemplated which will be obvious to those skilled in the art and can be resorted to without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

Claims

1. A printing ink for use in multiple temperatures comprising: a mixture of two or more inks each ink having a different viscosity at the same given temperature.

2. The printing ink as claimed in claim 1 further comprising: one or more inks having a lower viscosity at a pre-determined temperature mixed with one or more inks having a viscosity at said pre-determined temperature which is higher than said one or more inks having a lower viscosity.

3. The printing ink as claimed in claim 2 further comprising: said one or more inks having a lower viscosity in said mixture comprises from about 30% to about 70% by volume of said mixture; and, said one or more inks having a higher viscosity in said mixture comprises from about 70% to about 30% by volume of said mixture.

4. The printing ink as claimed in claim 1 wherein: said one or more inks having a lower viscosity comprises a single ink having a lower viscosity which comprises at least about 30% by volume with the balance by volume comprising said one or more inks having a higher viscosity.

5. The printing ink as claimed in claim 1 wherein: said one or more inks having a higher viscosity comprises a single ink having a higher viscosity which comprises at least about 30% by volume with the balance by volume comprising said one or more lower viscosity inks.

6. The printing ink as claimed in claim 1 wherein: said mixture comprises one lower viscosity ink and one higher viscosity ink.

7. The printing ink as claimed in claim 1 wherein: said one or more lower viscosity inks has a viscosity in the range of about 300 to about 900 cps; and, said one or more higher viscosity inks has a viscosity in the range of about 1100 to about 1800 cps.

8. The printing ink as claimed in claim 1 wherein: said one or more lower viscosity inks comprises from about 30% to about 70% by volume of said mixture; said one or more higher viscosity inks comprises from about 30% to about 70% by volume of said mixture; the viscosity of said one or more lower viscosity inks is within the range of about 300 cps to about 900 cps; and, the viscosity of said one or more higher viscosity inks is within the range of about 1100 cps to about 1800 cps.

9. The printing ink as claimed in claim 1 wherein: said one or more lower viscosity inks comprises about 50% by volume of said mixture; and, said one or more higher viscosity inks comprises about 50% by volume of said mixture.

10. The printing ink as claimed in claim 1 further comprising: a print ribbon on which said printing ink is carried.

11. The printing ink as claimed in claim 10 further comprising: an impact printer incorporating said ribbon with said ink; a series of hammers with tips for impacting said ribbon; a permanent magnet for retaining said hammers; and, an electrical drive for overcoming the retention of said hammers and causing said printing tips to impact said ribbon and print on an underlying medium.

12. A printing system comprising: an impact printer having printing tips supported on a plurality of hammers on a hammerbank; at least one permanent magnet for retaining said hammers; an electrically driven coil for overcoming the permanent magnetism retaining said hammers; a printer ribbon placed for impact by said printing tips against a medium to be printed upon; and, an ink mixture disposed on said ribbon comprising a mixture of two or more inks each ink having a different viscosity at a given temperature.

13. The printing system as claimed in claim 12 further comprising: a mask with openings for said printer tips; a platen for supporting the medium to be printed upon; and, wherein said hammers form a hammerbank of a line printer.

14. The printing system as claimed in claim 12 further comprising: said ink mixture comprises one or more inks having a lower viscosity at a pre-determined temperature mixed with one or more inks having a viscosity at said pre-determined temperature which is higher than said one or more inks having a lower viscosity.

15. The printing system as claimed in claim 12 further comprising: said one or more inks has a lower viscosity at a pre-determined temperature which comprises from about 30% to about 70% by volume of said mixture; and, said one or more inks has a higher viscosity at said pre-determined temperature which comprises from about 30% to about 70% by volume of said mixture.

16. The printing system as claimed in claim 15 wherein: said one or more inks of said mixture having a lower viscosity has a viscosity in the range of about 300 cps to about 900 cps; said one or more inks of said mixture having a higher viscosity has a viscosity in the range of about 1100 cps to about 1800 cps; and, said one or more lower viscosity inks and one or more higher viscosity inks each comprise about 50% by volume of said ink mixture.

17. A print ribbon with ink for an impact printer comprising: a print ribbon formed of an absorbent material which retains ink in its interstices; and, an ink mixture disposed on said ribbon comprising two or more inks each ink having a different viscosity at the same given temperature.

18. The print ribbon with ink as claimed in claim 17 further comprising: one or more inks having a lower viscosity within the range of about 300 cps to about 900 cps at 25° C.; and, one or more inks having a higher viscosity is within the range of about 1100 cps to about 1800 cps at 25° C.

19. The print ribbon with ink as claimed in claim 18 wherein: said one or more inks having a lower viscosity comprises from about 30% to about 70% by volume of said ink mixture; and, said one or more inks having a higher viscosity comprises from about 30% to about 70% by volume of said ink mixture.

20. A method for printing with an ink mixture to compensate for varying ambient temperatures comprising: mixing together two or more inks each having a different viscosity at the same given temperature to form an ink mixture; and, printing with said mixture on a medium to be printed upon.

21. The method as claimed in claim 20 further comprising: mixing together one or more inks having a lower viscosity at a predetermined temperature with one or more inks having a higher viscosity at the same predetermined temperature to form an ink mixture; disposing said ink mixture on a print ribbon; striking said print ribbon with printing elements to impact said ribbon and dispose said ink mixture on said medium.

22. The method as claimed in claim 21 further comprising: passing said print ribbon between two spools across said printing elements formed of printing tips.

23. The method as claimed in claim 21 wherein: said one or more inks of said ink mixture having a lower viscosity has a viscosity in the range of about 300 cps to about 900 cps; and, said one or more inks having a higher viscosity has a viscosity in the range of about 1100 cps to about 1800 cps.

24. The method as claimed in claim 21 wherein: said one or more inks having a lower viscosity comprises from about 30% to about 70% by volume of said ink mixture; and said one or mor inks having a higher viscosity comprises from about 30% to about 70% by volume of said ink mixture.

25. A method of printing in varying ambient temperatures comprising: providing a printer having a plurality of hammers with printing tips on a hammerbank; providing a permanent magnet for retaining said hammers; releasing said hammers with electric magnetism to overcome the force of said permanent magnet; and, passing a print ribbon having an ink formed of a mixture of two or more different viscosity inks across said hammer tips for printing on a media.

26. The method as claimed in claim 25 further comprising: masking said print ribbon with a printing mask having openings receiving said printing tips.

27. The method as claimed in claim 25 further comprising: forming said ink mixture from said one or more lower viscosity inks having a viscosity in the range of about 300 cps to about 900 cps at 25° C.; and, said one or more higher viscosity inks having a range of about 1100 cps to about 1800 cps at 25° C.

28. The method as claimed in claim 25 further comprising: forming said ink mixture with two different single viscosity inks, each ink comprising from about 30% to about 70% by volume.