Genuine Mimaki Ink vs Compatible Ink

Searching for Mimaki compatible ink? This guide sets out the facts: what Mimaki itself says about non-Mimaki ink, what the ink chip and color profiles do, and which genuine Mimaki ink series fits each printer. Buckets of Ink is an authorized Mimaki dealer and sells genuine Mimaki ink only.

What Mimaki's warranty says about ink

The Mimaki USA Standard Warranty Statement excludes:

• "Defects or damage in printers related, in any way, to the use of non-Mimaki inks or inks out of specification."
• Damage from modifications, "including any bulk ink system not authorized by Mimaki."

The same statement says genuine Mimaki "Ink, their cartridges and IC PCBs are guaranteed to be free from defects until expiration date." In short: if a problem is traced to ink that is not Mimaki ink, repair is not covered. Mimaki-approved bulk systems (such as MBIS3 and 1 L / 2 L packs) are fine.

Why genuine Mimaki ink

• Warranty: keeps the printer and printhead inside Mimaki's warranty and service terms (above).
• IC chip: each Mimaki cartridge, pack or bottle carries an IC chip that tells the printer the ink type, color, remaining amount and expiry date, so the printer can track ink and warn you before ink expires.
• Color profiles: Mimaki builds RasterLink ICC profiles for its own ink and media combinations. With the ink the profile was made for, colors match the profile without building your own.
• Head life: Mimaki printheads, dampers, caps and wipers are designed and tested with Mimaki ink chemistry. Ink outside specification is the cause the warranty names for printer damage.

Which genuine Mimaki ink fits which printer

From Mimaki spec sheets. Ink options vary by model version and country; always match the ink already in your printer. Changing ink type needs a full flush and often new dampers.

Shop genuine Mimaki ink

• Mimaki eco-solvent ink (SS21, SS22, BS4)
• Mimaki UV ink (LUS, LH-100, ELS-170) and primer
• Mimaki sublimation ink
• Mimaki DTF ink
• Mimaki flushing and maintenance liquid
• Mimaki maintenance: liquids, wipers and dampers
• Mimaki printheads: specs, cleaning and replacement
• Fixing Mimaki test print problems
• All Mimaki parts, printers and ink

Before switching inks

• Check your printer model and ink set on the panel or the cartridge label.
• Do not mix ink types in one printer. Moving between ink types (for example eco-solvent to sublimation) needs Mimaki's flush procedure with the right cleaning liquid.
• Watch the expiry date: the printer reads it from the IC chip and warns when ink is out of date.
• Store ink at the temperature on the label and shake bottles and packs as directed before loading.

Mimaki ink FAQ

Does compatible ink void the Mimaki warranty?

Mimaki USA warranty excludes defects or damage related in any way to non-Mimaki inks or inks out of specification, and bulk ink systems not authorized by Mimaki. Damage traced to such ink is not covered.

What does the chip on Mimaki ink do?

The IC chip tells the printer the ink type, color, remaining amount and expiry date, so the printer can track ink use and warn about expired ink.

Which Mimaki ink does my printer use?

Eco-solvent JV and CJV models use SS21, SS22, BS4 or ES3; UCJV and UJV models use LUS or ELS UV ink; UJF and JFX flatbeds use LH-100, LUS-120 or LUS-150; TxF uses DTF pigment ink. Call 480-229-7806 with your model.

Can I use SS22 ink in a JV150?

Use the ink series listed for your model. The JV150 lists SS21, ES3, BS3/BS4 and Sb53/Sb54; SS22 is listed for newer models such as the JV330 and CJV330.

Do Mimaki ink cartridges expire?

Yes. Each ink has an expiry date stored on its IC chip. Mimaki warrants genuine ink, cartridges and IC PCBs against defects until that date.

Is Mimaki bulk ink allowed?

Yes, when it is a Mimaki system such as MBIS3 with 2 L packs, or 1 L bottle models. The warranty excludes bulk ink systems not authorized by Mimaki.