Why Low-Cost Ink ($15-$45) Clogs RISO Printer Heads in Winter?

author: Chameleon

2026-03-09

For many businesses using RISO ComColor printers, the choice of ink directly affects printing efficiency and equipment lifespan—especially in winter. A common headache is that low-cost inferior ink priced between $15 and $45 often clogs the ink supply system and print heads when the temperature drops. Why does this happen? Today, we’ll uncover the core reasons behind it and recommend a reliable solution for RISO printers.

The Core Reason: Unstable Formula and Material Issues

The root cause of low-cost ink ($15-$45) clogging print heads in winter lies in its formula and materials. Most of these low-cost inks adopt an oil-water mixed formula, which is extremely unstable—this is the key factor leading to clogging problems in cold weather.

Why Do Low-Cost Inks Use Oil-Water Mixed Formulas?

The answer is simple: to cut costs. Water is almost free, and using water as one of the main components of the ink can greatly reduce the production cost of the ink, allowing manufacturers to sell it at a low price of $15-$45 to seize the low-end market. However, this cost-saving choice comes at the cost of ink stability and printer safety.

Mismatch Between Ink and RISO Print Heads: A Disaster Waiting to Happen.

It’s important to note that RISO ComColor printers’ print heads are specifically designed for oil-based pigment inks. These print heads have precise structures and are optimized for the fluidity, viscosity, and drying speed of oil-based inks, ensuring smooth ink flow and stable printing performance.

However, the oil-water mixed low-cost ink contains a large amount of water. Once water enters the print head designed for oil-based inks, it will destroy the original working mechanism of the print head. Moreover, water is extremely sensitive to temperature—when winter comes and the temperature drops significantly, the structure of the oil-water mixed ink will be damaged: the oil and water layers separate, the ink viscosity increases sharply, and solid particles precipitate, which will quickly clog the tiny nozzles of the print head and the ink supply pipeline.

The Reliable Solution for RISO Printers: Chameleon 100% Oil-Based Pigment Ink | RISO

To avoid the trouble of print head clogging in winter and protect your RISO ComColor printer, choosing the right ink is crucial. Our Chameleon 100% oil-based pigment ink is specially developed for RISO ComColor printers, perfectly matching the print head design of RISO printers.

Without any water added, Chameleon ink has a stable formula that is not affected by low temperatures in winter. It maintains excellent fluidity even in cold environments, ensuring smooth ink supply and no clogging of the ink supply system or print heads. At the same time, it has excellent color saturation and durability, making your prints clearer and more long-lasting, while effectively extending the service life of your RISO printer’s print heads and ink supply system.

Final Reminder
Choosing low-cost inferior ink ($15-$45) may save a small amount of cost in the short term, but it will bring more losses in the long run—print head clogging, equipment failure, reduced work efficiency, and even the need to replace expensive print heads. For RISO ComColor printers, choosing Chameleon 100% oil-based pigment ink is not only a guarantee of printing quality but also a wise investment in protecting your equipment.

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