Paste Ink Proofer

Paste Ink Proofer

MAIN FEATURES

• Accurate proofs produced in a single operation.

• No messy weighing or measuring of inks, unlike other proofers.

• Two inks may be proofed simultaneously for comparison.

• Complete inking/proofing/cleaning cycle only 2 – 3 minutes.

• Multiple proofs easily obtained using any substrate.

• Reduces press down-time.

PRINCIPLE USES
The PIP has many applications. It is an essential tool for both ink makers and printers, providing the simplest method of producing high quality proofs. These proofs may be used for computer colour matching data, customer samples, or to test for colour, gloss, opacity, penetration, drying, set off, rub and abrasion resistance. Pigment and other raw material suppliers will find the PIP invaluable for assessing their products.

AUTOMATIC OPERATION
Most conventional systems have a separate inking unit consisting of a number of rollers with a known area. These methods require the use of a skilled operator and involve more time, more cleaning and more apparatus.
The operation of the PIP could not be easier. The operator simply applies a spatula of ink across the laser engraved ceramic roller and the start button pressed to begin the automatic inking and printing process. Ink is distributed between the ceramic and blanket rollers at a controlled speed. The doctor blade removes excess ink from the engraved roller, leaving a known film thickness on the blanket roller. Printing speed and pressure are automatically adjusted and a proof can be made using paper, board, tinplate, or most other flexible or rigid substrates. Multiple proofs are easily obtained by applying more ink.

A triple banded engraved roller (PIP.13) is supplied for printing all three standard ink densities simultaneously. For users wishing to print two inks simultaneously for comparison purposes, a split blanket roller is available.
Anilox offset inking has been well-proven over a number of years on many production machines.

INK FILM
The ink film on the blanket roller is accurately metered by a screen engraved on the inking roller. The inking roller has a polished ceramic surface that is covered in uniform cells that have been engraved using a laser. The number and depth of these cells are accurately controlled and contain a constant volume of ink. The following table gives the approximate ink film weight applied when using a typical offset ink.
All inking rollers are supplied with a proof and a record of the actual film applied using a typical offset ink. Inking rollers to give other ink films may be made to order. The ceramic surface is virtually indestructible in normal use and is therefore ideal for use as a “standard” for quality control purposes.