Page 256 - Training 2019

He relates how GSE has identified specific pain points or “themes” that can be addressed with
certain types of ink dispensers and their corresponding software’s capabilities. The first theme that
Hummelen describes revolves around converters that mix their own inks. For these environments,
he explains it’s imperative for printers to choose an ink system that best corresponds to the
applications they specialize in. For example, he explains that printers using solvent-based ink
should ensure their ink dispenser is explosion-proof. Because these solvents are entering the
atmosphere around the ink system, if there is a spark ignited in the vicinity, the equipment is liable
to explode. “With solvent-based printers, there’s an explosion hazard because there are solvents
in the air and if there’s a spark, then it explodes,” Hummelen says. “So, you better take care that
your machine doesn’t create static electricity to create a spark because then your factory can burn
down.”

Hummelen says it’s also important to keep in mind that when working with UV inks, UV light
cannot enter the system. He states that black hoses and pumps are required, otherwise, if UV light
gets in, the ink can cure prematurely.

Another important theme, according to Hummelen, is the dispensing environment. For example, it
makes sense for label printers to dispense into smaller buckets because, for the most part, labels
require less ink on press. Flexible packaging and paper and board-based applications however,
may require more ink and can utilize dispenses up to 50 lbs.

Where software comes into play, Hummelen says, is in managing ink usage and tracking it as it is
returned and potentially recycled. He details how in most print jobs, the entire quantity of ink
dispensed is rarely completely used. A certain percentage is almost always left over and can be
stored for reuse. The software then recognizes the colour being stored and indicates the jobs it can
be used for in the future, and even if it can be adjusted to create a new colour. Printers want to
buy as little ink as possible,” Hummelen says. “They want to reduce the ink consumption that they
have without losing the impact they create with the ink on the package. I think ink suppliers
should help the customers to be more efficient and that can be done with these kinds of systems
and software.”
Additionally, Hummelen explains that from a safety perspective, software can help with
traceability. Utilizing software, he states, can keep track of the ink batch codes that were used on
a product, and which codes were combined via recycled ink. This way, he says, converters can
ensure they are using qualified ink formulations for each application.

Proper Ink Pumping
When assessing the proper ink pump for a printing environment, Craig Shields, president and COO
of Graymills, a Chicago-based manufacturer of inking systems, states the two key areas to focus
on are what type of ink will be pumped and how often the ink or fluid will be changed. Shields
explains that different inks have varying viscosities and require different types of pumps. For
example, heavier viscosity inks such as UV, EB and some heavier water-based inks should be
pumped with either peristaltic or diaphragm pumps, as they are designed for that purpose.
Meanwhile, light viscosity inks, such as solvent-based and light water-based inks, could use
centrifugal pumps.

INK PUMP TRAINING MANUAL 7
Updated - 24 June 2019