GSE, the global provider of ink logistics solutions
for label and packaging flexo and gravure applications, has introduced
automation and safety enhancements to its Colorsat ink dispensing programme.
These include conveyor-blenders that reduce manual input when supplying
dispensed inks to the press, and a vapour extraction unit for solvent inks.
The Colormix conveyors enable safe, easy transport
of dispensed water-based and solvent-based inks or coatings, in buckets,
between the point of dispensing and blending. They are suitable for the
Colorsat Compact dispenser, a system for high-volume package printing, and the
Colorsat Slim, for small and medium-volume flexible packaging and carton
applications.
The Colormix blender can be semi- or fully
automatic, depending on the dispenser it is installed with. The semi-automatic blender,
suitable for both the Colorsat Slim and Compact dispensers, is delivered with a
gravity roller conveyor. The 25-litre dispense bucket is transported to the
blending position, activated by releasing a bar with a pedal. The blending
process is activated by pushing a button. On completion of the process, the
blending arm automatically withdraws from the bucket and turns to an adjacent
container for cleaning of the shaft and blades before blending the next
batch.
The fully automatic system can be integrated with
Colorsat Compact dispensers. Empty buckets can be placed on an infeed conveyor.
After dispensing, the bucket is automatically transported to the blending
position and blended without manual intervention. For assurance of a safe,
explosion-free environment for handling solvent inks, the bucket is
automatically grounded.
GSE’s new vapour extraction unit sucks emissions
from solvent inks as they evaporate when the ink is dispensed on the Colorsat
Slim and Compact dispensers. On the Slim, vapour is extracted through holes in
the dispense head. On the Compact, vapour is extracted from the back plate of
the dispense position.
GSE’s Colorsat modular dispensing systems mix and
dispense flexo, gravure and screen inks to precise quality and quantity
specifications in minutes. Benefits are reduced setup times, ink-yield
improvements of over 30 percent thanks to easy re-use of press-return inks, a
cleaner colour mixing environment and better stock management. Tailored systems
are available for the complete range of package printing situations, for
water-based, UV- and solvent-based ink sets, from label printing dispensers
that provide colours in 1kg – 10kg volumes, to high-volume dispensers for
corrugated board and flexible packaging, with up to 34 components.
