GSE Dispensing will show how its automated ink logistics systems and management software packages contribute to a waste-free, smoothly running ink workflow, under the (th)ink lean theme at Labelexpo Americas, 11-13 September 2012, Chicago, Stand 551.

GSE’s Colorsat program of modular gravimetric ink dispensing units have been proven to eliminate waste and improve yields by up to 30 percent, dispensing the exact amount needed for each job to precise color requirements and calculate excess ‘press return’ inks into new recipes. The Colorsat units are suited for preparing colors for all flexo, gravure and screen label and packaging printing situations. The units cater for water, solvent and UV-based ink sets and dispense volumes from less than 5 kg (11 lbs) to over 200kg (440 lbs).

A show highlight will be enhancements made to the GSE’s Colorsat Match dispenser, for flexo, gravure and screen label printing situations. The system specifically enables clean, fast and waste-free recipe preparation in batches of 1 kg (2 lbs) to 5 kg (11 lbs). Typically, a 5 kg (11 lbs) recipe of four colors can be dispensed in less than four minutes.

The developments to the Colorsat Match will feature a new air bubble mixer included in the ink containers, which keeps consistent viscosity throughout the container and ensures a stable ink flow. Another new feature is an automatic wet / dry cleaning unit, containing a roller for quick change and easy maintenance. The Colorsat Match has enjoyed great popularity in the six years since its launch, with multiple installations at single label companies worldwide.

GSE also offers software tools that bring further improvements in color formulation efficiency, cost-analysis and traceability. GSE’s Ink Management Software (IMS) allows the printer to store a database of commonly used, complex ink recipe formulations. Standard integration with a Management Information Software (MIS) package provides the production manager real-time information about recipe availability, enabling quick response printing. The integration with MIS also allows detailed ink cost-analysis of each order, and the ability to trace inks used on every job to the original base ink batch number. This substantially saves operator time.

Mr. Anne Lourens, managing director at GSE Dispensing, comments: “It is vital that label and packaging printers implement a lean management system.Reducing ink waste from the work-flow enables printers to achieve a high level of accuracy at lower costs and ensures quality consistency.”

Founded in 1975, and headquartered in Brummen, Netherlands, the company is a world leader in ink dispensing technology, with over 1,500 dispensing installations world-wide.