Brummen, Netherlands, At drupa 2016, ink logistics provider GSE Dispensing (Hall 3, Stand F50) introduces grounding solutions that enable safe dispensing of solvent flexo and gravure inks for packaging and labels. This new safety option enables users of flammable inks to enjoy the benefits of colour on-demand and substantially higher ink yields with greatly reduced risk of fire and explosion.

The earth clamp, secured inside the bucket and connected by wire to the ground, conducts static electricity from containers and inks. Dispensing is prevented from occurring if the earth clamp is not connected properly. This eliminates the risk of sparks that can lead to explosions when highly flammable vapours are present in the atmosphere. Providing a level of safety beyond standard requirements, the clamping system also features an alarm light that flashes when the quick connector is not connected properly to the drum.

The introduction coincides with GSE Dispensing's achievement of IECEx explosion-proof certification for its dispensing components. IECEx is the International Electrotechnical Commission System for Certification to Standards Relating to Equipment for Use in Explosive Atmospheres.

The company's ink logistics equipment and software allow packaging and label converters to cut out material waste, achieve precise colour targets repeatedly, and reduce setup times. Solutions comprise dispensing systems for spot and process colours, ink bucket washers, offline table-top proofing systems and integrated ink management software.

The earthing (US: 'grounding') clamp is exhibited at the stand along with GSE Dispensing's Colorsat Compact dispensing system, which is integrated with the company's Colormix mixer. Suited for higher volume packaging applications, Colorsat Compact offers fully computerised dispensing of up to 34 components and can be modified on request specially for either solvent or water-based inks.

GSE's Colorsat range of modular dispensing systems mix and dispense inks, to precise quality and quantity specifications, in minutes. The dispensers cater for UV, water-based and solvent-based inks. Offering fast installation, easy use and easy maintenance, the dispensing programme offers reduced setup times, ink-yield increases of over 30 percent thanks to easy re-use of press-return inks, a cleaner colour mixing environment and better stock management.

Mr Anne Lourens, managing director, GSE Dispensing, comments: "As packaging and label printers face the pressure to become more flexible and offer shorter production runs and lead times, driving waste out of the process becomes a top priority. The theme of our drupa stand, 'Nothing to Waste!" emphasises that GSE Dispensing's solutions are integral to a safe, efficient print workflow, in which human talent is free to focus on creative, added-value work – irrespective of ink-set used."

The Compact's standard dispensing accuracy is 1g (0.002 lb) for batches of up to 25kg (approx. 55 lb), though an accuracy of 0.1g (0.0002 lb) is optionally available. A 20-kg (44 lb) batch is prepared in less than two minutes.

GSE Dispensing's other stand highlights include the Evolution Series Perfect Proofer and the Colorclean Indigo bucket washer.