GSE Ink manager: new software for removing ink waste in package printing workflow to debut at Labelexpo Europe 2017
At Labelexpo Europe, GSE (stand 7D59), the Dutch provider of ink logistics solutions, will unveil GSE Ink manager – a new management software for eliminating ink-related waste and assuring colour quality within the label and package printing workflow. The stand will also feature dispensing equipment and proofing solutions that enable cost efficiencies and repeatable colour on-demand.
“GSE Ink manager has been developed as a result of many years’ intensive collaboration with customers and supply chain partners, and is tailored to the needs of modern printing houses,” Maarten Hummelen, marketing director at GSE, explains. “Increasingly, our customers are seeking ways to reuse inks in more ways in order to optimise yields. Also, they seek ingredient traceability to meet stringent food and pharmaceutical quality standards, and advanced management reporting to plan strategically. GSE Ink manager is the response to these challenges.”
The software is developed around the customer’s processes, providing a platform for improving efficiency in all relevant workflow steps where ink is involved, especially ink dispensing, processing press-return inks and colour corrections. In addition, it provides a total solution for managing all ink-related information, far exceeding just the machine control of the dispensing system.
A modular software solution, Ink manager comes with a modern, intuitive Windows interface and drag, drop, search, sort and export features, giving it the functionality equivalent to a modern ERP system.
Advanced ink reuse capability
Ink manager represents a significant improvement in the way ink can be reused, because of both its barcode scanning capability and advanced search functions. Firstly, return inks with approximately the same colour, or similar base components, can be combined into a ‘cluster.’ The recipe is determined by calculating used buckets or with a colour formulation system. The cluster becomes a single base colour connected to the ink dispenser, supplying new jobs. Ink manager supports clustering with lists of return inks; the expiry date of the cluster determined by earliest date of all the components.
Also, inks and varnishes can be classified into different quality series. Premium varnishes can be substituted for jobs with less demanding specifications, while using standard varnishes is prohibited where higher quality is expected. Furthermore, return inks can be reserved for specific jobs, e.g. when unique colours are needed.
Among other highlights are the ability to make new colours. These can be created with colour formulation software, with recipes sent directly to Ink manager. The software’s ability to log the ingredients of any order, as well as track the use of ink returns, enables fast pin-pointing of any problem, in accordance with ISO, GMP or BRC standards, plus batch traceability through the value chain.
Furthermore, Ink manager offers improved workflow management. The introduction of the job list enables the split-up of work preparation and ink production, making planning easier as return buckets can be collected beforehand. Also, jobs can be prepared for forthcoming shifts, so there is no confusion when handing over work to colleagues.
Optionally, the software comes with WiFi connection to the dispenser, compatibility with mobile phones, and an app that allows remote data entry and access to real-time information. This makes controlling process steps possible without needing to be at the dispenser.
Daily presentations of GSE Ink manager and its mobile app at the stand will provide a real-time appreciation of the software’s ease of use.
Colorsat® dispensing systems for precise, instant colour mixing
GSE’s Colorsat® modular dispensing systems, for flexo, gravure and screen processes, mix and dispense 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. The company’s two automatic dispensers for label printing dispense spot colours in 1kg – 10kg volumes.
The Colorsat Switch, for aqueous, UV-curable and solvent inks, features a dispensing unit and control cabinet, connected to a maximum of 20 exchangeable buckets of up to 25 kg, stored by modular waterfall frames. Optionally, high-volume components up to 1,000 litres can be connected.
The Colorsat Match, with its small footprint, prepares aqueous and UV-curable inks from max. 20 base components, with fixed, refillable internal storage tanks as standard and optional external components.
The GSE Dispensing-affiliated company, Print Proof Solutions, exhibits the Perfect Proofer Evolution Series table-top wet-proofing system for flexo applications. Using the same consumables as those on the press, the Perfect Proofer gives precise, predictable results, to an accuracy of within 1 DeltaE of the target colour on the press.