Whether the ink is heat off-set, lithographic, flexographic, or gravure, achieving the product specifications is a challenge. Conforming to the two requirements, ink color and pigment grind, can be a time consuming operation. This is of particular importance in specialty inks where color matching is required. Regardless of the ink type or composition, conformance to the product specifications remains the goal.

The System

Ink can be contaminated by many sources during production. These can be of various types, fibres, solids, and semi-solids, complicating production to an even greater degree. Often, system recirculation is required to completely eliminate a contaminant. The system filter has the burden of maintaining pigment concentration and color while removing contaminants and ensuring that grind standards are met.

The Problem

Typical ink manufacturing processes require continuous recirculation and multiple quality checks in order to attain the product color and grind specifications. In many instances the filter life is expired before the batch is complete, requiring filter change-out and additional quality checks. In addition, the batch filtration process requires filter disposal at the end of a color specific batch, even if the cartridge life isn’t used. When process equipment is used for more than one color ink, the system must be thoroughly cleaned, filters changed, and used filters properly disposed of. These system practices result in:

• • Productivity reduced by recirculation and repeated quality checks
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• • Manufacturing capacity reduced due to poor equipment utilisation
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• • Increased filter use and disposal costs
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• • Increased labour costs
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Products Suitable For This Application

Depending on ink color and pigment size, a single or multistage filtration process may be required utilizing FCN & FCP series filters.  The multi-layered FCN filter features thick, lofty media for capturing deformable particulate.

The filter trolley system is an integrated design combining trolley, basket, bag, cartridge filters and a membrane system can be designed. The structure of the system is light and handy, thus allowing for movable and flexible performance with easy operation. For small and medium sized ink companies, the Filter trolley system will be the preferred choice.