Ink cost comparison

[Robert_O]

Hi,

I have been asked to compare different ink concept. What do you think is the best way to compare inks?

The question given to me applies for Flexo inks so I would be especially grateful if anyone could share it thought on how to compare different flexo ink concepts. Is it best to compare component wise or recipe by recipe.

Thanks!

[Greg Imhoff]

Hi Robert: The following objective guidelines are offered to best qualify any various on press ink sets...

• Are the flexo inks to be compared run on Narrow and or Wide web applications?
  
• Are these Water based and or Solvent based ink sets?
  
• Are the colors being RIPped, plated and run with GCR and or UCR?
  
• Are the plate values calibrated and printed to a eg GRACoL type specification?
  
• How are on press Densities monitored and measured - manually or automatically?

Any process known to be under control has many benefits. Then seeing the end result products side by side, in a controlled light booth provides a fair result, to then run a comparative cost analysis.

Sincerely,

Greg Imhoff
Director EPG Color Solutions
(800) 394 - 7130 - office
(708) 557 - 2021 - cell
Skype: gregimhoff
Print Properties Committee Member and GRACoL G7 Expert
Essex Products Group | Integrated Color Control Systems