So you want to know the type of ink we are using? I know it comes from USA INK. I do not know the chemistry or mix of the ink. I will ask around. I know that the fountain solution is Liquid Gold. I have been taught that the ink and fountain solution must be compatable and have brought this up to management. They have been using this combination for years. There are really no other issues with this pairing they are using. plates clean up fairly quickly and no scumming. It almost seems to me though that the solution on the water formers should repel the ink from them. It doesnt. The ink pans are cleaned regularly so its not coming from there. I will ask what they have the continuity at. Does that help you help me? And thanks so much for replying.
Have your ink and/or fountain solution provider(s) perform a laboratory ink and fount study.
This can be performed on a Duke Emulsification tester or even more elaborate, Lithotronic tester from Novomatics.
This will tell you exactly (particularly the Lithotronic) the ink and water emulsifying properties interactions between your ink and fountain solution. It would be my guess that any ink company worth their salt will know exactly what I am referring to. The fount supplier should also.
Any printer that employs a Goss Metroliner as part of their arsenal of printing machines, deserve the SERVICE of these two consumable suppliers, particulary the ink fellows.
Hopefully you are not involved with an accountant (bean counter) at your establishment that is focused only on the 'selling price' of the ink. This a MAJOR mistake for the well being and profitability of your company. Cheapest is seldom the best when all factors are put into the final equation. And that you can take as gospel.
I am going to take a SWAG, and predict that you are using either Sun Chemical, Hostmann Steinberg Flint, or INX process inks. That order is generally the lowest priced to the highest in my experience.
One last thing. My opinion is that Flint Group makes the best Web printing ink in the United States of America, based on performance, competitive pricing and
technical servicing (
that which is left of the back burnered missing link). This is true for the available
commercial printing ink offerings available.
D Ink Man