Ink build-up on Crestline

[robbg439]

I'm running laser plates on a Hamada duplicator press with a crestline water system. I've been using universal pink dampening solution, diluted about 20:1. It prints too light and halftones are badly plugged. While its running, the rollers on the dampener are picking up more and more ink, until it reaches a point where I get really bad scumming. Any ideas?

 

[RGPW17100]

Try using a product by anchor called ARS-X alcohol substitute. Use about one or two oz per gallon of premix fountain. It works as a piling agent and will help emulsify that ink build up. It is one of the major downfalls of crestline. It was an issue I battled for years. We used to have the water guards off and would scrape the excess ink off when the press was running. Hard to do that these days with all the OSHA regs.

 

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Crestlines

Crestlines

Yes the piling can be cured, The ARS-X or APA from Crestline will help you. Call Crestline direct at 1-800-666-8803 and ask for a sample of APA (same as ARS product) explain your problem and they will help!!!

A decent ink helps also like ZipSet.

Regards
OG

 

[4stateprint]

Can regular alcohol be used to cure the situation? Sorry I have always used premix, never had to mix more than distilled and premix. I have the same problem on a Hamada 700 CD. I have made every adjustment that can be made. This makes sense. Again Thank You.

 

[robbg439]

I got some ARS and the press is running a lot better. Thanks for the advice.

But, I was also wondering something similar to 4State. I'm pretty new to offset printing. It should also be known that I am all for both the environment and my health. But I'm wondering what's so bad about alcohol that we need to replace it (with propylene glycol, which seems to be all the ARS stuff is). I mean could it be so bad to breathe alcohol vapors if I'm inevitable going to start throwing back whiskey once I'm done at the shop?

 

[RGPW17100]

Alcohol does not work the same way for piling. Alcohol will probably give you too much water. I think the problem with the alcohol is the amount used. When mixing a gallon of water you use an oz or two per gallon. Alcohol is closer to 9oz. It is also a fire hazard. I am sure there are more things wrong with it. Probably cause it works so well is the reason it is being banned.