Automatic viscosity control with Norcross systems in the
flexographic printing industry is so commonplace, that
it’s hard to visualize news from a flexoplant. The
installation at Cryovac Canada, Ltd., subsidiary of W.R.
Grace Co., however, is definitely worth talking about.
To download Application Note #103 Acrobat PDF file
click
HERE.
Multipack of Canada consumed 50,000 pounds of poly with
heavy white ink coverage. They controlled the viscosity
manually and consumed $5,200 of ink. On a second run,
they implemented Norcross controls and only consumed
$2,700 of ink. A firm in Mississippi tested and then
purchased an M8BO Norcross viscosity control system.
Their evaluation is displayed in the graph below and
they remarked that they saw improved quality and
consistency.
To download Application Note #107 Acrobat PDF file
click
HERE.
The random sampling with a #2 Zahn Cup placed only two
readings within the control limits established for this
test. The actual readings ranged from a desired 17
seconds to the highest reading of 29 seconds. The
Norcross system automatically controlled viscosity
within a total range of 1 Zahn cup second.
To download Application Note #108 Acrobat PDF file
click
HERE.
Pressmen at Wisconsin Label Co., Algoma, WI, have
found that by precisely controlling ink viscosity—and
carefully controlling the pH level of water-based
inks—they can deliver
exceptionally high quality printing.
This monitoring is accomplished with viscosity and pH
control equipment from Norcross Corporation.
To download Reprint #154 Acrobat PDF file
click
HERE.
Objective
To compare the level of control over ink viscosity
achieved manually by a print operator using a Zahn Cup
with that achieved by the Norcross automatic viscosity
control system.
Procedure
The Norcross automatic control system was set up on an
Olympia 736 CI press. The system consisted of an MP90
control unit and an ISM8BO measuring element. In turn,
this equipment was connected to a circular chart
recorder, which would record ink viscosity over a period
of several hours. The measuring element was installed on
an ink tank containing white ink and the controller put
into manual mode to record the control over viscosity
achieved by the operator. After several hours, the
Norcross system was put into automatic mode and the
results similarly recorded.
To download Reprint #155 Acrobat PDF file
click
HERE.
