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.
