GSE unveils new range at Labelexpo Europe 2023

Ink logistics provider GSE is revealing additions to its range of ink dispensing systems and management software programs for achieving repeatable color quality and reducing ink handling costs in the label and packaging workflow this week at Labelexpo Europe 2023.   

GSE is presenting its products, both physically and virtually with an app, under the theme of ‘AI Your Inks!’ - highlighting the performance benefits of automating ink processes and integrating them with existing software platforms.   

GSE ink manager software provides programs for automating, simplifying and accelerating every ink-related step in the print workflow. The software is designed to track and manage inks through the more complex ‘circular’ workflow route that spot color ingredients can take – involving the reuse of leftovers in new jobs. 

Ink manager software programs are available for processes including purchasing, inventory control, reusing press-returns, ink batch tracing, color formulations and management reports, among others. The GSE software integrates seamlessly with existing ERP and cloud software, so ink-related data, such as formulations, job costs and inventory levels, can be exchanged with other MIS systems. 

GSE’s Colorsat ink dispensing systems blend accurate spot colors on-demand, while cutting out waste, errors and delay in color preparation – said to potentially reduce ink consumption by up to 30 percent.   

Colorsat dispensers are extendible and tailored to volume and application needs – including for label, flexible packaging, carton and corrugated board printing. They are available for UV, LED-UV, low-migration, water-based and solvent inks, and flexo, gravure and screen processes.  

At Labelexpo Europe 2023, a GSE Colorsat semi-automatic single ingredient dispenser is being introduced. This enables dispensing of colors, varnishes or coatings that are intended for printing without being blended – the ingredient is dispensed into a dedicated bucket of 2kg - 20kg capacity, and then supplied directly to the press.  

Maarten Hummelen, marketing director and co-owner of GSE, said: ‘The economical single ingredient dispenser is designed to reduce ink-handling costs for medium-to-high volume process-color and extended color gamut printing situations, with water-based and UV-ink sets.’  

The dispenser may optionally include a computerized weighing scale, and GSE ink manager software modules for ink batch traceability, cost control and order management. It can be installed in the vicinity of a printing press and be integrated in a network with existing dispensing systems equipped with GSE ink manager software. In that case, the workflow can be further streamlined by using the new system as a station for weighing press-return inks as well.  

At Labelexpo, a single ingredient dispenser with five components – cyan, magenta, yellow, black and transparent white - will feature at the booth.   

Hummelen added: ‘Label and packaging printers should look seriously at automating processes wherever possible. Automation is key to driving down costs and is the way to mitigate for skills shortages that the printing industry faces.  

‘With GSE’s automated ink dispensing and software solutions, integrated within the workflow, converters are best placed to assure consistent color quality and safety compliance, in a sustainable, efficient and responsive way - with the best use of people.’