RK Print to launch ink proofer at Labelexpo

Labels and Labeling thumbnail

RK Print Coat Instruments, a manufacturer of color testing equipment, will show the new Paste Ink Proofer (PIP) with integrated UV curing capability at Labelexpo Europe


The Paste Ink Proofer provides quick, repeatable and accurate proofing of UV litho inks, UV web offset inks, UV letterpress inks and UV curable varnishes. It offers automated operation, eliminating the need to weigh or measure ink samples. Accurate proofs are obtained in a single operation and two inks may be proofed simultaneously for comparison purposes.


The proofs obtained using the PIP UV may be used for computer color matching data, customer samples, or to test for color, gloss, opacity, penetration, drying, rub and abrasion resistance.


The PIP with UV has been designed and developed to meet the quality control requirements of a growing number of offset and other paste ink process users upgrading systems and equipment to UV in order to obtain new business. In Europe the share of UV offset in package printing is around 25-30 percent with the market for UV inks estimated at around 35 million euros and 22 million euros for coatings.


‘While ultraviolet inks share many similarities with conventional inks, UV inks cured by ultraviolet radiation have different ingredients and properties that make them different to manufacture and use,’ said Tom Kerchiss, managing director. ‘For ink makers and converters appreciating these differences and having a strict control over quality ensures product consistency and repeatable results on press. The Paste Ink Proofer with UV curing is a valuable aid in this regard for web offset and litho users, while the FlexiProof UV – also on show at Labelexpo – is an indispensable quality control and product development tool for the flexographic print sectors.’


The FlexiProof UV is a precision bench top system that incorporates an enclosed medium pressure UV lamp and is also supplied with a quick-change ceramic or steel anilox and swing-in doctor blade. The FlexiProof UV enables users to simulate UV printing for all pre-press applications from quality control to R&D and from printability testing to computer color matching.


In addition to the PIP UV and FlexiProof UV, visitors to the RK booth can view and obtain information on products such as the VCM (Versatile Converting Machine); the hand-held trouble shooting EsiProof for flexographic ink producers and users; and the K Printing Proofer – for gravure, gravure-offset and flexo.


Click here for more stories about RK Print on L&L.com.