INK PREPARATION
Instructions for Mixing Ink
To log in to the computer, type in the password shown on side of label printer: “WaterInk1”
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Then, open InkMiser 5.0 from the desktop.
Click on MIX INK. The blue MIX INK window will open.
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First, make sure the Date field is correct.
Then, write a unique job name in the Job # field. For easy identification, you should use your username or last name along with
the ink color you are creating.
Load the right Ink Type: Optifilm ink is for film inks, S is for paper inks. The Amount field will default to 10 lbs. For 406/606, change this to 3
lbs. Last, using the ID dropdown menu, find and select your spot color.
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Once you have selected one of your spot colors, the formula for making that color will appear below.
Make sure that the weights add up to 3 pounds- not 10, as shown in this image. (If they do not automatically change to add up to 3, just
make sure that the Amount field still says 3 and continue with the process. You’ll see that they’ve changed in the next step.)
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To make the above desired purple, the mixer would need Performa Transparent, Violet, and Rubine.
Find your necessary colors from the closet.You’ll also need an empty ink container from the closet for each ink you mix (find these in the corrugated boxes on the floor).
Open the empty container and place it on the scale. Click “Scale 1” on the Mix Ink screen.
Click OK when it tells you to place the container on scale for taring.
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Make sure the scale is zero-ed out on the next screen. If not, click “Rezero” and then click OK.
The next window that opens will tell you the exact weight of each ink needed to make your color. In order from top to bottom and working one ink at a time, carefully pour the required ink into the empty jug until the proper amount has been added. It is weighed as your pour and shown in the large blue Weight window.
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There is also a percentage meter on the right side of the window that shows an accumulation of each ink amount up to 100%. It calculates quickly as you pour. You should not exceed 100%: keep an eye on the weight meter, pour slowly, and be careful not to overpour.
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After adding the correct amount of your first color, select the next color in order. The previous weight will zero out. Then, carefully add the amount needed of color 2. Repeat until you’ve completed all inks listed.
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When you’re finished, click End Batch in the lower right of the window. A small label will print from the small printer on the right. This includes your ink details and name. Place it on the front of your jug.
Ink Drawdowns Guide
What is an ink drawdown?
An ink drawdown is intended to be a representation of how the mixed ink will print on press. It may take a correlation test to determine how well the drawdown will match the printed material. For your GC 4060 assignment you will be mixing Pantone colors for your branding label project and creating an ink drawdown of each mixed color using the flexo hand proofer.
Parts & Materials:
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Rubber roller
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Chrome Anilox roller
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Support Plate (in order to rest the proofer to prevent damage)
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Pressure Release Lock (gold on handle)
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Pressure Set Screw (bottom, do not adjust pressure should already be set)
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Bottom Screws (release the proofer for cleaning)
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Ink Spatula
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Mixed Pantone Inks
Important Details to Remember:
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Proofer should always be left off tension (rollers should not touch)
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Rollers need to be dry (use telephone book pages or compressed air to dry after cleaning)
Step 1:
Select a sample sheet of the substrate your group is planning to print your label project on for your drawdown
Step 2:
There are two suggested options:
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Place a scrap sheet of paper at the top and bottom edge of your sample sheet so that your ink drawdown creates a clean edge
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Take a long sample sheet and cut the ends of the drawdown off for a clean edge using the hand paper cutter for a straight cut.
Step 3:
Now that your substrate is selected, release the Pressure Release Lock to apply pressure. This causes the Rubber roller and Chrome Anilox Roller to touch. Make sure to do this before adding the ink.
Step 4:
Using an ink spatula add a few drops of mixed ink between the Rubber roller and Chrome Anilox roller and quickly spin the rubber roller towards the Anilox roller to evenly spread the ink and keep it moving so ink does not dry in the cells of the anilox roller.
Roll ink into nip
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Step 5:
Hold the hand proofer at an even angle and apply an even pressure and pull speed when creating the ink drawdown.
Note: Any of those variables can vary the color. Typically (depending on ink viscosity) the faster you pull the darker the ink, the slower you pull, the lighter the ink.
Step 6:
IMMEDIATELY after the drawdown the hand proofer needs to be taken to the sink for cleaning using water and the ink cleaner.
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Drawdowns
ADDITIONAL VIDEOS
Please check the video tab in the semester schedule for additional videos that may provide more support.