1. How to Ink Up A Flexo Press

2. There are three different kinds of inks used in flexographic printing Solvent-based Water-based and UV-curing Inks. 3. This is aboutadding water based inks to a flexographic press 4. First...Gather all of the different colors of inksthat you planto use on the production run.For four color process, this will beyellow, magenta, cyan, and black 5. Arrange the inks from light to dark.Start with yellow at the first station of the press.For the second station, add magenta, then, cyanon the third station, and finally, black on the last. 6. Pour in the ink 7. If you have a short run, it may be better to pan the inksThis means that the ink will be poureddirectly into the pan on the ink station, and the rubber hose that is used for Draining will be tied off,so that no ink will drain out 8. If using this method, you should keep a close watch on the ink stationwhile the press is running to ensurethat the ink remains at the correct level,so that the proper amount of ink is transferred to the anilox roller.You may have to add more, as needed, during the run 9. If you have a long run,you will usually pump the inks 10. On each ink pump, place a liner in the pailthat you are going to add ink to.Place the pump cover on the pail, and then pour the amount of ink that you plan to use through one of the holes on the cover 11. Place the hose that drains the ink from the ink stationtray, into one of the drainage holes on the pail cover, sothat it can drain back into the pail. Place the hose comingfrom the pump into the pan on the ink station. Dontforget to double check that each hose is secure and will not slip during a run 12. Turn on the pump so that ink begins to flow intothe pan. If you need a higher level of ink, place athick washer over the drain so that it acts a dam,and raises the level of ink 13. As the level of ink begins to rise, adjust the flow from the pump. If it is too slow, it canstop pumping, as the ink gets thicker. If theflow is too fast, it can overflow the tray and drip ink on the web, ruining the printedmaterial, and creating a big mess 14. You should keep a check on all of the inkstations throughout a production run. Make sure that the pumps are working correctly,the ink flow is steady, and the ink levels arewhere they should be 15. When using a water based ink, you mayneed to add an ounce or two of water, sothat the correct consistency and drying time are maintained. If the ink is drying to fast,you may need to add PH Adjuster 16. No matter how careful you are while handling inks, a spill is bound to happen.While this can be messy and troublesome, it happens to press operators with years of experience 17. Fortunately, water based inks can becleaned up with a damp rag and a littleelbow grease. 18. Fortunately, water based inks can becleaned up with a damp rag and a littleelbow grease. 19. For more information of Flexo Printing,go toWayne Trademark