Consumables
Newnorth Print optimises manning with barrel ink system
Tuesday 23. February 2010 - "The benefits of moving from tins to cartridges pale against the advantages of moving from cartridges to barrel pumped inking systems," says David Hennessy, operations manager of Newnorth Print.
The Bedford printer has installed a technotrans pumped ink system with five 200 litre barrels carrying the four process colours plus a seal to its first long perfector. An estimated 99% of the work through its new Speedmaster SM 102-10-P will be two-sided full colour work that is sealed for fast turnround. Where specials are required tinned ink can still be used.
“Using pumped ink has enabled us to make the ten-colour a one operator press. It would be physically impossible if he had to run up and down changing the cartridges and cleaning away spillages or ink knives and still keep the machine running cost-effectively. We estimate the inking system alone is saving us about an hour a day,” says Mr Hennessy.
This is in addition to the reduction in ink and disposal costs that comes with buying in bulk and eliminating cartridges. Newnorth Print uses Flints inks, which are vegetable-based to fit in with its environmental policy. It also recycles its ink barrels in a unique way; it supplies them to gamekeepers who like the lined metal drums because the rats, squirrels and other vermin cant eat their way in!
The ancillaries support person, a floor hand who helps across the entire factory, handles all the barrel changing which takes place about 12 times a month. This leaves the operator to worry only about the quality of ink on paper and productivity.
Peter Benton, managing director of technotrans, says: “We are delighted to have been able to work with Newnorth Print on this project. It is always a pleasure to work with companies and help them re-equip for current and future requirements. Well equipped companies will be in pole position when the upturn comes.”
Newnorth Print is a general commercial printer servicing both public and commercial organisations and with particular strength in terms of work for institutes and professional bodies, charities and educational institutions. In the last two years it has secured awards for both its financial improvement and its customer service team and it also holds ISO 9001 quality and ISO14001 environmental accreditations along with FSC and PEFC Chain of Custody.
“We will achieve a return on investment well within five years and we have attached enough valves to the barrels to enable us able to connect up further presses in the future,” says Mr Hennessy.