Author Topic: Ink calculator  (Read 2692 times)

Offline vwyob

  • Verified/Junior
  • **
  • Posts: 72
Ink calculator
« on: February 03, 2015, 01:59:39 AM »
Does anyone know of software that works out the approx quantity of ink required for a job? An ink calculator of sorts I guess.
I ask because we have now switched to a stock range of colors to save time and space. However if the client wants specific mixes we will always accommodate. The problem before was that they have amassed HUGE amounts of inks; hundreds of colors it seems. Its valuable space that we desperately need. So I'm hoping to apply a system that will allow minimal/no excess ink after a job is completed.
I hope I am making sense. Its very early and bloody freezing!

Cheers


Offline Printficient

  • !!!
  • Gonzo Member
  • ******
  • Posts: 1222
Re: Ink calculator
« Reply #1 on: February 03, 2015, 07:35:41 AM »
Wilflex IMS is great.
Shop-Doc "I make house calls"
Procedure Video Training
Press Inspections
Tips and Tricks Training
404-895-1796 Sonny McDonald

Offline Frog

  • Administrator
  • Ludicrous Speed Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 13980
  • Docendo discimus
Re: Ink calculator
« Reply #2 on: February 03, 2015, 10:03:56 AM »
The free Union Uni Mix Software includes this calculator for ink coverage. Designed to use with their mixing systems, but applicable to any ink for a ballpark estimate.
Find it here in Software http://www.unionink.com/unionink/index.html

That rug really tied the room together, did it not?

Offline Catnhat

  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 107
Re: Ink calculator
« Reply #3 on: February 03, 2015, 10:47:51 AM »
There's an Ink Calc app for iPhones.
Enter Width and Height of design (in cm or inches) and Number of prints and it shows approximates for Waterbase and Plastisol usage in Kg based on screen mesh used.

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/ink-calc-screen-printing/id379058226?mt=8

Haven't really checked it for accuracy, I always round up and add a little to be safe.  Then use the Wilflex system to get accurate mixes.

Offline Frog

  • Administrator
  • Ludicrous Speed Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 13980
  • Docendo discimus
Re: Ink calculator
« Reply #4 on: February 03, 2015, 10:51:58 AM »
There's an Ink Calc app for iPhones.
Enter Width and Height of design (in cm or inches) and Number of prints and it shows approximates for Waterbase and Plastisol usage in Kg based on screen mesh used.

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/ink-calc-screen-printing/id379058226?mt=8

Haven't really checked it for accuracy, I always round up and add a little to be safe.  Then use the Wilflex system to get accurate mixes.


Well, I've seen first hand what happens to a smart phone dropped in the toilet. What about into a fiver of soft hand base?
That rug really tied the room together, did it not?

Offline vwyob

  • Verified/Junior
  • **
  • Posts: 72
Re: Ink calculator
« Reply #5 on: February 04, 2015, 10:12:30 AM »
Brilliant cheers guys.
Is there an accurate method to work out the actual surface area of a print? For spot work its doable but what about halftones?

Offline starchild

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 461
Re: Ink calculator
« Reply #6 on: February 04, 2015, 10:26:57 AM »
Brilliant cheers guys.
Is there an accurate method to work out the actual surface area of a print? For spot work its doable but what about halftones?

InkQuest.. I mentioned the missing info that is needed for accurate calculation of ink amount in my DCS vs Tiff post I did last night. See the Calculate Ink Coverage window in Frog's post?

Sent using Tapatalk
« Last Edit: February 04, 2015, 10:33:08 AM by starchild »

Offline vwyob

  • Verified/Junior
  • **
  • Posts: 72
Re: Ink calculator
« Reply #7 on: February 05, 2015, 07:05:06 AM »
Just bought it buddy.
HUGE thanks to all as usual. You've made my day.
The continuous improvement program is starting to yield some good results. Finally we have our starting point. Kudos guys