How the AniCAM HD Plus is Revolutionising Quality Control for Ink Manufacturers

In the printing industry, ink manufacturers are constantly striving to ensure consistency, quality, and efficiency to meet the demands of flexographic and gravure printers. With heightened quality requirements and diverse applications, achieving consistent ink transfer across various anilox rolls, flexo plates, and gravure cylinders has never been more essential. Enter the AniCAM HD Plus by Troika Systems, a cutting-edge 3D inspection and measurement device that’s helping ink manufacturers gain valuable insights into the characteristics and performance of their inks in real-world applications.

This article explores how the AniCAM HD Plus is redefining quality control and boosting operational efficiency for ink manufacturers.

1. Precision Ink Volume Measurement for Consistency

One of the main challenges ink manufacturers face is ensuring their products deliver consistent colour and quality across different print applications. Variability in anilox cell volume or depth can lead to discrepancies in ink transfer, which, in turn, affects the final colour output. The AniCAM HD Plus addresses this by providing high-resolution 3D measurements of anilox roll cells, allowing ink manufacturers to:

• Validate Ink Volume: AniCAM HD Plus measures the precise volume of each cell, enabling manufacturers to confirm that the ink is being transferred consistently. This helps ensure that ink formulations will produce predictable results across different printers and jobs.
• Monitor Anilox Condition: The AniCAM HD Plus tracks wear and tear on anilox rolls over time, which can impact ink transfer efficiency. By having access to this information, ink manufacturers can make necessary adjustments to maintain consistency, even as rolls age.

2. Enhanced Colour Consistency and Control

In today’s fast-paced market, maintaining colour consistency is critical for ink manufacturers. The AniCAM HD Plus helps manufacturers achieve this by providing data on the actual transfer efficiency of their inks, allowing them to adjust formulations based on real-world feedback from press performance.

• Optimise Formulations for Real Applications: With the AniCAM HD Plus, ink manufacturers can simulate how different ink formulations will perform based on varying anilox conditions. This capability is crucial in flexo and gravure applications where high consistency and tight tolerances are required.
• Prevent Colour Variation: The AniCAM HD Plus 3D inspection system allows ink manufacturers to monitor critical factors that influence colour variation, such as cell depth and shape. By ensuring optimal anilox conditions, manufacturers can minimise discrepancies in ink transfer, resulting in more accurate colour matching and print consistency.

3. Proactive Quality Control for Ink Performance

Ink manufacturers are well aware that worn or clogged anilox rolls can lead to poor ink performance, including issues with adhesion, colour density, and opacity. The AniCAM HD Plus enables proactive quality control measures by identifying issues before they affect production.

• Early Detection of Anilox Wear: The AniCAM HD Plus allows ink manufacturers to detect early signs of anilox wear or cell clogging, which can significantly impact print quality. By catching these issues early, manufacturers can recommend maintenance schedules to their customers, preventing unnecessary production delays.
• Minimise Ink Waste: By ensuring that anilox rolls are functioning at optimal levels, ink manufacturers can help reduce ink wastage on press. This benefits not only the printers but also the ink suppliers, who can maintain a reputation for supporting efficiency in print processes.

4. Data-Driven Insights for Product Development and Improvement

The AniCAM HD Plus offers data-driven insights that are valuable not only for day-to-day quality control but also for long-term product development. Ink manufacturers can use the AniCAM HD Plus data to refine ink formulations, assess compatibility with various substrates, and improve overall product quality.

• Formulation Adjustments: Real-time data on ink transfer helps manufacturers fine-tune formulations to meet specific requirements for various printing conditions. This enables ink manufacturers to create inks that work harmoniously with different types of anilox rolls and printing plates.
• Customer-Specific Customisation: The AniCAM HD Plus detailed data allows ink manufacturers to customise ink products according to specific customer requirements, enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty.

5. Enhancing Sustainability through Efficient Ink Usage

In the modern printing industry, sustainability is a key focus. Ink manufacturers are increasingly seeking ways to reduce environmental impact while maintaining high-quality results. The AniCAM HD Plus supports these sustainability goals by enabling more precise ink usage, thereby reducing waste and conserving resources.

• Reducing Overuse of Ink: By accurately measuring ink transfer on different anilox rolls, the AniCAM HD Plus helps ink manufacturers avoid excess ink usage, contributing to more sustainable practices.
• Lowering Emissions and Waste: Consistent ink transfer means fewer reprints and lower consumption of inks and substrates, which directly translates to reduced waste and emissions for both the ink manufacturer and the end-user.

Conclusion: The AniCAM HD Plus — A Game Changer for Ink Manufacturers

In today’s highly competitive market, ink manufacturers are under pressure to deliver inks that perform consistently across various substrates, anilox configurations, and press conditions. The AniCAM HD Plus by Troika Systems provides these manufacturers with a sophisticated tool that enhances quality control, improves ink consistency, and supports sustainability initiatives.

From ensuring reliable ink transfer to driving efficiency and sustainability, the AniCAM HD Plus is a comprehensive solution that positions ink manufacturers to meet the demands of flexographic and gravure printing with greater confidence. For ink manufacturers committed to delivering the best in quality and performance, the AniCAM HD Plus is more than just an inspection tool — it’s a strategic asset.

Adrian Buratta is recognised worldwide for his deep expertise in surface metrology and has over 36 years of experience in the printing industry. Adrian leads the charge on Troika Systems sustainability initiatives across the globe. His extensive background in print quality and process optimisation has made him a trusted authority, shaping the future of sustainable practices and efficiency in printing worldwide.